Sparkling wine is the ultimate warm weather pour and is almost always terrific with food because of its palate-cleansing properties. Here are some fine choices from California and Italy.
2020 Etude Blanc de Noirs, “Grace Benoist Ranch” Brut ($60) 75% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay from the best vineyard blocks of this estate vineyard in Carneros-Sonoma; complex citrus, green apple, pear, red berry, brioche, richness balanced with freshness
Dutcher Crossing “Grace Reserve” Brut Rosé ($59) estate vineyard in Green Valley area of the Russian River Valley; elegant fresh cherry, strawberry, hint of vanilla, baked bread, brisk backbone
2021 Cuvaison Brut Rosé ($60) estate grown 65% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay from selected lots in Carneros-Napa; strawberry, raspberry, lemon, grapefruit, apple, richness and nice depth with balancing acidity
J Brut Rosé ($50) blend of chardonnay and pinot noir from estate Russian River Valley vineyards; lively raspberry, cherry, touch of orange, with steely, tangy finish
2018 Copain “Vintage Cuvée” Extra Brut ($38) very dry, 59% chardonnay and 41% pinot noir lots from estate vineyards throughout Sonoma County; aromas of the ocean, sharp lemon, light pear, pleasant salinity
VARA “Silverhead” Brut ($25) creative blend of 72% chardonnay from Washington, 25% xarel-lo/macabeo from Spain and 3% syrah from Washington produced in New Mexico; lively, fresh, apple, pear, citrus, soft bubbles
For a very affordable option, Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna has emerged as a high-quality choice as artisan producers like Cleto Chiarli offer mostly dry, refreshing, often estate-grown, distinctive bottlings.
- Centenario “Amabile” ($15) from the dark, naturally high acid Lambrusco di Grasparossa grape, succulent, slightly sweet, red fruits
- “Organic” Lambrusco di Modena ($16) also from Grasparossa grapes from Chiarli’s long-term organic growing partners; plum, black cherry, very dry
- Vecchia Modena Premium Brut Frizzante ($18) dry rosé from Lambrusco di Sorbara grape, lightly fizzy, with juicy cherry and herbal note
- Lambrusco del Fondatore ($21) also rosé from Sorbara, made in the ancestral method where fermentation is finished in the bottle trapping carbon dioxide; red fruits, earthy, lively texture
Finally, a Prosecco that is NOT cheaply made (but it’s also not cheap). The single vineyard 2022 Nino Franco “Riva di San Floriano” ($43) offers elegant, flowery accents to crisp citrus and peach, with steely mouthfeel.