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5 Sparkling Wines to Ring in the New Year
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The countdown to celebrate the arrival of the new year begins. and like every self-respecting December 31st, there is no toast without a glass of sparkling wine to overflow. However, choosing a good bottle of bubbles is not always simple. Thanks to price variations,the difficulty of reading labels,and,in certain specific cases,a good dose of indecision,orientation is not immediate,especially below a certain spending threshold. That’s why we asked Louis Turano, a French-American sommelier from New York, to help us select 5 bottles of sparkling wine to uncork with friends and family, focusing on lesser-known and well-known territories. After his New York experiences at Racines and at the two Michelin stars SAGA, Turano moved to italy in 2023: he worked as a sommelier at the Osteria Fratelli pavesi in Piacenza for two years, before joining the opening team of Flower Milan.
Stephane Tissot – Cremant du jura Blanc de Noirs
“Stéphane Tissot is one of the Jura‘s pioneering winemakers in regenerative agriculture and natural winemaking. Since the 1990s he has been producing reference wines in his small company in Arbois” Turano explains. As well as its usual range of still wines, it also produces a few different bottlings of sparkling wine. This one, made from 100% poulsard, is a Blanc de Noirs, meaning it’s made from red grapes. It’s a wine with a gorgeous amber hue, a delicate perlage, and aromas of red fruit, dried flowers, and a hint of spice. It’s a versatile sparkling wine that pairs well with appetizers, seafood, and even light desserts.
NV Domaine de la Pepiere – Brut Rose
“The Loire Valley is a fantastic source for value-driven sparkling wines, and Domaine de la Pepiere is a benchmark producer. They are committed to organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking” says Turano. This Brut Rosé is made from Cabernet Franc and pineau d’Aunis, two grapes that give the wine a vibrant pink color and a fresh, fruity aroma. It’s a dry, crisp sparkling wine with notes of red berries, citrus, and a subtle earthy undertone. It’s perfect as an aperitif or with charcuterie and cheeses.
NV Ulysse Sorin – Blanc de Noirs
“Ulysse Sorin is a small, family-owned producer in the Côte des Bar, a sub-region of Champagne known for its Pinot Noir. They make incredibly precise and elegant wines” Turano notes. This Blanc de Noirs is made from 100% Pinot Noir, giving it a rich, complex flavor profile. It has aromas of red fruit, brioche, and a hint of minerality. It’s a dry, full-bodied sparkling wine that pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, and creamy sauces.
NV Cantina di Custoza – Prosecco Superiore DOCG
“Prosecco Superiore DOCG from the Veneto region offers a step up in quality from standard Prosecco. Cantina di Custoza is a cooperative that consistently delivers excellent wines” explains Turano. This Prosecco Superiore is made from 100% glera grapes, grown on the hills of Custoza. It’s a dry, fruity sparkling wine with aromas of apple, pear, and white flowers.It’s a refreshing and easy-drinking sparkling wine that’s perfect for celebrations.
NV Ca’ del Bosco – Franciacorta Satèn DOCG
“Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to Champagne, and Ca’ del Bosco is one of its leading producers. They are known for their meticulous attention to detail and their commitment to quality” Turano states.This Satèn DOCG is a unique style of Franciacorta made exclusively from white grapes (Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco) and with a lower pressure,resulting in a softer,more delicate perlage. It’s a creamy, elegant sparkling wine with aromas of citrus, white flowers, and a hint of almond.It’s perfect with seafood, shellfish, and delicate desserts.
Key takeaways
- Explore beyond Champagne: Excellent sparkling wines are available from regions like Jura, Loire Valley, and Italy.
- Consider Blanc de Noirs: Sparkling wines made from red grapes offer unique flavor profiles.
- Look for quality designations: DOCG (Italy) and Superiore (
Worth a look