Greetings Holiday revelers! Katy Long here to tell you about one of my favorite wine obsessions! I am a fan of bubbles all year round, but there’s something about gatherings, holidays, and festive merriment that seem to make bubbly wines an even more appropriate choice.
There are many types of sparkling wines out there, and at a range of prices. It can feel overwhelming to choose a wine that will suit the occasion, crowd and flavors that you’re hoping to highlight. So, before you go with your good ol’ standby bottles, I invite you to check out some recommendations. Some are easy to find at your local bottle shop or grocery store, and some require a little more discovery. But, if you join me on the journey you may just find a new favorite, and I bet you’ll have fun in the process.
Here’s a list of six sparkling wines, representing a range of prices, styles, and regions, that would make an excellent "must-try" list for the holidays to elevate your holiday experience.
Prosecco DOCG (e.g., La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC Treviso, ~$15)
Why: Prosecco is a light, approachable sparkling wine with fruity and floral notes, making it perfect for casual holiday gatherings. The DOC designation ensures higher quality, and its crowd-pleasing profile pairs well with appetizers like prosciutto and melon, baked Brie, Marcona almonds and fried olives.
Crémant de Bourgogne (e.g. Louis Picamelot En Chazot N.V. Crémant de Bourgogne ~$39)
Why: Crémants are French sparkling wines made outside Champagne but using the traditional method. In particular, Crémants from Burgundy are made from the same grapes as in Champagne and can offer excellent value for money. This 100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir expression shows red and green apple, both fresh, delicate and complex with good palate weight, and pairs beautifully with a range of holiday foods.
Cava (e.g., Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Gran Seleción, ~$15)
Why: This Spanish sparkling wine provides an elegant option at an affordable price point. Crisp, clean and well balanced, this Cava enjoys 12-18 months on lees, resulting in rich flavors of brioche, pear, apple, citrus and hints of ginger. Its zestyness and depth makes it a great match for brunch or festive meals like seafood paella.
Non-Vintage Champagne (e.g., Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee N.V. Champagne ~$100)
Why: Champagne is the ultimate holiday indulgence. A high-quality non-vintage Champagne offers a perfect balance of bright acidity, creamy texture, and complex flavors of citrus, almond, and yeast. It’s a sophisticated choice for toasts and celebrations. Comprised of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier, and cellar aged for twice as long as required by appellation regulations, this is a bold bottle of bubbly.
Why: Sparkling rosé is festive, versatile, and visually stunning in the glass. Laetitia is a standout producer from California’s Central Coast. This traditional method sparkler is vibrant, berry-forward, with a hint of creaminess. The refreshing style is infinitely versatile from ala carte sipping to pairing with the main course.
A personal favorite of our founding Wine Sister Terry Wheatley, Schramsberg Brut Rosé is fruitful, complex and dry, making it both versatile with food and delicious by itself as an apéritif. The character of the wine is most strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown along Californias North Coast from southern Mendocino County to northern Marin County. A few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skinsto add depth and subtle color to this vibrant sparkling wine. Chardonnay gives spice, structure and length on the palate.
Muscato d’Asti (e.g. Elio Perrone Moscato d’Asti Sourgal 2023 ~$20)
Why: Effortlessly Approachable, Moscato d'Asti is lightly sparkling ("frizzante") and low in alcohol (typically around 5-6%), making it perfect for casual sipping. Its sweet, fruity profile with notes of ripe peach, apricot, and honeysuckle appeals to a broad range of palates, especially those new to wine. Serve as the dessert or pair with cheeses, fruit-based tarts, sponge cakes, or almond cookies.
Why These Choices Work
- Diverse Styles: From light and fruity Prosecco to complex and rich Champagne, to low alc. And lightly sweet, there is something in this selection that appeals to all palates.
- Food Pairing Versatility: Sparkling wines are incredibly food-friendly, complementing traditional holiday dishes and finger foods alike.
- Price Range: There is a sparkler for your occasion and audience, from novices seeking value to enthusiasts ready to splurge.
- Celebratory Feel: The effervescence of sparkling wines enhances the festive atmosphere of any holiday occasion.
Cheers!
What's in your bubbly glass this season?
