Delamotte Blanc de Blancs
Bubbly sales continue to break records and, notes Christophe Juarez, CEO of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, “It’s a great time for Champagne, a statement that is further reinforced with the news that the U.S. has become the largest global importer of champagne.” This New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to imbibe in some of the best in bubbly (including Brad Pitt’s)—and given the demand it’s a good thing that so many producers across the globe are crafting sparkling with the same care and precision that they do In Champagne. If you cannot find your current favorite, look beyond to places such as Italy, Chile, and even England for sparkling inspiration.
Next year, consider opening a bottle of Champagne or sparkling on a Monday. Pro Tip — It will still taste fresh and fabulous days later if you treat it correctly. Pour a glass and then stopper it up immediately. It will last three to four days as long as you use a high-quality stopper (For the most hermetic seal try a Kloveo stopper) and keep in the fridge.
Coolest (and Chilean) Miguel Torres Estelado Pais Sparkling Brut Rose 2018: Crafted with the Pais grape grown in Chile—a native grape to the region—very fresh and floral, a pretty nose very much like a Provencal rose. Bright strawberry-raspberry fruit notes, white flowers and a touch of spice. A screaming deal at $18.99—stock the party with this one.
Champagnes
Champagne Lallier Grand Rose: Thirty-six months aged on the lees lends this beautiful rose a silky mousse-like texture and layered complexity. Bright sunny notes of wild strawberry give way to ginger spice and ripe apple. An elegant, pretty rosé to ring in the New Year.
Brad Pitt with his rose Champagne
Fleur de Miraval Rosé: From the grand success of Provencal rose, Chateau Miraval, we get this intriguing rose Champagne. A joint project between the Jolie-Pitt and Perrin families, Fleur de Miraval is the only Champagne house exclusively devoted to crafting Rosé Champagne. This expression is aged for three years on the lees. The palate brings wild strawberry and citrus notes together in harmony with toasty richness, and each Fleur de Miraval bottle is lacquered to ensure no light damages the wine before you get to enjoy it.
Pommery Cuvee Louise Blanc de Blancs, 2005: A vintage Champagne from Pommery that blends wines from the finest parcels of three distinct Grand Crus. The palate shows a creamy elegance with brioche, honey and citrus notes. Lacy, beautiful threads of bubbles and a harmonious finish make this the perfect wine to kick off a new year—nothing like starting at the top for 2023.
Champagne Jeeper Blanc de Blancs Grand Reserve, Brut: This intriguing Champagne is the product of a partnership between professional basketball player Tony Parker (he played for Paris Basket Racing before joining the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs) and Michel Reybier, owner of Château La Mascaronne in Provence. It’s a lively gem with soft mousse-like mouthfeel and a fresh, citrusy palate of lemon cream and ripe apple.
Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut (in a very cool Personalizable Metal Gift Box): Make it your celebration with a personalized gift box of Moet & Chandon Champagne –the company Our Cellar website personalizes a range of offerings, but the Imperial Brut is a sure-bet for New Year’s Eve. Notes of ripe apple, biscuit and lemon cream on the palate along with velvety bubbles make this one to drink all night.
Champagne Charles Ellner Cuvee Devant Brut: The label lights up—which makes this an absolutely perfect party bubbly, but it tastes delicious too…and that’s what really counts. Just lovely with notes of ripe pear and fuji apple, buttery toast and mineral.
Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blancs: Break out the oysters with this bottle—Founded in 1760, Champagne Delamotte is the fifth oldest house in Champagne. Delamotte is the sister house of Champagne Salon – one of the most coveted Champagnes in the world. Low dosage, a focus on fruit purity, and plenty of time on the lees, lends this bubbly a crisp, elegant profile with powerful complexity.
Italian Bubblies That Are Not Prosecco:
Endrizzi, Piancastello Zero, Trentodoc: Family-run and dedicated to organic farming and low-residual-sugar wines, this winery crafts some fascinating expressions, including this one—a blend Chardonnay and Pinot, aged for 48 months on the lees, and less and 2 grams of residual sugar. Flaky pastry crust, ripe pear and notes of ginger spice round out the palate.
Rotari ‘Flavio’ Riserva Brut Trentodoc: Flavio is a special Riserva produced with 100% Chardonnay grapes that are grown at high elevation, hand harvested and aged on the lees. This wine ages for five years, allowing for aromas of apple and pears backed by intriguing and intense hints of bread, pastry and candied fruit.
Ferrari Rosé NV, Trentodoc, NV: Made of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, this lovely rosé from northern Italy brims with notes of wild strawberries, lemon cream and mineral. Ferrari Trento is home to Italy’s most awarded sparkling wine collection; they’ve been awarded the “Best Sparkling Wine Producer” from the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships five times to date.
