During the holidays, sparkling wine is often the go-to beverage and rightfully so—at its peak, it’s one of the most satisfying adult beverages in the world. Naturally, that peak is in the Champagne region.
Though much has been made of the value of grower Champagnes from the big houses in Champagne, the bubbly can be quite expensive, with sparkling wine’s popularity exploding in recent years. Nonetheless, tremendous quality can be found elsewhere. Sparkling wines are now being made in the unlikeliest of places: Tasmania, New Zealand, the United States, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Italy. Even areas of France besides Champagne—the Loire Valley, Alsace, Burgundy, southern France—offer tremendous value.
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Need proof? Start with a visit to The Wine Merchant in Clayton, where a non-vintage Kraemer Brut, created from Chardonnay grapes grown in southern France, is a mere $7.99. For a sip of New Mexico, consider Gruet’s (New Mexico) multi-vintage, zero-dosage Sauvage for $16.99. Looking to branch out beyond Chardonnay grapes? Consider the 2012 Relats de Recaredo Brut Nature Gran Reserva ($27.99), made with class Cava grapes and created with a lot of nutty and oxidative aromas and flavors. Finally, for $46.99, try the top-quality 2005 Foreau Vouvray Brut Réserve, made from Chenin Blanc grapes grown in the Vouvray region of France. This last wine would be a real fun wine for your Champagne friends to blind-taste.
This holiday season, whether you’re buying to toast the new year or looking for gifts, venture beyond the predictable by trying some bubbly from outside Champagne. You might just be pleasantly surprised.
Olds is an advanced sommelier and corporate beverage director for Louie’s Wine Dive and Extra Brut.
