With New Years Eve just a few days away, here are excellent sparkling-wine options at a range of price points, and from around the world.
With New Years Eve just a few days away, this is the time to start stocking up on sparkling wine for the big night. Instead of sticking with the same bottles you’ve always leaned on, however, make Monday an excuse to try something new. Here are more than a dozen bottles of bubbly from around the world, listed alphabetically, at all price points, and from large-production to far more niche, that will help ring in the new year with style…and deliciousness. You can also go back through my Wines of the Week columns, which often include great sparkling wines from all over the world; any one of those should be considered a worthy addition to this list, too.
There are excellent sparkling-wine options from around the world and at every price point to help ring in the new year. Just remember: It always tastes better in a white wine glass than a traditional flute, which generally doesn’t allow the aromas to shine (Credit: Getty). Getty
Altemasi Millesimato 2010 Brut Trento DOC
Beautifully lactic aromas are joined by mashed pear and apple, ripe apricot, and honeysuckle, and turn to flavors both rich and creamy, with distinct butterscotch, cooked honey, lemon drops, cobbler shell, and brown butter, all finishing with lingering whispers of hazelnut and dulce de leche. Approx. $35
Champagne Besserat de Bellefon Grande Tradition Brut NV
A lovely nose of fresh-baked biscuits, lemon, stone fruit, and yellow apples, and lively, lemon-driven flavors layered with mineral, spice, cranberry, Granny Smith apple, and a finish that hints at springtime flowers. With fried foods and cream sauces, this will absolutely sing. Approx. $36
Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée Extra Brut NV
Gunflint is juxtaposed with heather aromas on the lemon-pith-kissed nose, but it’s on the palate that this gem really expresses itself: A creamy mousse carries vibrant flavors of lemon curd, cherries, and a hint of wild strawberries, finishing with honeysuckle, almond blossom, gently caramelized pear, and a warm caramel. Concentration and finesse coexist brilliantly here. SRP: $50
Champagne Palmer & Co. Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
What a transporting nose, with hot slate, lemon curd, hazelnuts, and graham-cracker pie crust, and a palate both bright and toasty, delivering a world of white tea, subtle berry notes, hard apricot, Granny Smith apple, and fantastically balanced acidity keeping the more biscuit-like flavors fresh and energetic.
