25 Sparkling Wines For A Dazzling Holiday Season

Tis the season for bubbles. There is nothing more festive than the pop of a cork on a bottle of bubbly. I drink sparkling wine year-round, but there is something about the effervescence of bubbles that makes the holiday season more festive and fun. When it comes to toasting a happy and healthy New Year, bubbles are a must!

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, many of us will be looking for the best bubbly to ring in 2023.  There is a spectrum of wines to toast the New Year.  We are talking Champagne, Prosecco, Crémant, Cava, Lambrusco, Moscato d’Asti and Sparkling Wines from the New World. The best part is that some of these wines are affordable and are even of incredible value.

While sparkling wines are a great celebratory way to ring in the New Year, remember that they have great acidity, making them a wonderful choice as an aperitif or paired with food.  They are ideal pairings with rich holiday feasts like brisket and duck or anything creamy and fried.  More importantly, these are sparkling wines to be celebrated and consumed year-round.  Try them with some of my favorites like caviar and oysters or with basic comfort food like mac and cheese, pizza, fried chicken, potato chips, or french fries.

Is it even a holiday celebration if you don’t pop open a bottle of bubbly?  Here are 25 sparkling wines for a dazzling holiday season.

FRANCE

Champagne Leclerc Briant Brut Reserve (SRP $85) delivers the depth and fruitiness expected of a Champagne made from 80% black grapes, with underlying flavors of brioche and almond. The 20% Chardonnay brings an underpinning of lemony acidity, giving an impression of lightness and freshness.  It pairs wonderfully with a sautéed filet of fish or slow-cooked pork. The perfect addition for a celebration, dinner party or gathering!

Champagne Lanson Le Rosé (SRP $85) is one of the first rosé Champagnes created.  Le Rosé benefits from more than 60 years of rosé-making experience at Lanson. Made of 53% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier, from 50% Grand and Premier Crus.  Fine scents of raspberry, pomegranate and blood orange enhance a delicate note of rose. On the palate, a beautiful mineral crispness is accompanied by subtle floral and fruity notes of strawberry.

Champagne Pommery Grand Cru 2008 (SRP $85) originates from grands crus, with exceptional aging potential, it is necessary to wait to taste a Pommery vintage at its zenith: the precise moment when all the components are in harmony and when maturity, freshness and complexity come together.  The great Pinot Noir presents itself with notes of crushed strawberries.  A mineral structure fills the palate from the attack to the finish like a spine. The finish is punctuated by a nice sweetness, marked by flavors of blood orange.

Champagne Henriot Hemera 2008 (SRP $225)  has rested for more than 13 years in Henriot’s cellars. A cuvée among the most emblematic of the Maison Henriot, Hemera Brut vintage champagne pays tribute to the Greek goddess of Day. A rare and exceptional champagne, Hemera combines wonderfully in singular vintage a blend of six Grand Crus.  Lively and elegant, the palate unveils with harmony a delicate and precise structure.  Perfect Champagne for a New Year’s Eve dinner party.

Champagne Billecart Salmon Nicolas François 2008 (SRP $260) has great texture with a strong personality and an incredible intensity curbed by its fully integrated low dosage. The finish develops towards notes of toasted bread and bergamot. This is an impressive vintage with great depth. Tense and mineral driven, it is characterized by an elegant vinosity and offers you all the distinction of a well-aged champagne.  A vintage Champagne that is well worth the splurge.

Champagne Palmer & Co. Brut Reserve (SRP $65) has notes of citrus, pear, and apricot aromas with discrete notes of hazelnut and buttery brioche. Succulent and substantial with an unfettered freshness. The model of balance.  This flagship wine, is crafted from a selection of the most prestigious terroirs in Champagne and is distinguished by its elegance and finesse—the timeless signature of the Palmer style.

Champagne Boizel Brut Reserve (SRP $60) has an inviting texture that is seductive, both fresh and supple and well-balanced. The aromas develop with more concentrated notes of candied pear and acacia honey.  The finish is rich and persistent.  It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser this holiday season.

Champagne Vollereaux Blanc de Blancs Brut (SRP $65) is called upon to celebrate, add sparkle and pay homage, becoming a synonym for joy, happiness and cheerfulness. With its casual-chic style, Champagne Vollereaux creates the occasion and elevates any moment.  After a forthright, pure and dry first impression in the mouth, we discover a round and supple wine.

Gerard Bertrand An 825 Cremant de Limoux Brut 2021 (SRP $20) from Limoux is another fun choice for celebrations.  Chardonnay-led, with Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir also in the blend, the crémant very much reflects the ‘South of France’ personality. The year 825 is a special nod to the year the nearby Benedictine abbey of Saint Hilaire was first erected, ultimately becoming the historical birthplace of sparkling wine. Excellent present for history buffs.

Meyer-Fonné Cremant d’Alsace Brut Extra (SRP $25) – The winemaker Félix Meyer is a rising star in Alsace and has an evident instinct for his craft.  The winery and family home is in the village of Katzenthal, known for its distinctive granite soils. Racy and elegant, his wines are difficult to resist young but have all the right qualities for the cellar. For aromatic and textural seductiveness, no one in Alsace can top Meyer-Fonné.  A fun and unique bubbly to ring in the New Year!

Côté Mas Cremant De Limoux Brut Rose ((SRP $15) – Innovation and a passion for the Languedoc is what drives Jean-Claude Mas. This cremant is a lovely pink with delicate and persistent bubbles. Refined scents of honeysuckle, peach and apricot lead way to a soft mouthfeel of grapefruit and a hint of blood orange. An excellent aperitif that pairs well with all styles of cuisine.

SPAIN

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad (SRP $30) – The Reserva Heredad’s dark-amber bottle pays homage to the Segura estate located in the D.O. Cava region in Spain, just outside of Barcelona, vineyards and storied winemaking traditions that have driven Segura’s winemaking team, led by Meritxell Parera, to continue producing distinctively crisp and refreshing Cavas. The Reserva Heredad is not only eye-catching but will leave a long-lasting impression this holiday season.  

NEW WORLD

Domaine Nico Catena Brut Rose Argentina (SRP $45) – Founded by Laura Catena, Domaine Nico makes Pinot Noir using grapes from family vineyards in Tupungato, Uco Valley in Argentina. Despite their primary focus on red wines, they ventured into new territory by launching their first sparkling wine, which was developed in a fruit-forward style. A fantastic sparkling wine that will add brightness and joy to your holiday celebration.

Jansz Tasmania Rosé (SRP $30) hails from a cool latitude and maritime climate that is ideal for producing elegant sparkling wines with powerful fruit flavors and high natural acidity.  With Pinot Noir as the key player, the delicious flavors of strawberries and cream, rose petals, turkish delight and fresh brioche are on full display. An elegant and unique wine that will be the highlight of the party.

Frank Family Vineyards Brut Rosé Napa Valley 2017 (SRP $60) originates from Frank Family’s estate Lewis Vineyard in Napa’s acclaimed Carneros region, where the nearby Pacific Ocean’s maritime influence orchestrates cool temperatures – the ideal stage for cultivating cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, resulting in exceptional sparkling wines. The 2017 Frank Family Vineyards Brut Rosé, a 100% Pinot Noir, strikes a harmonious balance between richness and acidity, rendering it the ideal companion for your holiday ham or turkey.

Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs (SRP $23) – Sonoma County is blessed with a long growing season—warm days, cool nights and minimal rain—which present ideal conditions for ripening grapes while preserving their acidity. The palate is crisp and dry with a long mouthwatering finish. This sparkling wine pairs marvelously with spring rolls, fried calamari or scallops, and makes a wonderfully refreshing addition to cocktails.

Roederer Estate Brut Rosé Anderson Valley (SRP $35) – The Roederer Estate Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Both the blend and the addition of the small amount of red wine create a charming wine of discreet finesse. The Roederer Estate Rosé is full and round with smooth flavors and a fine, persistent mousse. The extra measure of Chardonnay contributes elegance and austerity that balance nicely with the delicate fruitiness of the Pinot Noir.

Scharffenberger Rosé Mendocino County Sparkling Wine (SRP $30) – A California native, Scharffenberger Cellars has produced sparkling wines with the same quality and philosophy since 1981, using the French “méthode traditionnelle”, crafted from the best Mendocino fruit.  The wine has a pale salmon hue with integrated aromas of fresh raspberry jam and wild strawberries on a cream-covered pastry base. The flavors are layered, round, fresh, fruity and long.

Dutcher Crossing Posterity Reserve Blanc de Blancs Dry Creek (SRP $56) – This sparkling Blanc de Blancs is made from their estate Chardonnay in Dry Creek Valley, using the “Traditional Method”.  This is a lovely sparkling on its feet right from the first glance.  Aromas of golden delicious apples, pineapple, bread dough, floral notes, and baked apple lead into flavors of lemons, guava, and granny smith apples, with hints of nuttiness and wet stone.  For fun yet simple pairing, enjoy it with buttered popcorn.

ITALY

Zenato Lugana Metodo Classico Brut (SRP $33) – This  Lugana sparkling wine from Zenato is made with 100% Trebbiano di Lugana grapes and it is made with the Classic Method.  The clean bouquet gives soft, encompassing impressions of pear and apple with persuasive shades of peach and citrus fruits. There is a balance of full flavor on the palate, effervescent and delicate. It is characterized by a silky vein of acidity that gives it an extremely clean taste.  An exceptional Italian sparkling wine from a renowned producer like Zenato will elevate your holiday gatherings.

Valdo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut (SRP $20) is a sparkling wine made with care and research in the vineyard. It has a bright straw yellow color with greenish reflections and a delicate floral aroma that blends with the fruity nuances of pear and golden apple. Valdo Prosecco is versatile and can pair well with fish or vegetable starters, seafood-based pasta and rice dishes.  Perfect for any celebration.

La Marca 2021 Prosecco Rosé DOC (SRP $19) – In 2020, Prosecco DOC Consortium welcomed Prosecco Rosé under the DOC labeling laws, and its popularity is on a meteoric rise. A bit of Pinot Noir is blended with Glera, which gives the wine a rosy hue and fresh fruit flavors. Floral notes round out this elegant sparkling wine. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement party or graduation, elevate the occasion with this luxurious sparkler.

Bottega White Gold Vino Spumante Venezia (SRP $35) – is a Venezia DOC wine obtained from the vinification of Glera, Chardonnay and Pinot grapes. With its great character, this Brut sparkling wine is fresh and elegant, representing an expression of the territory where grapes are grown, among the provinces of Treviso and Venice.  Soft and captivating, on the palate it creates a perfect balance between the freshness of the Glera grape, the body of the Chardonnay grape, and the acidity of the Pinot grape.

Maso Martis Blanc de Blancs Brut Trentodoc 2022 (SRP $39) comes from Trentodoc, the first denomination of Classic Method sparkling wines in Italy well known for its high-elevation wines. Maso Martis is a wine with an intense body and perfumes, and a slight aroma of yeast. It is a versatile sparkling wine that is elegant and suitable for all occasions.  It is beautifully delicate, well-balanced and fresh.  Sparkling wine from the Dolomites will surely become your new obsession for the holidays.

Cantina di Soliera Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce (SRP $18) is produced by a cooperative winery composed of over 400 of the best growers in Emilia-Romagna. Lambrusco di Salamino di Santa Croce is produced using the Charmat method. A brilliant ruby red color, vinous, intense, with a distinctive and fruity bouquet. On the palate, lightly sweet, pleasant and fresh. Pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes, roasted meats, and ham.

Ceretto Santo Stefano Moscato d’Asti 2022 (SRP $25) – This lively and aromatic, slightly sparkling wine provides aromas of yellow peaches, apricots and white flowers, complemented by refined bubbles. At once fragrant and alluring, this is a sweet wine that has an excellent balance between sugar and acidity. It is meant to be enjoyed both as an aperitif or as a dessert wine at the holiday table.