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Sparkling Wine for the Win!
I’m not exactly sure of the moment that I fell in love with Champagne, but I do remember acknowledging, even as a child, that it was always associated with celebrations and gatherings where laughter filled the night. From James Bond drinking Bollinger La Grande Annee, to the mention of “Dom,” let’s face it, we all know of it, even if we’re not thinking about it on a daily basis! Sparkling wine, however, can be enjoyed far more often than just for celebratory occasions.
Why Sparkling Wine?
There’s something inherently exciting about sparkling wine. The bubbles, which burst in a cascade of tiny streams, create a feeling of effervescence not just in the glass, but in the very atmosphere of a celebration. Sparkling wine has a natural association with joy, and whether it’s the crisp, clean and deep flavors of Champagne, the lush fruitiness of Prosecco, or the elegant richness of a vintage Cava, each style brings something unique to the table.
Sparkling wines are also incredibly versatile. They pair well with a wide range of holiday dishes, from delicate seafood appetizers to savory turkey and ham, and even rich desserts. Their high acidity and refreshing bubbles can cleanse the palate between bites, making each course feel even more satisfying.
Champagne: The Gold Standard
No list of sparkling wines would be complete without Champagne—the quintessential bubbly that has long been synonymous with luxury and celebration. Produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France, Champagne is made using the traditional method, where the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating its signature bubbles.
When selecting Champagne for the holidays, opt for one that offers both complexity and freshness. A well-balanced Champagne will have a harmony of fruitiness, toasty flavors, and a crisp, mineral finish. For a truly special occasion, consider a vintage Champagne, which is made from grapes harvested in a single year and often has more depth and richness than non-vintage options. Brands like Bollinger, Pol Roger, and Dom Perignon are iconic choices, while smaller producers like Jacques Selosse, Pierre Gimonnet, Pommery, and R.H. Coutier offer exceptional handcrafted selections that will elevate your holiday table.
My Personal Picks
These value options are delicious and sure to impress while keeping costs well within reason:
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Le Mesnil Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV 750ml
A wonderfully creamy, round blanc de blancs that has almond-blossom, white-flower, peach, brioche and pie-crust aromas. The bubbles are silky…
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L. Aubry Fils Champagne Brut NV 750ml
A smooth, gently round and nicely balanced Champagne dominant in pinot meunier, pinot noir and chardonnay to boot. It has…
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R.H. Coutier Champagne Brut Rose Grand Cru NV 750ml
The NV Brut Rose Grand Cru would be a highlight in virtually every other cellar, but here the competition is…
Vintage Champagne Splurges Worth Your Finest Occasions:
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Bruno Paillard Champagne NPU Nec Plus Ultra Rose 2008 750ml
Paillard’s inaugural 2008 N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra Rosé is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir disgorged in…
Grower/Producer Champagnes You Should Know:
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A. Margaine Champagne Brut Le Brut NV 750ml
The NV Brut Le Brut is another absolutely compelling wine in this range. Le Brut is 90% Chardonnay and 10%…
Prosecco: The Crowd-Pleaser
If you’re looking for something lighter and fruitier, Prosecco is the perfect sparkling wine for your holiday festivities. Hailing from Italy’s Veneto region, Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape, offering vibrant, fruity flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus. It’s typically made in the tank method (Charmat method), where the bubbles are created in large tanks before the wine is bottled, resulting in a wine that’s fresh and approachable.
Prosecco’s clean, crisp style makes it an excellent aperitif, and it’s also fantastic for cocktails. Try it in a classic Bellini, with peach purée, or as the base for a festive spritz with Aperol and soda water. Brands like La Marca, Ruffino, and Villa Sandi are widely available and offer excellent value. For something a bit more refined, look for single-vineyard Prosecco from producers like Nino Franco or Cartizze.
Next Level Italian Sparkling
If you are looking for exceptional quality sparkling akin to Champagne but on a budget, check out these next level offerings from Italy from Franciacorta:
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Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige NV 750ml
Some bread dough and pie crust to the lightly cooked apples and hints of pear skins. It’s full-bodied with a…
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Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut Rose NV 750ml
A reductive style with strawberry and raspberry fruit. Crisp acidity with a lean body, large bubbles and a toasty, leesy,…
Cava: Spain’s Sparkling Treasure
While Champagne and Prosecco often take center stage, Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine from the Penedès region, is an undiscovered gem for many. Like Champagne, Cava is made using the traditional method, resulting in a wine that’s rich, textured, and layered with subtle yeasty flavors. However, Cava tends to be more affordable than Champagne, making it an ideal option if you’re looking to offer a premium experience without breaking the bank.
Cava can range from crisp and dry to fuller-bodied, with notes of apple, citrus, and a touch of nuttiness. For a truly festive experience, try a rosé Cava, which adds an extra layer of berry fruitiness and vibrant color to your glass. Leading producers like Freixenet, Codorníu, and Gramona craft exceptional bottles that make excellent pairings for everything from roasted meats to holiday desserts.
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Cvne Cava Brut NV 750ml
Established Rioja producer CVNE has spread its wings to Penedès, adding this well-made Cava to its Cune label. Crisp, light…
Sparkling Wine for Every Budget
When it comes to sparkling wine, there’s something for every budget. While Champagne can certainly be a splurge, there are also affordable options that offer great quality. Prosecco and Cava, for example, offer great value for their price, making them ideal for larger gatherings or to keep the bubbly flowing without worry. For something truly special, consider a bottle of grower Champagne, where the wine is produced by the same estate that grows the grapes. These often offer greater complexity and craftsmanship at a slightly lower price point than big-name brands.
Sparkling Wine Pairings for the Holidays
Sparkling wine is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings, making it an ideal choice for any holiday meal. Here are some pairing ideas to get you started:
- Appetizers: Prosecco is a perfect pairing for light appetizers like shrimp cocktails, smoked salmon, or cheese platters. Its bright, fruity character complements the flavors of seafood and soft cheeses beautifully.
- Main Dishes: Champagne and Cava’s acidity make them excellent partners for roasted meats like turkey, ham, or even fried chicken. Their effervescence cuts through the richness of the dishes, cleansing the palate between bites.
- Desserts: For dessert, a Demi-Sec Champagne or a sweet Prosecco pairs wonderfully with rich holiday sweets like chocolate truffles, fruit tarts, or spiced cookies.
The long and the long here is don’t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone with sparkling, as there are so many different styles to enjoy, both on their own, and with food, so start mixing a bottle from this list into your wine budget and pop a bottle at your next meal. There’s so much to love and enjoy here!
Cheers!
