Sparklers are one of the easiest wine categories to like. That’s because no matter what your preference is – sweet, dry, red, white, pink, even light alcohol – there’s a sparkling wine that fits the bill. While it’s true that most bubblies are white or pink and tend toward dry, there are many exceptions, including robust sparkling Shirazes from Australia and ethereal, sweet red sparklers from Italy. And while we tend to think of sparkling wines as perfect for the holidays, they add a delightful touch to any occasion, any time of the year.
Sparkling – California
Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée, 2010 (Carneros); $40
Delicate white cherry aroma with toasty undertones; bright and clean with vivid, tart Granny Smith flavor and a hint of cherry/berry on the finish.
Sterling Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, 2016 (Napa Valley); $24.99
Creamy brioche and floral aroma; full flavored and elegant with delicious white cherry/vanilla flavor.
Sterling Vineyards Sparkling Rosé, 2016 (California); $24.99
Pretty salmon color and ripe berry aroma; full of bright strawberry/cherry flavor with crisp acidity and lively mousse.
Sparkling – France
Monmousseau Vigneau Crémant de Loire Brut, NV; $25
Bread dough aroma with lemon and tropical fruit overtones; bright and full flavored with notes of ripe stone fruit and brisk acidity.
Champagne Taittinger Brut Millésimé 2012; $97
Toasty brioche aroma with notes of fresh fig and lemon drop; vivacious mousse and creamy texture with lush cherry/berry notes and bright acidity.
Champagne Trouillard Brut Extra Sélection, NV; $49.99
Bready, yeasty aroma with hints of fig and toasty nuts; round and full, with lively mousse and flavors of lemon zest and apple peel.
Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur, NV; $49.99
Toasty, nutty walnut and mushroom aroma; very dry with tart hints of fresh fig and nut brittle.
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée, NV; $79.99
Gorgeous creamy mousse with delicately nutty, bready aroma; bright and crisp with baked apple and rich brioche notes and candied orange peel finish.
Carod Clairette de Die, NV; $17.99
Orange blossom aroma and creamy, insistent mousse; sweet, frothy and ethereal with lovely, delicate flavor and crisp acidity.
Sparkling – Italy
Sperone Prosecco DOC Brut, NV; $4.99/187 ml
Delicate lemon aroma with a hint of flowers; tart and clean with bright, pleasant stone fruit notes.
Tommasi Filodora Prosecco DOC Brut, NV; $15.99
Aromas of lemon/lime and minerals with floral undercurrent; bright acidity, insistent mousse and vivid citrus flavor.
Corteaura Franciacorta DOCG Brut, NV; $22.99
Delicately yeasty, toasty aroma and lovely effervescence with lush notes of orange peel and spice.
Gambellara Lessini Durello DOC Brut, NV; $12.99
Mineral aroma with delicate floral and white cherry aroma; tart cherry notes and very snappy, vibrant flavor.
Mionetto Rosé Extra Dry, NV (Italy); $14
Fresh berry, vanilla and rose petal aroma; sweet and fizzy with bright strawberry flavor.
Mionetto Gran Rosé Extra Dry, NV (Italy); $4/187ml
Creamy strawberry aroma; bright cherry/berry flavor with a touch of rhubarb; delicately sweet.
Bric Castelvej Birbet, NV (Italy); $10.99
Light garnet color with hints of strawberry and rhubarb; gentle fizziness and deliciously sweet blackberry/cherry flavor.
Sparkling – Spain
Kila Cava Brut, 2015; $13.99
Clean mineral aroma with hints of pear and apple; tart and crisp, with insistent mousse and apple peel finish.
Prices may vary
