5 Sparkling Wines for Ringing in & Enjoying Throughout the New Year!

A few days ago I featured these delicious sparkling wines on WPTV’s Holiday Show but due to time constraints we shortened the segment and I didn’t want you to miss out on these fabulous finds! While these sparklers are indeed perfect for ringing in the New Year, at these price points they are also perfect for enjoying during the week. If you make one vinous New Year’s resolution this year, I’d like to encourage you to drink more sparkling wine. These wines are so delicious and food friendly it’s a shame to only think of them during the last month of the year! So without further ado, here are 5 sparkling wines for ringing in and enjoying throughout the New Year:

1.) Charles Bove Brut, Loire, Valley, France, NV ($14): Hailing from the Loire Valley, this delicate sparkler is made primarily from Chenin Blanc w a dollop of Chardonnay to add richness. Made in the same method as Champagne, the méthode traditionnelle, the wine then rests in the cellar for 18 months on the lees before being released. With lovely notes of white flowers, apples and citrus this wine makes a perfect aperitif or paired with lighter fare such as shellfish or salads.

2.) Domaine Badoz Cremant du Jura Brut, Jura, France, NV ($20): This wine is crafted entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in France’s Jura region, located just outside of Burgundy. The term “cremant” on a wine label indicates the wine is sparkling and is generally used for French sparklers which are not from the Champagne region. This delightful bubbly is crisp and dry with notes of red delicious apple, bright citrus fruit and toasted brioche.

3.) Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé, North Coast, CA, NV ($23): This pink sparkler from California’s North Coast is also crafted in the méthode traditionnelle and derives its gorgeous pink hue from still Pinot Noir added to the base wine. The term “Brut” on a sparkling wine or Champagne label indicates the wine will be dry although, unlike France, there is no legal definition in the US. This wine has enticing notes of wild strawberry, raspberry and spiced apple and a refreshingly dry finish.

4.) Gramona Cava La Cuvée Gran Reserva, Penedes, Spain, 2011 ($24): Unlike many wine regions around the world, Spain only releases wines when the winemaker deems them ready to drink and, lucky for us, this 2011 Cava is ready to go! While made in the same method as Champagne, Cava utilizes different grape varieties indigenous to Spain: this wine is a blend of 70% Xarel-lo and 30% Macabeo hand harvested from 40-70 year old vines. The finished wine exhibits notes of poached pear, citrus and brioche with a slight oxidative note.

5.) Barone Pizzini Animante Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy, ($35): While Prosecco gets most of the love these days, Italy’s first sparkling wine region to receive the esteemed DOCG status is Franciacorta. Unlike Prosecco, Franciacorta is made in the méthode traditionnelle and this wine is a blend of 78% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Nero and 4% Pinot Bianco aged on the lees for 18-30 months. It has delightful notes of peach, pear and apple with a crisp, bright acidity.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year,

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