Sparkling Wines For Mother’s Day

By Bob Lipinski

“Some are kissing mothers, and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together.” (Pearl S. Buck, 1892-1973, American writer and novelist)

When we think of Mother’s Day, images of multicolored flowers, greeting cards with heartfelt words, chocolate dipped strawberries, and perhaps breakfast in bed come to mind. Platters of cheese and fruit, and chilled glasses of wine are a perfect match for any occasion.

I believe that Mother’s Day should be celebrated with bottles of “bubbly.” Here are a few of my favorites for this year.

NV Berlucchi Extra Brut ’61, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy. A blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir grapes. The wine was aged for 24 months on the lees and was disgorged (sboccatura) in 2023.

The “Extra Brut ‘61” is a tribute to the birth of Franciacorta in 1961—the year Berlucchi produced the first of this classic method sparkling wine. The wine is straw-yellow with a fresh bouquet of apples, bread crust, citrus, and pear. Quite dry and very flavorful, tasting of apricot, preserved lemon, and dried flowers with a pleasing bitter almond aftertaste. Pair this bubbly with fried calamari and a side of an arrabbiata sauce.

NV Pol Roger Brut Reserve “White Foil” Champagne, France: Blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes. Pale golden color with a fruity bouquet of green apples, pears, and brioche. Medium-bodied with delicate bubbles and hints of grass and citrus. The finish is soft, and the aftertaste has hints of almonds. A great apéritif served with some prosciutto and melon.

NV Marie de Moy “Brut” Grand Cru Champagne, Epernay, France. Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier grapes. Medium-bodied with a bouquet and taste of baked apples, peach, toast, and citrus. Rich flavors with a zesty, citrus finish, and a very pleasing aftertaste. Try it with tandoori chicken covered with spicy chickpeas.

NV Mondet Grande Réserve “Brut” Champagne, France. Blend of Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes. This Meunier-dominated wine has a bouquet and taste of red fruits, yellow plums, and apples. Full in the mouth with a dash of acidity and smooth aftertaste. Serve with baked cod covered with sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

NV Perrier-Jouët “Blanc de Blancs” Champagne, France. A delightful champagne with a nose bursting with celery, orange peel, ginger, and citrus. Dry with crisp orchard fruit, pear, and buttered toast. A delicate chalky finish and lemony aftertaste. Pan seared scallops with a side of grilled wild mushrooms says it all!

2020 Levert Frères “Crémant de Bourgogne,” Brut, Burgundy, France. Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay grapes. The wine was aged for 24 months on the lees before disgorging. Floral bouquet and light-bodied with crisp acidity, brioche, Granny Smith apples, grapefruit, and pears. Clean finish and an aftertaste of biscuits and hazelnuts. Great with Cajun shrimp and grilled okra.

NV Lamberti Rosé “Prosecco” Veneto, Italy. Made from a blend of Pinot Bianco, Pino Noir and Raboso grapes. Fruit-driven sparkling wine with flavors of apples, raspberries, and citrus. Clean, dry, and crisp, with hints of flowers and watermelon. Light-bodied and easy to drink. Pairs well with a light and cold chicken salad with a mustard vinaigrette dressing.

Oh, by the way, it wasn’t until May 9, 1914, that President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the first national Mother’s Day.

That’s it… and say hello to mom for me!

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it!” (Mark Twain, 1835-1910, American humorist and novelist)

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com