Cheers or Tears: 10 American Sparkling Wines to Sip on Election Night

To call election season stressful is the ultimate understatement. Based on the current political polls, the only certainty is that we could all use a drink!

Napoleon Bonaparte famously said, "In victory, you deserve Champagne. In defeat, you need it." J'adore Champagne, but I'll be sipping on American bubbly for the election of the 47th President of the United States of America. The USA has a rich tradition of sparkling wines made in the Methodè Champenoise, where the second fermentation happens in the bottle to create those glorious bubbles. Champagne provided the blueprint, but from the Finger Lakes to Sonoma, the ten wines on my list express American terroir and the stylistic choices of the winemakers. 

Pundits predict it will be a long night as each state shares its results, so having more than one bottle of bubbly on hand may be wise!

Damiani Wine Cellars Brut Methodé Champenoise 2016

Finger Lakes, New York
$50

Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Winery Tasting Notes: “A lush and velvety mousse floods the palate with a rich and complex impression of heady pear, sassy apricot, and tingly ginger.”

Domaine Carneros Estate Brut Cuvée 2019

Carneros, Napa, California
$39
Blend: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
Winery Tasting Notes: “The palate is round and full, revealing poached pear, yuzu, honeycomb, lemon crisp, and fresh apple cobbler with a toasty finish that lingers on the palate, begging for another sip.”

Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Brut Rosé

Willamette Valley, Oregon
$60
Blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
Winery Tasting Notes: “Balanced fatness and acidity, vibrant and exceptionally clean all the way through to the finish, phenomenally precise” and flavors of “tangerine, cranberry, dragon fruit.”

Iron Horse Vineyards Classic Vintage Brut 2020

Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
$58
Blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Winery Tasting Notes: “The inviting nose leads to flavors of baked apple on the front palate, with honeysuckle really shining through on the finish. This wine has bright acidity, a touch of creaminess, and a delicious long, lingering finish.”

J. Vineyards & Winery Blanc de Noirs 2020

Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California
$75
Blend: Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier
Winery Tasting Notes: “Abundant notes of raspberry, red apple, wild berries, tangerine and grapefruit evolve to richer hints of baked pie crust, ginger and marzipan before a crisp, clean finish.”

Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling Nature 2020

Finger Lakes, New York
$35
100% Riesling
Winery Tasting Notes: Toastiness comes first, with prominent fruit flavors of crisp red apple, lemon curd, and ginger come to meet up. Driven by its freshness and austerity, the creamy mouthfeel balances the dry, crisp, and bright green apple flavors.”

Korbel Natural 2020

Russian River Valley, Sonoma California
$17
Blend: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Winery Tasting Notes: “The Pinot noir grapes give the Natural its red fruit profile with elements of tart cherry and fresh strawberries readily apparent. The Chardonnay adds flavors and aromas of green apple and zesty Meyer lemon.”

Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2021

North Coast, California
$46
Blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Winery Tasting Notes: “A tart and tangy entry, showcasing Cara Cara orange, nectarine, and peach, intertwines with a touch of almond cookie. A vibrant acidity in this bottling supports a long quenching finish.”

Sokol Blosser Bluebird Cuvée Brut Sparkling 2022

Willamette Valley, Oregon
$36
Blend: Pinot Noir, Müller-Thurgau, Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat
Winery Tasting Notes: On the nose, “bright notes of perfumed citrus fruit, with candied lemon peel and orange. The palate is framed by crisp Granny Smith apples and Bosc pears.”

Sparkling Pointe Brut Nature 2019

North Fork, Long Island
$42
Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
Winery Tasting Notes: “The bouquet displays notes of jasmine, pear, white cherry, and citrus zest. The palate, elegant and precise, with over three years aging, has developed a firm mousse and complementary crisp, dry finish.”