A New Year’s Eve dinner or party without a bottle of bubbly seems sacrilegious. Most of us don’t have a clue when it comes to the best Champagne because it’s not something we shop for or sip on a regular basis. The market is flooded with so many options these days and most of the bottles we see aren’t true Champagne. The term Champagne refers to wine specifically produced in the Champagne region of France, about 100 miles east of Paris. Champagne is best known for its high entry-level prices and close ties with royalty and celebration, which make it perfect for nights like New Year’s Eve. But in recent years, alternative sparklers have also grown in popularity, many of which are crafted just like Champagne, but cost far less. It can be quite pricey to splurge on in a large party atmosphere. Other Champers doesn’t necessarily mean the bottle is inferior, but rather, indicates where it is from and how it was made.
Unfortunately, that discussion will have to be tabled for another time. For the purpose of this discussion, we will focus on all kinds of bubbles that I recommend for the season. What’s the best Champagne to buy? It often comes down to your budget, what’s accessible in your area, the grape varietal, and the sweetness level you desire. Regardless, try to sip on the good stuff when the clock strikes midnight.
This short list features a wide range of sparkling wines at varied prices. If these seem out of your price range, then go with cheaper versions or big-batch bottlings for large parties and save the pricier ones for toasting and intimate get-togethers.
Champagne André Clouet, “Grande Réserve” Brut Grand Cru
Champagne / Montagne de Reims, Bouzy, France
After marrying the base vintage with older reserves, which includes a blend dating back to 2002, it is then bottled and aged in the cellar for no less than 48 months. Once disgorged, the bottles are typically topped off with a dosage of 6-8 grams of sugar. With the excellent terroir, extended lees aging, and winemaking, it is a well-balanced combination of creamy complexity, rich fruit, and minerality that is hard to find in this price range (~$45). It features delicate bubbles and has a golden-yellow core that moves to green reflections on the rim. Aromas of sliced yellow apples, pineapple core, preserved lemon, freshly made brioche, and honeysuckle, jump from the glass. The concentrated palate evolves to deliver red fruits with hints of red currant alongside lemon curd and toasted nuts. It hovers around full-bodied with a rich mouthfeel, crisp acidity and stony minerality which is the appeal of all great Champagnes.
Fitz -Ritter Riesling Sekt Extra Trocken
Germany, Off-Dry/Semi-Sweet. 100% Riesling
100% Riesling. A golden colored sparkling that has the nose of a classic Riesling with hints of floral – lilac and rose petals along with a citrusy palate that is enhanced by the bubbles. Notes of pear, honeysuckle, and apricot. If sweetness is your thing, then this “sekt” from Germany will satisfy your palate. Clean and fresh. It drinks a lot like a spatlese. The minerality is very prominent in this wine. Great value at around $20 if you can find it.
Roederer Estate Brut
California, Mendocino County, Anderson Valley. 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
Crisp and elegant with complex pear, spice and hazelnut flavors. It is fresh and lightly fruity with great finesse and depth of flavor. Created in California’s Anderson Valley and owned by iconic Champagne house Louis Roederer, this playful, medium-bodied sparkler is perfect at around $30. Very similar to a classic Champagne in its style.
2019 Domaine Sebastien Brunet Vouvray Brut “La Rocherie”
Vouvray AOC, 100% Chenin Blanc
If you are looking for a French sparkling wine, this is a great choice at around $28. Made from the chenin blanc grape in the Loire Valley, it has a mousse-like body and texture of delicate fruits of apricot, peach, yellow apple, and citrus peel.
Murgo Metodo Classico Brut Rose
Italy, Southern Italy, Terre Siciliane. 100% Nerello Mascalese
Rose anyone? Made from Sicilian nerello mascalese grapes, this has a unique smokiness to it derived from the soil surrounding Mount Etna, an active volcano. They macerate the grapes on their skins for about 24 hours to extract the delicate salmon-pink color and then produce the sparkling in the same manner as Champagne. Aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant, strawberry and pink peppercorn infuse with volcanic minerality to provide a brilliant finish.
Tirriddis NV Barrel Fermented Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Blend
Washington State, Columbia Valley. 100% Chardonnay
Fermented in 100% new French Oak, it displays rich aromas of brioche, pepper, honey, and lemon- flavored candy. Flavors of mandarin orange and lime expands the palate. As it sits, flavors of red raspberries and white chocolate appear. It is medium bodied with a creamy texture and a plethora of bubbles on the surface. Get it around $36.