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.
Artesa was forged by a dreamy coupling of traditional Spanish style and cool-climate Carneros soils. This unique marriage creates estate-grown grapes that yield captivating wines with an old-wold distinction. When it comes to sparkling let's just say the family owners have a bit of experience. As one of the largest producers of Cava in Spain, the Cordoniu's created this stateside bubbly in Carneros at Artesa. Its lovely red fruits float off the effervescence while maintaining the complexity from its laborious methode champenoise production.
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
Dom Pérignon Rosé is a tribute to Pinot Noir. To work with Pinot Noir continually requires excellence and humility. In that regard, Dom Pérignon Rosé is a paradox to the point of contradiction as it is the perfect balance of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Although it took over ten years to reach the light of day, the color of Dom Pérignon Rosé dares to express all the tension between youth and maturity, between exhibition and restraint. Dom Pérignon Rosé keeps the Pinot Noir promise by making it sing out loud, on a clear, vibrant and fragile note.
Maybe you've watched Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette one too many times, or you just love a sure thing when it comes to Champagne. Either way, this elegant bottle of Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose has been the benchmark for sparkling rose for more than 40 years, and comes corseted in its own rose gold cage lingerie so win-win. Winning. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes grown on 10 different "crus" or villages, it's the perfectly racy, indulgent way to celebrate your first New Year's Eve together.
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
Luna Nuda, or naked moon, is your new spirit animal in a bottle. Based on centuries of Italian winemaking heritage, this family-owned winery follows the waxing and waning of the moon to create grape greatness. Their Prosecco is as crisp and refreshing as it is elegant with ripe apple and floral notes. Serve it up at your next viewing party or alongside your favorite Pad Thai.
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.
It's that yellow label, baby! One of the most popular Champagnes in the world, Veuve Clicquot is consistently first rate. Clicquot's chef de cave Dominique Demarville and his team blend up to 500 base wines to make a final cuvee that is as exceptional as it can possibly be. And it's a pretty exceptional gift alongside its own chic little bag.