For many sparkling wine houses, this time of year produces 50% of their sales. Tis a shame that wine drinkers save up their bubbles and celebrate fizz strictly in December — a bottle of bubbly could be a celebration unto itself. But perhaps our American puritanical roots prevent us from indulging too often? Ever the eschewer, that doesn’t stop me. Come join me in my every day gustatory party with this list of consistently well-made, delicious bottles of sparkling bubbly and Champagne. Oh.. and they’re great for New Year’s Eve too.
Domaine Carneros 2008 Brut (Sonoma County, CA), $27
Schramsburg 2009 Blanc de Blancs (Napa Valley, CA), $37
Roederer Estate Brut (Mendocino County, CA), $20
J Winery Cuvée 20 Brut (Sonoma County, CA), $25 [disclaimer: I work for this winery but have been a fan for years]
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs (Sonoma County, CA), $20
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose Champagne (France), $45
Need sweet?
Banfi Rosa Regale is your ticket
Need super cheap?
Check out this super, mega cheap Cava at Trader Joe’s
Other information
A Basic Primer for Bubbly Wines
Top 6 Questions About Champagne and Sparkling Wine Answered
How Sparkling Wine is Made (in pictures)
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