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No beverage delivers a celebratory bang like Champagne or bubbly—it’s also the one sip that pairs with almost any food. Bring cheer to the New Year with these festive sparkling picks that span the globe. Cheers to 2023, ya’ll!
REAL DEAL CHAMPAGNE
Recently, Houstonian Matthew Massey introduced the country to his premier cru blanc de blancs Champagne produced entirely in France. Now he has launched his first rosé. Crisp, clean tasting and balanced, Madame Zéro has the distinction of disclosing all of its nutritional information on the label—luckily, that means lower carbs and less sugar than most (starting at $64.99).
This Champagne house, the darling of sommeliers worldwide, is always up to something new. Billecart-Salmon’s seasonal limited-edition gift set features its new label of Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru with an eco-friendly Champagne bucket. Set available exclusively at Wally’s online ($150).
Produced in collaboration between Argex Beverages and renowned House of Charles Ellner Champagne in Epernay, France, Devant is not only delicious, but has a fun, interactive bottle that lights up and flashes when you push the bottom. Perfect for New Year’s Eve ($47)!
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
Founded in 1772, Clicquot is among the most prestigious Champagne houses. Its popular brut touts complex aromas of poached pear, grated ginger and light cream. Medium bodied and layered on the palate, it displays excellent depth and persistent bubbles (about $50).
AMERICAN BEAUTIES
Ring in the New Year or make someone’s new year with Benovia’s 2018 luscious blanc de noir made using heirloom clones of chardonnay and pinot noir from its Maraella Estate vineyard ($60).
La Crema Sparkling Blanc de Blanc
Aromas of fresh Asian pear, Meyer lemon, and hints of bread dough are followed by flavors of Granny Smith apple, lime, and hints of pie crust. The 2017 vintage from Saralee’s Vineyard presents balanced acidity and a mouthwatering finish ($65).
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger
Le Rêve blanc de blancs 2015, French for “the dream,” is the winery’s finest sparkling wine and it’s all about perfect balance. “Think Audrey Hepburn in the little black dress—refined, understated elegance, nothing extraneous,” said original winemaker Eileen Crane ($125).
If we need a motto for the past few years, it’s Flying by the Seat of Our Pants by Bricoleur Vineyards, Sonoma County. This lip-smacking north coast California brut is ripe and concentrated and makes a fun conversation starter ($45).
Anticipate delicate aromas of green apple and bright citrus notes with a persistent bubble and balanced acidity ($14). Easy on the wallet, too! For a still white wine with dinner that pairs with decadent holiday foods, consider the 2021 dry Riesling ($10).
A ROSY NEW YEAR
VALDO Floral Rosé Brut Sparkling Wine
This prosecco charms from the get-go with its wild floral label, enticing pink hue and first invigorating sip. Fresh with intense notes of raspberries and flowers, it is the ideal bottle for a hostess gift or party, and pairs perfectly with fish, delicate meats and even pizza! ($17.99)
Because two is always better than one, the Sparkling Holiday box includes twins of Imagery’s sparkling rose, crafted using the classic méthode champenoise process, creating delicate bubbles and luxurious finesse. Bonus: The bottle label is as pretty-as-a-picture ($75).
ITALY & POINTS BEYOND
This Iconic brand boasts six different lines of quality crafted Trentodoc,
Italy’s most graceful sparkling wine. Racy guys go for the Ferrari F1 Limited Edition blanc de blancs cuvée, the official toast of Formula 1 Grands Prix around the world. Freshness and finesse are characteristics of its chardonnay base and it crosses the finish line with mineral and citrusy nuances. Smartly packaged in a designer black and white box ($35.99).
This sparkling, carved glass bottle will get the party started. Its fine tiny bubbles are just as festive as they dance lightly on your tongue ($15.99).
“Our collaboration with cava house Roger Goulart delivers a Mediterranean depth of fruit from a base of garnacha, with lifted floral aromas from the addition of pinot noir, and an incredible umami-laden finish from extended aging on the lees,” says Brent Karlicek, sommelier and co-owner of Postino Wine Café. Postino has five locations in Houston, one in Dallas with more coming soon, and this wine is exclusive to (and can be purchased at) Postino (about $20).
Unánime Brut Moscata Vineyards Argentina
If you’ve never tried sparkling wine from Argentina, you and yours will be smitten with this sparkling red that delivers intense notes of buttercream and honey with a full, round mouthfeel. Unánime’s still pinot noir wine is also smashing (about $25).
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Cover Photo courtesy One Hope Winery
Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston CityBook Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.
