For the Wedding
Find unique wedding gifts for the wedding itself plus bridal shower, groomsmen gifts and more at ThirstyNest.
Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right. F. Scott may as well have been writing about the historic French house of Ayala, because this is a non-vintage sparkler to stock by the case. You know, just in case you need a Champagne tower. On a Tuesday. Scoring #77 out of Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2011, this is a super-solid sparkler suitable for any and every occasion. It's light and fresh, driven by Chardonnay with hints of green fruit and almonds. Uncage that cork on your first NYE together or just your first morning as a married couple, we won't tell. Champagne secrets and all.
The icon that is Cristal is a bottle truly fit for a king...or a Tsar to be exact. The origins of this famous sparkling wonder started in 1876 when Tsar Alexander II asked Champagne Louis Roederer to essentially "up their game" and make something fitting of his stature. They proceeded to create a wine so luxurious and of such high quality that its reputation still precedes itself nearly a century and a half later. The 2009 vintage is no different with nearly unanimous 95+ point critical applause. Its great depth and richness, along with a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and crisp texture, are something to truly behold and treasure.
Ratings:
97 Points, CELLAR SELECTION Wine Enthusiast
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck
96+ Points Vinous
97 Points James Suckling
History buffs and ringers at trivia, you love a cocktail with a good backstory and sharing those icebreakers while toasting with friends and strangers. Commemorating Utah's role in the vote to end Prohibition, 36th Vote Barreled Manhattan from Park City's High West Distillery is a ready-to-drink cocktail in a bottle — and they chose the Manhattan for its classic appeal and timelessness. Using the pre-Prohibition recipe of two parts whiskey (High West Double Rye!) to one part sweet red vermouth (Quady Winery's Vya) and two dashes of Angostura bitters (Florida Distillers), then aged in the rye whiskey's American white oak barrel for 120 days to marry the flavors to make "a darn fine elixir to celebrate Repeal Day and thank Utah for its role in ending the Noble Experiment." Pour over ice and enjoy, or gift to a worthy pal!
We pray that all of your pain be Champagne from the House of Louis Roederer. This iconic sparkling mecca created a name for itself with its flagship bottle of Cristal. Brut Premier is the perfect example of that quality of indulgence with an everyday celebration accessibility. This bottle is characterized by crisp acidity and mineral texture layered with floral overtones. Pop it open to celebrate everything from a new job to a new fried chicken delivery spot around the corner. It pairs beautifully with either.
Ratings:
92 Points Wine Enthusiast
92 Points Wine Spectator
"Pretty darling, I love the way you soften my life with your love." Romantic lyrics sung sweetly across a firepit by your crooning partner on guitar, the proud flush in your cheeks on a crisp, fall night in the backyard with friends. New Zealand winemaker Kim Crawford gets that mood, and this campfire-infused Pinot Noir from his newly acquired boutique "Someone's Darling" winery in the Central Otago region is the perfect finessed and slightly fruity bottle — as discreetly sappy as the Loveblock of your relationship.
When it's date night and you want to celebrate after work but nothing sounds better than going zero to PJs in 60 seconds, this Italian bubbly has you (and your pizza delivery carpet picnic) covered. After 130 years of making Prosecco, they've seen it all and aren't the least bit snobby about it — partly why Mionetto is quickly becoming one of the most popular sparkling wines sold in the US. Lighter, slightly sweeter than champagne, with subtle hints of golden apples, almonds, and anise, this is a bubbly for literally any and every occasion.