We are all preparing for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Now is the time everyone is on the hunt for holiday champagnes and sparkling wines! Nothing says celebration like bubbles in your glas. When it comes to holiday champagnes and sparkling wines there are many choices, styles, and price points to choose from. Do you want a true champagne from France? Or will you be happy with a prosecco from Italy or a cava from Spain? Do you prefer a drier brut style, or does your sweet tooth crave a demi-sec? You may need a budget sparkling for a party. Or you can go all out and drop a few dead presidents on a well-known luxury brand. There are so many choices! But I am here to help. Here are twelve fantastic holiday champagnes and sparkling wines. With six different price points, there will be one that fits your budget.

Segura Viudas Brut Cava: $10

This one is easy-peasy. Cava should be your first choice when looking for holiday champagnes and sparkling wines that doesn’t break the bank. Most fall under the $20 price point. The Segura Viudas is perfect for buying in bulk for a party or as a base for mimosas at brunch. Plus, you can find it almost anywhere. This cava bright and cheery with a rich bubble mousse. It has notes of lemon-lime zest, golden delicious apple, almond biscuit, and sea spray. The finish is very pleasing and lasting. A fantastic starter sparkler for your holidays.

Ziobaffa Organic Prosecco: $17

I know that many go for the Tiffany-blue bottle when choosing a prosecco. However, I want to give you something different. The Ziobaffa Prosecco hits all the social media hashtags. It is organic, vegan, and sustainable. Never mind that though. For me, it’s all about the juice inside. A blend of organic Glera, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio from the hills of Treviso in Veneto. It has notes of pear, green apple, and acacia. A bit of residual sugar gives the fruit heft, yet it still stays on the dry side.

Gérard Bertrand 2013 Cuvée
Thomas Jefferson Crémant de Limoux Brut: $21

Crémant is the French term for sparkling wines made in the traditional method, but not in the Champagne region. This usually translates into an excellent value for us! Limoux’s sparkling wines were the only sparkling wines in Thomas Jefferson’s cellar. Hence, the homage to our third president on the label. The Gérard Bertrand Cuvée Thomas Jefferson Crémant de Limoux Brut is a Chardonnay blend with small percentages of Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Mauzac. It has focused aromas and flavors of Bosc pear, apple, white peach, and fresh thyme. The palate is full-bodied with a lasting, lush finish.

Domaine Carneros 2014 Brut: $29

Domaine Carneros is located in the Los Carneros area of Napa Valley. It is the American outpost of the French champagne house Taittinger. Their entry point sparkling wine is from 100% estate grown fruit and leans a bit more on Chardonnay over Pinot Noir. The result is a fantastic, creamy wine with a rich froth. Notes of apple and orange blossom mingle with strawberry and toast. There is a palatable acidity here, and the length is remarkable. This is an excellent choice for the price when you are buying holiday champagnes and sparkling wines.

J Vineyards NV Cuvée 20 Brut: $33

This wine is from cool-climate sites in the Russian River Valley area of California. The J Vineyards Cuvée 20 is a lush and delectable holiday wines and champagnes choice. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Meunier. You will find that aromas of almond, apple, ginger, and fresh bread jump from the glass. The palate is creamy and rich, almost dessert-like without the sweetness. The finish is long, yet leaves you wanting even more.

Schramsberg 2015 Blanc de Blancs Brut: $39

When you see ‘blanc de blancs’ on a label, it translates to a white sparkling wine made from only white grapes. In many sparkling wines, this means 100% Chardonnay like this beauty from Schramsberg. There is almost lemon meringue quality to it, with gobs of citrus and creaminess. A toasty nuttiness accents the fruit and the acidity is very bright to keep this balanced at a dry style.

FUN FACT: Schramsberg sparkling wines have been a favorite at The White House for decades. Nixon even took the 1969 vintage of this wine on his historic trip to China in 1972.

Gosset NV Brut Excellence Brut: $45

Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne with its founding in 1584 by Pierre Gosset. For over 425 years, Gosset has produced wines in a range of styles and price points. The non-vintage Brut Excellence is the starting point. Light and vivid, with fruit notes of cherry, apple, and lemon. Freshly baked bread, candied ginger, and orange blossom round out the palate. The finish shows off some terroir with a chalkiness shining through.

Charles Mignon

NV Cuvée de Comte de Marne Rosé Grand Cru Brut: $49

I love this wine! It is sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in the Comte de Marne region of Champagne. This rosé is elegance and class for under $50. A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir and aged for 36 to 48 months in a cellar for complexity and longevity. The result is a delicious Champagne. Its lemon and wild strawberry notes intertwine with toasted bread and rose water. The bubbles are lush and persistent, giving a full-bodied and balanced style.

FUN FACT: You will notice that the bottle is thicker and more opaque than other sparkling wines. The bottle is an homage to wine bottles made before glassmaking became more refined.

Ruinart NV Blanc de Blancs Brut: $80

Ruinart is the second oldest Champagne house. Established in 1729, it is almost 150 younger than Gosset. Ruinart focuses on Chardonnay-dominate wines. The Blanc de Blancs is one of the best non-vintage examples of this style. It is creamy and full-bodied, but with lively acidity. The fruit notes of white peach, lemon curd, and nectarines swim within the frothy mousse. Aging notes of zwieback and smoke linger with candied ginger and white floral aromas. So rich and lush and plain gorgeous.

J.M. Labruyère Anthologie Grand Cru Rosé Brut: $88

This choice is a relatively new kid on the block. It is one of the first offerings from a “Grower Champagne” producer with a long pedigree. The Labruyère family have been grape growers and wine producers since the 1850s. Their vineyards were once centered in the Macon and Moulin-a-Vent areas of France. This changed when the current generation expanded their holdings by adding almost six hectares of Grand Cru vineyards in Verzenay and Verzy. These new vineyards focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Anthologie Rosé is produced from a single non-designated vintage. It is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. The result is a full, yet crisp wine. It has notes of wild strawberries, tropical fruit, ginger, grilled bread, and marzipan. Labruyère is a producer worth seeking out to add to your holiday champagnes and sparkling wines collection.

Perrier-Jouët 2006 Cuvée Belle Epoque Brut: $150

This is the most gorgeous wine bottle. It is also the signature wine from a premier Champagne producer. There is a more current vintage of the Belle Epoque (2011), but I implore you to seek out the 2006 vintage. It is perfect now. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 5% Meunier with six years of bottle aging. This wine has aromatic notes of Golden Delicious apple, cinnamon toast, Meyer lemon, and honey. The palate is soft, ripe, and lush. A mineral-driven acidity gives it balance. This is luxury Champagne and worth every penny.

Veuve Clicquot 2006 Cuvée Le Grand Dame Brut: $175

This is the prestige cuvée from the most well-known Champagne house. The Le Grand Dame is a tribute to Madame Clicquot, the innovative founder of the house. It is crafted from 100% Grand Cru vineyards spread out over 8 villages. The blend leans on Pinot Noir for finesse and elegance. A full-bodied wine with depth and a streak of bracing acidity that balances the richness. The notes of poached pear, nectarine, peach, brioche, marzipan, and chalk ride the silky palate. It is simply an exceptional Champagne.

I hope you found a few new holiday Champagnes and sparkling wines that you can enjoy this holiday season! If you want more recommendations check out our post on Holiday Party Wines!

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Its Time for Holiday Party Wines!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that means holiday parties are all around. From family and friends fêtes to office soirées, you are definitely going to need libations to keep the party going. Whether you are a reveler joining as a guest or a dutiful host, here are 10 fantastic holiday party wines that won’t break the bank, but are guaranteed to brighten everyone’s Christmas spirit.

Castell de Sant Pau Cava Brut Nature

$12

Look, bubbles are expected from your holiday party wines at this time of the year. It’s a celebration after all. You can keep the price down by shying away from true Champagne and looking towards Spain for Cava. This selection from Castel de Sant Pau is aged on its lees for 24 months and given no sugar during the dosage stage. The result will remind you of grower Champagne, but at a fraction of the cost. It is crisp and refreshing with citrus, dried apricot, biscuit, and nut notes. Pair with fresh out of the oven gougères.

Naia Las Brisas Blanco

$11

You will quickly learn that Spain has some of the best values on wines. This bright and cheery white blend is no exception. Made from Verdejo, Viura, and Sauvignon Blanc, the Las Brisas is racy and aromatic with notes of green apple, lemon, nectarine, and lime. Its bracing acidity makes it adaptable to a variety of party foods. I suggest a pairing of a classic fondue.

Scarpetta Pinot Grigio

$13

Keeping a Pinot Grigio on hand is a safe bet for the guest that is not too adventurous in their wine journey. However, that does not mean that your holiday party wines have to be pedestrian or insipid. The Scarpetta Pinot Grigio is a flavorful and beguiling Italian beauty. Aromas and flavors of citrus, peach, melon, and white flower are braced by a stony minerality. This wine shows that Pinot Grigio can be lively and surprising when made well. Pair with prosciutto and soft Italian cheeses.

Kono Sauvignon Blanc

$12

This has been one of my favorite finds and has shown up on a few Top 100 lists over the years. A prototypical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the Kono shows all the right notes of gooseberry, tropical fruit, melon, and grapefruit. It has a delicate balance of racy acidity and juicy fruit. A real crowd pleaser of a white wine. Kick it old school and pair this with crab puffs.  

Cave de Lugny Les Charmes Chardonnay

$13

Let’s keep the Chardonnay lovers happy and surprise a few others with this French offering. A classic Maconnais wine and a superb value at the price, the Les Charmes is wonderfully rich and round Chardonnay that shows notes of lemon and orange, baking spice, and honeyed nuts. Looking for a holiday party wines pairing? Deviled eggs, y’all!

Banfi Centine Rosso Toscano

$10

I’m kicking off the holiday party wines red selections with this guaranteed pleaser. The Banfi Centine takes the Sangiovese grapes not chosen for the more esteemed Brunello or Rosso di Montalcino selections from Banfi and blends them with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The result is a mini-Super Tuscan for just a ten-spot. Intense and spicy, with gobs of dark berry fruit and a smidge of earthiness. Break out some “Mad Men” inspired recipes and pair this with rumaki for a flavor explosion.

Cartlidge & Browne Pinot Noir

$13

There are very few Pinot Noirs under $15 that I recommend, but this is one that I am always happy to give. The Cartlidge & Browne is an easy-going Pinot, with dark raspberry and Bing cherry fruit, touches of cinnamon and clove, with a hint of underbrush. Drink this as while you standing at the buffet table hoarding the brie en croute.

Stephen Vincent Crimson Red Blend

$13

A lush and juicy California red blend, the Crimson is made of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit forward with minimal tannins and showcasing notes of blueberry pie, baking spice, dark chocolate, and black licorice. No frills, no fuss. Just good, honest juice. Keep it fun by pairing this with pigs in a blanket.  

Silk & Spice Red Blend

$12

This one is a gem. Portugal is not just about Port wine anymore, as the country’s winemakers keep producing cheap and cheerful reds and whites for us to enjoy. The Silk & Spice Red Blend has been honored with many “best buy” and “best value” accolades from publications the past three years. Yes, it is silky and spicy, but also shows off gobs of red and black berry fruit, anise, and dark floral notes. Pair with spicy beef empanadas.

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico

$12

A fantastic, easy drinking Malbec is always welcome at a party. The Altos Las Hormigas is a fruit-driven pleaser with no touches of oak. Bright raspberry and dark plum fruit float on a savory palate. Pair with Swedish meatballs.

Looking for more wine suggestions? Check out what we recommended for Thanksgiving!

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Let’s face it; Thanksgiving is a lot of work. Between the shopping, getting the house in order, and doing the cooking, you need all the help you can get. When you think you have it all under control, you forget one thing: the wine. Lucky for you, choosing the right Thanksgiving wines doesn’t have to be a hassle this year.

As Thanksgiving is a wholly American holiday, it is only fitting that your wine choices reflect our great country. Forget about finding the one perfect pairing as Thanksgiving fare is diverse in flavors. With so many guests, it is best to indulge their palates with an assortment of food-friendly wines. You may not have time to pop into a favorite wine shop, but I have got you covered. I have chosen six excellent wines that are easy to find. As a matter of fact, most of these are available at your local grocery store. They are guaranteed to please every type of guest and match very well with your excellent meal.

Day Owl

Rosé California 2017

$17

Pink is in, and it’s not for summertime anymore. Everyone from your millennial cousin to your seen-it-all grandma likes to drink rosé. Rosé is very food-friendly and has a great balance of fruit and acidity that pairs well with the holiday fare. The Day Owl Rosé is made from mostly Barbera, which gives the wine a rich fruitiness of strawberry, melon, and pomegranate. The body is full and ripe, with a lush mouthfeel and fresh acidity that keeps the fruit from becoming too sweet. Have plenty of this chilled for both before and during the meal.

Ramey

Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015

$32

Someone in the clan is going to want Chardonnay, and it better be buttery. The richness of an oaked chardonnay can add excitement to roasted turkey, vegetables, and even pumpkin pie. The Ramey Chardonnay from Russian River Valley has all the hallmarks of a traditional California Chardonnay. A lush body with opulent richness is accented by notes of tropical fruits, lemon curd, almond, and cream.

J. Lohr

Wildflower Valdiguié Monterey 2016

$10

If you are looking for the best bang for your buck and want to impress the pseudo-snobs by choosing an oddball varietal, this little gem from the Central Coast of California is the thing.

Valdiguié is a grape variety that originated in southern France and made it’s way here sometime in the early 1900’s. Confused for the Gamay Noir grape that makes up Beaujolais wines in France, it was called Napa Gamay here until its true makeup was discovered by DNA profiling at UC Davis. Look, now you have something to talk about as you pour this wine at the table.

The J. Lohr Valdiguié is a crowd pleaser, with soft berry fruit and an easy-to-drink palate. Notes of cranberry, pomegranate, and blueberry accented by crushed violets and mint. Keep plenty of this value on hand.

Au Bon Climat

Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2016

$26

Pinot Noir is the easy go-to of Thanksgiving wines. It has a great balance of fruit and acidity and shines with a variety of foods. Almost everyone is a fan of this grape. If the winery Au Bon Climat sounds familiar to you, you may remember it as one of the first wineries from the movie Sideways. 

That movie may have made Pinot Noir famous, but the winery has been producing top quality wine since 1982. Their Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is redolent with the aromas of strawberries and boysenberry. The fruit is further accented with dark floral and baking spice notes. The mouthfeel has some weight, but acidity and tannin balance the wine.

Round Pond

Kith and Kin Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

$32

There is no way getting around it, you must have Cabernet around, or things may get ugly. There will always be one or two “Cabernet only” drinkers in the crowd, and as a host, it is best to keep them happy. The Round Pond Kith and Kin is classic Napa Valley Cabernet, with aromas and flavors of currant, blackberry, toast, vanilla, and kirsch. It is voluptuous and firm, finishing with a lingering spice and juicy tannins.

Schramsberg

Methodé Traditionnelle Blanc de Noirs Brut 2013

$45

This one is for you. The perfect ending to a job well done. After your guests leave and you reflect on the day’s events, open a bottle of this bubbly, grab another slice of pie, and put up your feet. You deserve it. The sparkling wines from the Schramsberg Winery in Napa Valley prove that we make excellent bubbles here in America. Their wines are more than a match for many of the Champagne houses in France. The Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs is a beautiful, elegant wine with classic aromatic notes of baking spice, toasted brioche, marzipan, and golden apple. The palate is rich and frothy with lush bubbles, vanilla, lemon curd, fresh cream, and allspice flavors. The perfect ending to a perfect (or not so perfect) day.
Salut!

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Summer Wine That Won’t Break Your Budget

There is no denying it, this summer is BRUTALLY hot. We are in the midst of daily 100+ temperatures here in Dallas, and it will not be cooling off anytime soon. What to do in the meantime? Hunker down in an air-conditioned space and enjoy a lighter libation to cool you down! Here are five affordable and tasty wines from around the world to keep you happy and cool this summer.

Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Blanc

I dig Chenin Blanc. I have no problem saying that. This white grape is so versatile. You will be able to find it as a bright, dry wine or as a lush sparkler. Looking for a little more fruit? Chenin Blanc comes in an off-dry style. Looking for something decadent? The grape produces downright “nectar of the gods” sweet wines. The most notable wine production areas are in South Africa, America, Argentina, and France. Chenin Blanc grows throughout the Loire Valley of France in a variety of styles. This offering from Domaine du Petit Clocher may be my favorite white this summer. It is bright and lean, with heady aromatics of musky white floral and ripe apricot. The palate shows tart green pear and stone fruit notes of nectarine and yellow peach. It is acceptable to enjoy this summer wine on its own, but it is very food friendly. I would pair it with Chinese take-out, a ham and gruyere quiche, or a savory goat cheese tart.

Fleur Vermentino

If you like light white wines, but tire of the usual suspects, do I have a wine for you! Allow me to introduce you to Vermentino, an underrated and under appreciated white grape. Vermentino grows throughout Italy. This white grape also shows signs of great promise in California and even in my home state of Texas. So, what is Vermentino like? Think of Sauvignon Blanc…but more complex. Yes, the grape usually produces a light, crisp wine, but that does not mean that it lacks a bit of oomph. You will find a lush palate, with bright citrus fruit acidity, nuttiness, and fresh fruit notes. This Fleur Vermentino comes from the Las Brisas Vineyard in Carneros. Carneros is the coolest area of Napa, tempered by San Pablo Bay, making it a perfect region for focusing on white grape varietals. This beauty has crisp lemon acidity, tart green apple, Tuscan melon, and minerality. Pair this with pan-fried rainbow trout, grilled Italian pork sausage, and burrata cheese.

Jermann Pinot Grigio

Now we go from an underrated varietal to a (perceived) overrated varietal, Pinot Grigio. Look, I’m the first one to admit, there is some bad…very bad Pinot Grigio out there. This white grape is drunk by plenty of people, but it doesn’t excite many, especially wine geeks like me. While an Italian mainstay, Pinot Grigio is grown in most wine regions around the world. I love offerings from France, the New Zealand, and Oregon. Yet, Italy is where it is best known, and some areas and producers take this grape to another level. That is why I recommend Jermann Pinot Grigio. I promise you, this will not taste like the everyday varietal you usually drink. It is bright, forceful, and complex. It is creamy and spicy. It shows exotic notes of rose petal and vanilla bean. To be frank, it’s freaking delicious. Take my word for it, this wine will change your mind about this maligned varietal. Pair with seafood, creamy pasta, and mountain cheeses from Italy Switzerland.

Les Copains d’Abord Gamay Le Premier Soir

Finally, a red summer wine!!! You’ve been waiting with diligence to get here so I won’t mince words. Gamay is your new favorite grape. The majority of wine drinkers overlook this varietal. This is criminal! Those “in the know” adore this grape and sing its praises to the heavens. Why will you love it? You like Pinot Noir. This is Pinot’s little brother. You like wines with fruit. This grape shows a lot of juicy red fruit notes. You like affordable wines. Most Gamay-based wines are under $20, many under $15. My favorite thing about Gamay? It shows best with a slight chill, making it a refreshing summertime red. You can find Gamay based wines from California, Oregon, Canada, and New Zealand. But the Beaujolais region France is its birthplace and where you will find a variety of styles. I implore you to sample from all the different appellations in this region. This offering is dry and fruit-forward. It shows cherry, raspberry, and dried cranberry notes. The fruit has an earthy, almost soil-like darkness and perfumed floral notes. Think simple fare when pairing food with a Gamay wine. I like pairing this with herb-roasted chicken, ratatouille, or a nice, ripe brie.

Giroflé Douro Tinto

This is the biggest wine on our list and is from one of my favorite countries to find an affordable wine, Portugal. Portugal is famous for Port, the sweet dessert wine that has pleased generations. But this country does make quality dry red and white wines, many at very affordable prices under $20. This is a traditional blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Tinta Barroca. The combination makes for a juicy, rich red with lots of flavors. There are fruit notes of black cherries, blackberries, and plums. This rich fruitiness fades into earthy notes of cigar tobacco, cocoa, and rich tannins. This is a wine that I will pair with a nice grilled New York strip, Texas-style BBQ, or an aged cheddar.

There you go, five affordable summer wines to beat the heat . Whether you favor white wines or red, or a fan of both, you will be quite happy with all these fantastic gems. Enjoy!

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