Wine With Wanda

Sparkle Every Day: Seven Days of Bubbly!

The fireworks and confetti of New Year’s Eve may already seem like a distant memory but there’s an easy way to keep that ebullient feeling all year long – sparkling wine! Whether you opt to pop the cork on Champagne or Cava, Trentodoc or Crémant, make 2020 the year that you promote sparkling wines to a featured character, not just a guest star, in the drama of your life.  

My friends know that I love to pop open a bottle of bubbly whenever we get together, not just for special occasions. I enjoy taking my palate on a journey around the world by exploring different sparkling wines and I’m smitten by the ritual of bubbly. It takes a bit of time and attention to unwrap the foil, remove the cage, and pop the cork but sparkling wine rewards your diligence with effervescence that you can see, taste, and feel. It truly makes every moment, even nights with Netflix and takeout, a little more special. With this in mind, I present these seven sensational sparkling wines, one for each day of the week, for your consideration. Cheers!


Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve ($69)
Affectionately known as “Champagne Charlie”, Charles Heidsieck was the dapper and savvy French gentleman that was the catalyst for America’s love affair with Champagne. His legacy lives on in the beautiful wines that bear his name. I actually toasted 2020 with this lovely blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Luscious, crisp, and creamy, a sip of this elegant bubbly will make you say ooh la la!



Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée ($50)
I always smile when I sip Bruno Paillard’s elegant Champagne. Delicate but not wimpy, this crisp and nuanced bubbly shows the magic that happens when smart choices are made at every step of the winemaking process; from the vineyards to disgorgement. A blend of Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonnay (33%) and Pinot Meunier (22%), it is crafted exclusively from the first pressing of the grapes so that the wine is built on a foundation of the purest juice.



Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru ($42)
I recently toasted a friend’s birthday with Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru and everyone gave it a rave review. An assemblage of 7 Grands Crus and 13 Premiers Crus, this blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (40%), and Pinot Meunier (20%) has impressive verve, minerality, and richness. Crisp with a decadent hint of cream and a smidgen of sexy smokiness. Trés chic!



Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire Brut ($24)
Champagne isn’t France’s only sparkling wine. In other French regions, traditional method wines are called Crémant. This lovely sip from the Loire Valley is a blend of Chenin Blanc (60%), Chardonnay (20%), and Cabernet Franc (20%) is juicy, round, and crisp with impressive oomph and texture.

Ferrari Brut Trentodoc ($28)
Take your love of bubbly to new heights with Trentodoc. Known as “Sparkling Wine from the Mountains”, the name Trentodoc combines the place of origin (Trento) with the Italian wine classification DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). I recently visited the region’s most acclaimed producer, Ferrari, and can attest to the wonderful influence that the mountainous terroir has on the wines. The fresh air, warm days, and cool nights provide an optimal environment for the grapes to achieve balance. You can taste it. Made in the traditional method, Ferrari Brut is a fresh, crisp and elegant expression of 100% Chardonnay. Approachable but not one-dimensional, its vibrant fruit flavors are balanced by a hint of crusty fresh-baked bread.



Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs ($22)
100% Chardonnay and absolutely fabulous, this traditional method wine from Sonoma is crafted in the same precise and labor-intensive manner as Champagne. Frisky and crisp with lovely flavors of green apple, citrus, biscuity brioche, and a hint of vanilla; it delivers plenty of personality at a great price.



Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia 2015 ($17)
I fell in love with Cava during my time as a student in Spain and me gusta mucho Juvé & Camps! Made in the traditional method, it is an elegant expression of the indigenous grape varieties Xarel-lo (55%), Macabeo (35%), and Parellada (10%). I actually sipped this bottle on Christmas Eve with my family and this charming Cava’s fresh fruit flavors, crispness, and toasty notes won over a very tough crowd, even mom liked it!

Sparkling Spotlight: Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace Brut

I’ll just get straight to the point: I love sparkling wine. Champagne, Cava, Crémant, Trentodoc, Prosecco, and other bubblies from around the globe all hold a special place in my heart. When I see bubbles dancing in a wine glass, I feel such joy. Whether I’m dining with my friends or just relaxing at home with takeout, sparkling wine adds a dash of sophistication to every occasion.  

To celebrate my passion for bubbly, I’ve decided to give these special wines a spotlight of their own. I’m delighted to kick off Sparkling Spotlight with two great wines from the family-owned winery, Ruhlmann-Schutz. Located in Alsace, in the northeast of France, they are considered one of the region’s finest wine estates and have been associated with winemaking since 1688. I recently had the chance to taste their authentic, elegant, and affordable wines with general manager Antoine Schutz. Antoine is passionately guiding his family’s business towards a future that respects their legacy but also embraces modernity.

“I don’t want to discriminate. I want our wines to be affordable to everyone.”
Antoine Schutz, General Manager, Ruhlmann-Schutz

Crémant wines are made throughout France and are crafted in the same traditional method as Champagne: bubbles are created via the laborious and exacting process of enacting a second fermentation in the bottle. Also inspired by Champagne, Ruhlmann ages their Crémant d’Alsace for an extended time on the lees so that they develop more complexity. But it is important to remember that although Crémant d’Alsace shares the same method as Champagne, it is absolutely Alsatian and reflects its terroir and traditions. And the affordability of Crémant d'Alsace proves that you don't have to go broke to enjoy beautiful sparkling wine. 


Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace Brut ($23.95) is an elegant introduction to Ruhlmann’s wines. A blend of Pinot Blanc (60%), Auxerrois (20%), Pinot Gris (10%), and Riesling (10%); it has fine bubbles, a delicate creamy texture, and crisp flavors of citrus, peach, and a hint of hazelnut. An expertly crafted wine that even the snootiest of wine snobs will enjoy.

Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut ($25.95) is 100% Pinot Noir. The grapes were sourced from vines that are 20-40 years old and grown in soils that are rich in clay and limestone. Crisp and clean, it flirts across the palate with vibrant flavors of strawberry, tart cherry, and a hint of stone fruit. A hint of buttery brioche is a warm ending to the long finish.

In addition to Crémant d’Alsace, the Ruhlmann portfolio includes lovely expressions of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and other Alsatian wines. If you’re planning a trip to Alsace, Ruhlmann welcomes guests for tastings and cellar tours. Overnight accommodations are also available.

Five Festive Sparkling Wines That Aren't Champagne

Nothing gets the party started like sparkling wine - the sound of a popping cork is music to everyone's ears and a cue to celebrate! While Champagne may be the most familiar and iconic bubbly, wonderful sparkling wines are made around the globe. Many sparkling wines are made in the Champagne method, via a second fermentation in the bottle, but only those from the Champagne region of France can legally be classified as Champagne. The holiday season is the perfect time to explore sparkling wines from different regions. Your tastebuds and your wallet will thank you - these wines are generally less expensive than Champagne but deliver tremendous quality. My picks include sparkling white and rosé wines from Italy, New Zealand, France, and the USA. Cheers!


McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé ($19.99)
Each bottle of McBride Sisters wine has something no other winery in the world can compete with -  the heartwarming, dramatic, and true story of two sisters who grew up on different continents, completely unaware of each other's existence for nearly half their lives. After many twists & turns that merit a major motion picture, Robin (the California sister) and Andréa (from New Zealand) finally connected in 1999. In addition to their shared DNA, they discovered a mutual love and expert knowledge of wine and were inspired to create their namesake business. McBride Sisters Sparkling Rosé from New Zealand is crafted from mostly Pinot Noir and a kiss of Chardonnay from the acclaimed Marlborough region where Andréa grew up. Stunning to the eye, it dances across the palate with lively strawberry, rose petal, and cranberry flavors with hints of spice and a creamy finish. A wonderful wine with plenty of heart! 

Ferrari Brut Trentodoc ($25)
This stellar sparkling wine from the mountains of Italy shows that there's more to Italian bubbles than Prosecco. Combining the words Trento (the city of origin) and the appellation indicator DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata/controlled designation of origin), Trentodoc refers exclusively to sparkling wines produced in the Metodo Classico (like Champagne) from grapes grown in Trentino, in northeast Italy. For Italians, and others in the know, Ferrari Trentodoc is synonymous with excellence and the winery has the prestigious awards to prove it. 100% Chardonnay, Ferrari Brut dazzles with tremendous nuance and balance between refreshing citrus flavors and hints of brioche. Absolutely elegant! 



Willm Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Noirs Brut ($15)
This beauty from the Alsace region in northeast France delivers plenty of panache at a very pretty price. 100% Pinot Noir, this sparkling white wine retains satisfying hints of the grape's flirty red berry flavors. Delicate but well-structured, it is a real pleasure to sip and a great wine to pair with some creamy French cheeses! To get some expert tips on the best pairings, visit the French Cheese Board! 



Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé ($12)
Let go of any pre-conceived notions that you may have about the iconic brand Martini & Rossi. I was absolutely surprised at the utter deliciousness of this wine! A sparkling rosé should be fun and Martini & Rossi captures joy in a wine that is fruity and refreshing, but not too sweet, with mouthwatering flavors of strawberries and raspberries. Winemaker Giorgio Castagnotti describes the beguiling shade as "Disco Pink." A true party in a bottle! 

 Sterling Vineyards Blanc de Blancs 2016 ($35)
A chic sparkling wine with great American style - this snazzy silver bottle is ready to party! Inside is a beautifully crafted bubbly made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from a single vineyard in Napa Valley. With exuberant fresh citrus flavors, luscious creamy texture, and fine persistent bubbles; this California charmer is precise and playful.