Sparkling Wine Guide Sat, Sep 24, 22 | wome spirits A new decade is almost here and what better way to usher in the 2020’s than with some bubbles? Not all sparkling wines are equal and certainly different occasions call for different types. So which one should you choose for your New Year’s bash? Here are some options… The “We’re hosting a party but don’t want to have to take out a loan!” Sparkling Wines When you expect A LOT of bottles to be popped, you want to keep your focus on a few key regions that provide the best bang for the buck. Domestic, Italy and Spain are the perfect choices. Spain – Cava Cava is produced in Catalonia, Spain primarily in the area of Penedes. Cavas are an excellent, affordable option for mass consumption. They’re great on their own or as a base for a punch or mimosas. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut – $12.99 Cielo D’or Brut (or Semi Seco for a touch of sweetness) – $10.99 Italy – Prosecco Prosecco is produced in a large region spanning across Veneto and Friuli and is made from a grape varietal called Glera. Traditionally, the secondary fermentation (basically “how it gets the bubbles”) is in large stainless-steel tanks via what is called the Charmat method. This is different than, say, Champagne where the second fermentation takes place in each individual bottle. This makes Prosecco much less time consuming to make so production is considerably cheaper. La Marca Prosecco – $12.99 Gemma di Luna Prosecco – $12.99 Domestic Much like our country, the United States is the “melting pot” of sparkling wine. All sorts of different varietals are used to make sparkling wines with various levels of sweetness and price points. Korbel (Brut, Extra Dry, Sweet Cuvee, Rose) – $12.99 Andre (Brut, Cold Duck, Moscato, Spumante) – $5.99 The “We should bring a couple of nicer bottles with us!” Sparkling Wines Time to step it up a tad. Here are a couple of options for wines that won’t break the bank and look more expensive than they really are. Chandon Brut – $19.99 Guillaume de Vergy Brut (or Rose) – $24.99 The “I don’t want them to think we’re cheap!” Sparkling Wines These are for the people you’re fairly certain will end up googling how much the bottle you’re serving costs. (We all know at least one!) Laurent Perrier Brut Cuvee – $49.99 Luc Belaire Luxe Cuvee (or Brut Rose) – $29.99 Moet Imperial Brut – $54.99 The “She only drinks Champagne!” Sparkling Wines For friends that won’t settle for anything less than special. Perrier Jouet Grand Brut – $54.99 Laurent Perrier Brut Rose – $84.99 (My favorite Rose Champagne) Lacourte Godbillon Mi-Pentes – $54.99 (A little known, small production offering—also, my favorite Champagne EVER. The single greatest value in Champagne history IMO.) The “Plenty of Disposable Income!” Sparkling Wines Money no object? Let’s party! Dom Perignon – 189.99 Dom Perignon Legacy – $274.99 Dom Perignon Lenny Kravitz Edition – $219.99 Roederer Cristal – $314.99 Krug Grande Cuvee – $239.99 And there you have it—everything you need to master the bubbles this holiday season. Here’s to 2020! Cheers, Brian PriceLiquor Barn Wine Buyer
