I love “bubbly” … sparkling wines that dance on my tongue, revealing their subtle or bold flavors. Some are crisp, palate-cleansing and quite dry, while others are off-dry or even sweet. Virtually every country makes them, and they are available in all sorts of style and prices.
Champagne & Sparkling Wine Recommendations
I would like to share with you some champagne and sparkling wines that I’ve recently tasted, which are worth purchasing.
NV Bollinger Special Cuvée “Brut,” Champagne, France. Light yellow color with green apple, pear, and Meyer lemon, coupled with black cherry, apricot, and toasted bread. Full-bodied with a complex taste and hints of hazelnut and wet stone. A smooth, well-rounded finish and long, lingering aftertaste.
NV M. Haslinger “Brut,” Champagne, France. Blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay. Primary fermentation in small oak barrels, with no malolactic fermentation. Pale yellow with pinpoint bubbles; medium-bodied with hints of green apples, spices, and creamy vanilla. Touch of pear and wild flowers.
NV Nicolas Feuillatte “Brut” Réserve, Champagne, France. Aroma and taste of apples, pear, dried fruit, and honeysuckle. Notes of fruitcake spices, citrus, roasted hazelnuts, and apricot. Very clean, citrusy finish.
NV G.H. Mumm “Brut” Grand Cordon, Champagne, France. Brilliant lemon color; flavors of peach, pear, celery, and apricot. Notes of toast, minerals, candied lemon peel, dried fruit, and biscuits. Lingering aftertaste of vanilla, caramel, and citrus.
NV Mumm Napa Prestige “Brut,” Napa Valley, California. Blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Meunier. Pale gold with complex aromas of peach, fresh ginger, and vanilla. Notes of apple, honeysuckle, strawberry, and biscuits. Citrus and toasted almond aftertaste.
2024 Sensi 18K Prosecco Gold, “Brut” DOC, Treviso, Italy. (100% Glera grapes) Presented in an elegant, gold-coated bottle designed to capture attention. Pale gold color with aromatic notes of apple, pear, anise, and herbs. Flavors of fennel, melon, almonds, and kiwi. A delicate finish and aftertaste of peach and bread dough.
2023 Sensi 18K Nectar, Blanc de Blancs, “Demi-Sec,” DOC, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. (100% Chardonnay) Presented in an elegant, silver-coated bottle designed to capture attention. Fresh and fruity with a bouquet and taste of banana pear, and apple. Its semi-sweet flavor has floral notes of tropical fruit, balanced by hints of citrus, and a lingering aftertaste.
NV Portlandia “Rosé” Brut, Méthode Champenoise Columbia Valley, Washington. (100% Syrah grapes) Pale salmon color with an enticing bouquet of cherry, strawberry, spices, and rhubarb. Notes of citrus, grapefruit, pear, and dried roses. Creamy flavor, culminating with a tart-raspberry aftertaste.
NV Gruet Brut, Méthode Champenoise, New Mexico. (Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Aged 18 months en tirage.) Light straw color with flavors of baked apple, lime zest, tropical fruit, and minerals. Hints of grapefruit, cinnamon, herbs, and brioche.
No matter your preference or budget, there’s a sparkling wine out there to suit every occasion and every palate. From celebratory to casual, each bottle tells a story — of terroir, craftsmanship, and the joy of enjoying life’s little moments. So pop a cork, savor the bubbles, and let your taste buds explore the world, one effervescent sip at a time.
Bob Lipinski, author of 10 books; writes, consults, and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements.
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