Although sparkling wine is appropriate for any occasion, even weekly dinner, the holidays – especially celebrating the New Year – are its prime time.
Champagne is the world’s most prestigious bubbly. Produced with pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier grapes by a process where the bubbles develop in the bottle, it also is the most imitated. I offer several and several alternatives for your consideration. (NOTE: All are nonvintage, unless otherwise stated.)
Though often the most expensive, Champagne will elevate any celebration.
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs ($120) succulent pear, lemon, peach, inviting vanilla, toast, anise, lightly yeasty, rich texture
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve ($90) 50% reserve wines; luscious lemon, pear, pineapple, apricot, lightly roasted, mature and textural but vibrant
Lanson “Le Rose” ($85) crisp raspberry, grapefruit, peach, pleasant saline note, tight backbone
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé ($74) juicy cherry, strawberry, orange, spicy, polished, notes of brioche and toasted almond add richness
If you want an alternative to Champagne, California also makes many fine sparkling wines.
Bricoleur “All the Restaurants” Limited Edition Blanc de Blancs ($85) bright green apple, zesty lemon meringue, hint of toasted almonds, white peach, brioche, tropical fruits
2020 Frank Family Carneros Blanc de Blancs ($60), 100% chardonnay; lively citrus, delicate, rich
2020 Frank Family Carneros Brut Rosé ($60) 100% pinot noir; complex red berries, citrus, full, yet refined texture
2022 Merriam Blanc de Noirs RRV ($58) 100% certified organic pinot noir, fresh strawberries, hints of almond fresh bread, elegant
Seppi Blanc de Blancs ($32), 100% chardonnay, crisp green apple, grapefruit, toasted brioche and richness
Seppi Brut Rosé ($32), 95% chardonnay, 5% pinot noir, shows raspberry with apple, pear and hints of baking spices
Another impressive option is Italian “Metodo Classico”. From Piedmont, the 2020 Enrico Serafino Ouedis Brut “Rosé de Saigneé” Alta Langa ($38) offers crisp but delicate peach, strawberry, and cherry, with almond and savory notes.
A less expensive French traditional method option is Crémant. The 2021 Christophe Mittnacht Crémant d’Alsace “Terres d’etoiles” Extra Brut ($28) made with organic & biodynamic grapes, has green apple, baked bread qualities. The 2024 Robert Wessman “this life” Crémant de Limoux ($25) blended by singer and co-owner Norah Jones; shows floral, citrus, stone fruits, with a touch of hazelnut and delicate bubbles.