Wine With Wanda

Welcome to Wine With Wanda on Substack

Toast the Season With 12 Sensational Sparkling Wines

It's hard to believe I started blogging more than fifteen years ago! You'll find all of my content from 2008-2023 on my Wine With Wanda website. But I've been eager to try something new, and Substack seems like a great place to begin sharing fresh stories about wine, wine regions, winemakers, and more. 

New ventures merit a toast, so my first Substack post showcases twelve sparkling wines to help you celebrate the holidays in style or any moment you want to make more festive and glamorous. 

And if you're searching for wine & food pairing suggestions, check out my article for Food & Wine magazine, How to Pair Wines With Party Snacks. 

If you enjoy this post, please share it with a friend. And click here to follow me on Instagram.

Cheers! 

Wanda
(portrait by Doug Young Photography)

Champagne Bollinger PN AYC 18 ($160)

This elegant bubbly is the latest addition to Bollinger’s PN series which showcases how Pinot Noir expresses itself in distinct terroirs and vintages. PN AYC 18 puts the spotlight on Pinot Noir from Aÿ and predominantly from the 2018 vintage. The addition of older wines from reserve magnums going as far back as 2009 add additional complexity. Rich, full, and crisp with intriguing flavors of honey, candied citrus, and marzipan.
image courtesy of Champagne Bollinger

Codorniu Ars Collecta Cava Rosé ($15)

This juicy and crisp blend of Pinot Noir, Xarel-Lo, and Trepat from Spain has bright red berry flavors with a pop of peach and pink grapefruit. Made in the same labor intensive method as Champagne (traditional method/Méthode Champenoise), it delivers elegance without breaking the budget.

Domaine Carneros Late Disgorged Brut 2017 ($59)

I’ve yet to taste a bubbly from Domaine Carneros that isn’t superb but I haven’t been able to forget this Late Disgorged Brut 2017 since I tasted it earlier this year. Crafted in the traditional method, this blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay luxuriated on the lees for an impressive six years. The tapestry of beautifully woven flavors is vibrant and balanced — poached pear, melon, citrus, ginger, and toasty bread. Founded by the family behind Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros is in Napa Valley but there’s certainly a French flair to their wines.
image courtesy of Domaine Carneros

Gustave Lorentz Cremant d’Alsace Rosé Brut ($29)

So fresh and fruity, this 100% Pinot Noir bubbly is a perfect aperitif. Made using the Méthode Champenoise, it aged on the lees between 14 and 18 months. A festive sip, it is a great way to greet guests at holiday soirées.

J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20 ($40)

These tiny bubbles from Sonoma never fail to put a smile on my face. A traditional method blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, Cuvée 20 is crispy and lively with a subtle creaminess that evokes lemon meringue pie, along with crisp red apple and savory ginger. And if your travels take you to Sonoma, I highly recommend a wine pairing meal in J Vineyard’s Bubble Room.

Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé ($100)

Ooh la la, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is one of my all-time favorite rosé champagnes. Introduced in 1968 long before drinking pink was all the rage, especially in Champagne, it remains one of the finest expressions of a traditional method Pinot Noir. Intense but balanced, rich but graceful; its robust red fruit flavors soar on the palate.
image courtesy of Champagne Laurent-Perrier

Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore DOCG ($27)

This is the Prosecco I always present to challenge the knuckle-headed idea that Prosecco is incapable of nuance and finesse. 100% Glera from the hills of Valdobbiadene, it is crisp and pretty with flavors of pear and chamomile.
image courtesy of Nino Franco

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut ($70)

Bravo to Piper-Heidsieck for proving that consistency is chic, not boring. When I pop the cork on a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck, I know that it will be crisp, balanced, and vivacious. A classic blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay from 100 crus across Champagne, its flavors of pear, apple, warm brioche, and toasted almonds are harmonious.

RGNY Sparkling White Zero Dosage NV ($41)

Long Island may not immediately come to mind when you think of fine wine, but Long Island Wine Country celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and the wines are more diverse and better than ever. RGNY is one of the newer wineries on Long Island and they knocked it out of the park with this no dosage, traditional method blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. So crisp and clean with fresh flavors of apple, pear, and a hint of peach.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad ($30)

Talk about a conversation starter - the majestic design of this bottle will not be ignored! And the bubbly within lives up to the bold design. A blend of Macabeo and Chardonnay, this cool Cava was aged on the lees for at least 24 months. A harmonious blend of warm biscuit flavors, zippy citrus, and luscious honey.
image courtesy of Segura Viudas 

Sokol Blosser 2021 Bluebird Cuvée Brut ($36)

Looking for bubbles to pair with breakfast? The team at Sokol Blosser recommends pairing these Willamette Valley bubbles with blueberry or banana pancakes, and smoked salmon - with or without the bagel! A unique blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Müller–Thurgau, it is a fresh take on a traditional method wine. Zesty citrus and a touch of tropical fruit make this a fresh and approachable sip. If pancakes aren’t your thing, Puget Sound oysters are also a recommended pairing. Bluebird acknowledges the winery’s longtime support of the Prescott Western Bluebird Recovery Project.

Champagne Telmont Réserve Brut ($80)

Champagne Telmont’s motto is “In the Name of Mother Nature” and from the vineyard to distribution, sustainability is not sacrificed for the sake of fine wine. In addition to working towards converting all of their vineyards to organic by 2031, Telmont has eliminated wasteful gift boxes and air transportation — their wines are shipped to the USA via wind-powered ships. But how do the bubbles taste? Mighty fine! An elegant and classic blend of Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir, it is robust yet refreshing. Oh, I guess I should mention that Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in Telmont.
image courtesy of Champagne Telmont

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