Here’s hoping your holidays include at least one bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate friendship, reminiscences and the coming new year. Today, a list of bubblies I’ve really enjoyed this year. As the prices increase, I’d like to think that what each wine represents somehow justifies the price. A merry holiday to everyone!
- Anna de Codorniú Blanc de Blancs Brut Reserva $15
The best release of this dry Spanish sparkler I’ve ever tasted. - Blanquette de Limoux Methode Ancestrale, Domaines Paul Mas $16
One for the crowd. Dry, but not too much. Easygoing and tasty. - 2015 Prosecco Superiore Bisol “Crede” Brut $25
Refined, small bubble, intense styling. - 2016 Prosecco Mionetto Superiore ‘Rive di Santo Stefano’ Millesimato Brut $25
One of my favorites. Really dry, but bursting with Prosecco fun and frivolity! - Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne Non-Vintage $45
Absolutely their best non-vintage offering in years. Great value. - +Drappier Brut Carte d’Or NV $49
One of my all-time favorites. Full-bodied and consistently excellent year after year. - +Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV $65
Very bright, sassy and bursting with freshness. Best with food. - +Jacquesson Extra Brut Cuvée #737 NV $75
One of the purest, cleanest and driest NV styles. For slow-sipping. - +2008 Moët & Chandon Brut Grand Vintage $70
This release gives their Dom Perignon a run for the money – at less than half the price. - +2004 Dom Ruinart Brut Blanc de Blancs $200
Always one of the finest, most complex vintage Champagnes. This is hitting on all cylinders. - +2002 Pol Roger Cuvée Winston Churchill Brut Champagne Reserve $225*
A connoisseur friend recently called this the finest Champagne he’d ever tasted. In the heavenly stratosphere.
P.S. Their non-vintage Brut at around $45 is a steal.
+For the better Champagnes listed here, you may need to go to specialty wine shops. A phone call will save you time and money.
*Very limited availability. The 2004 is also very good, but get the 2002 if possible.
