Pop the Cork on These Sparkling Holiday Gifts

by Robin Barr Sussman on December 20, 2021 in Food+Drink, Drink, Gift Guides,
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No beverage delivers a celebratory bang like Champagne or bubbly—it’s also the one refreshing sip that pairs with almost any food. Send some cheer to ring in the New Year with these festive sparklers that span the globe.

LOOKING ROSY

Imagery Estate Winery

Because two is always better than one, the Sparkling Holiday box includes twins of Imagery’s sparkling rosé, crafted using the classic méthode champenoise process, creating delicate bubbles and sumptuous flair. Bonus: The bottle label is pretty-as-a-picture. $75

McBride Sisters Collection NV Hawke’s Bay New Zealand Sparkling Brut Rosé

From the largest Black-owned wine company in America comes this rosé from one of the most exalted fine wine regions in New Zealand. The dry style bubbly will dance on your tongue with flavors of cranberry and peach, a hint of toasty complexity, and kiss of spice. It earned 91 points from the Wine Enthusiast. $24.99

REAL DEAL CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois

The darling of sommeliers worldwide has a new Brut Sous Bois Carafe Gift Box on offer this year. This non-vintage cuvee is rich and vivacious with aromas and wild cherry, toast point, lemon pastry cream and buttered seductive notes. The graceful carafe is an impressive addition for the entertainer on your list. $229

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne

Founded in 1772, Clicquot is among the most prestigious of Champagne houses. Their popular brut touts multifaceted aromas of poached pear, grated ginger and light cream. Medium-bodied and layered on the palate, it displays excellent depth and persistent bubbles. $51

AMERICAN BEAUTIES

Benovia Winery

Photo Frank Gutierrez

Ring in the New Year or make someone’s new year sing with Benovia Winery’s sunny 2017 Russian River Valley blanc de blancs ($50) made using heirloom clones of luscious estate chardonnay. Or ship several other Benovia wine gift pack options that donate to charities. Gift packs from $75

La Crema Sparkling Blanc de Blanc

Aromas of fresh Asian pear, Meyer lemon, and hints of bread dough are followed flavors of Granny Smith apple, lime, and hints of pie crust. The 2016 vintage from Saralee’s Vineyard presents balanced acidity and a mouthwatering finish. $65

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger

Le Rêve blanc de blanc, 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. Check out its Holiday Gift Shop for fine culinary-wine gifts. $120

Bricoleur Vineyards

If we need a motto for the past few years, it’s Flying by the Seat of Our Pants from Sonoma County. Ripe, full and creamily textured with layers of guava and mango, gift this lip-smacking California sparkling brut for a fun conversation starter. $45

ITALY’S FINEST

Ferrari Trento

This Iconic brand from Italy boasts six different lines of quality crafted Trentodoc wines. Racy guys go for the new Ferrari F1 Limited Edition blanc de blanc cuvée, the official toast of 2021 Formula 1 Grands Prix around the world. Freshness and finesse are characteristics of its chardonnay base and the bottle comes smartly packaged in a designer black and white box. $35.99

Freixenet Prosecco

Renowned for its worldwide popularity of Spanish cava, Freixenet also produces prosecco made from the Veneto region of northern Italy based on decades of winemaking experience. The stylish fizz and bottle presentation will delight, but the price tag is easy on the wallet. $18

LOCAL SPLURGE IN LUBBOCK

The Nicolette Tasting Menu

Photo courtesy The Nicolette

For the foodie on the prowl, snag reservations or a gift certificate for the seasonal Chefs Tasting Menu. It’s offered each Thursday night at the chic eatery with multi-courses that could include dishes like cold-smoked Atlantic trout, ember roasted beets, Colorado lamb and the local cheese cart. Wine and sparkling wine pairings available with each course, $75 per person. Cheers to 2022!


Cover image courtesy cottonbro from Pexels

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 Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.