Three Holiday-Worthy Sparkling Wines
Nothing makes holiday entertaining more special than a crisp glass of bubbles. David Netzer, owner of our favorite wine merchant Wine House (829 26th Street at 3rd, Dogpatch; 415-355-9463), has curated three scintillating sparklers sure to please even the most particular palates. From a splashy Champagne to a budget-conscious Crémant to a surprisingly sophisticated Prosecco, these sippers are suitable for the season’s events — or any occasion.
NV Marc Hebrart Cuvee de Reserve Brut ($56.98)
Hebrart is among our very favorite Champagne producers. We carry virtually every wine that Jean-Paul Hébrart makes. For us, his wines have both complexity and a vivaciousness that make them impossible to resist. The Cuvée de Réserve, based on the 2018 vintage, is made from roughly 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, and aged for at least 24 months on the lees. As the esteemed author Peter Liem says, “Hébrart’s wines have a broad appeal: if you like to think about your wines, they’re intellectually engaging enough to satisfy you; on the other hand, if you’re just looking to drink, they’re simply delicious.”
NV Gratien & Meyer Cremant de Loire Brut Rose ($18.98)
This Crémant de Loire Rosé will reveal all its charms as an aperitif or with fish or white meat, and it is particularly good with desserts.Very fine salmon-pink color and fine beading. The nose offers subtle aromas of raspberry and strawberry with a hint of redcurrant. Fresh and smooth in the mouth, with an excellent sense of balance and a base of red berries including raspberry and blackcurrant. Blend: 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Chenin Blanc
2021 GIAVI SUI LIEVITI BRUT NATURE CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE ($24.99 $17,95)
It’s two wines in one! This is by far our driest Prosecco, made in the century-old traditional style. Secondary fermentation took place in the bottle and the lees are settled at the bottom. When first poured, it’s a sleek, extra dry sparkler. With gentle inversion of the bottle, integrating the lees, the result is a wine with a more nourished, wide mouth feel. Wine blogger Alder Yarrow calls it a “surprising, dynamic, interesting, flavorful, fun, and most importantly, delicious mouthful.”
What are you filling your glasses with this season?