New Year’s is upon us and this is the holiday most beloved by sparkling wine makers worldwide. After all, 20-25% of all sparkling wine is consumed during the December holidays to New Year’s.
During this time, everyone seems to want to pop the top of something with bubbles, but unless you drink it regularly, you might not know which to pick. Fear not, we are here to help.
Ask your salesperson to show you wines made in the traditional – read Champagne – method. There are two other methods: Charmat, which does what Champagne does in a bottle, but in a huge tank; and another method, which shall not be named, but let’s call it the Coca Cola method. In this, they inject carbonation to regular wine and then bottle it. If you know anyone who has sworn off “Champagne” after being over-served, they were likely drinking the carbonated stuff. Sparkling wines made in the traditional manner don’t create a hangover any more often than beer or margaritas do.
When you have devised a budget for your New Year’s celebration, it is important to know that, generally speaking, sparkling wines fall into three price tranches. Cava from Spain is mostly made in the same manner as Champagne, and is usually the lowest price. There are many great Cavas for less than $10, including the black bottled Freixenet. But I would look a slight bit higher to Segura Viudas Brut Heredad Reserva ($23). The gorgeous bottle always elicits a good reaction and the wine inside will do a good job of pleasing the most discerning palate. As for food pairings, if it moves through the water and is from the Gulf, this makes a fantastic food/wine pairing.
Wines from everywhere else in the world other than Champagne fall in the mid-price category. In the United States, many of the best come from California. Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvee De La Pompadour ($44) is crafted from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, and the final wine is well balanced and food friendly, just like you would expect from a Champagne company making wine in California. The wine is sturdy enough to go with a rib roast or oysters.
If you want to serve the best of the best, seek out Ruinart’s Blanc De Blancs Champagne ($97). This wine is made in Champagne, which allows it to legally be called Champagne. It is 100% Chardonnay and the flavors, mouthfeel, and aromas are all simply as good as it gets. This is best with some cheese from local farmers, like Vignotte or Cendre de Champagne, and perhaps a few walnuts. For wine lovers, this is a religious experience.
As always, the best way to find a great wine is to make friends with someone at your favorite wine shop. Once they learn your taste, they will almost always be able to aim you at something you love and for the price you want to pay. They’ll even teach you how to pronounce the name of the wine.
This article appears in December 27 • 2024.