Ten sparkling wines to party

The pandemic has not slowed down sales of sparkling wines, on the contrary! But the bubbles will taste even better this year, since they will be enjoyed in good company. Here are the ten choices of our two collaborators, Véronique Rivest and Karyne Duplessis Piché, to celebrate the holiday season.

Best choice around $ 15

Champagne remains of course the benchmark, but there are plenty of styles of sparkling wines, and for all budgets. And there are good and bad in all price ranges! Here are our top picks at affordable prices.

Segura Viudas Reserva Brut Cava, $ 14.75 (158493), 12%

A wine that has been on our shelves for a very long time. It represents the same good value for money today as it did 30 years ago. And its price has hardly changed since then. The wine is very simple, but it is dry, clean, fresh and light, with a good hold in the mouth. Hard to ask for more at this price. Easy to drink, it can be enjoyed plain or in a cocktail. (VR)

Botter Santi Nello Prosecco, $ 16.05 (10540730), 11%

This prosecco from the Italian house Botter stands out from the majority of other sparkling wines from this region. It is certified organic, its taste is not very sweet and its price is affordable. Once the cap is sautéed, the notes of ripe apple and flowers make the bouquet quite complex and pleasant. The bubbles are abundant and fruity. It will be perfect as an aperitif to accompany savory bites or at brunch, served as a mimosa. (KDP)

Discoveries

One is distinguished by its method of production and the origin of its fruit, the other has an astonishing Quebec touch. In both cases, these bottles will delight the guests and fuel the discussions during the evening.

Domaine des Hauts Baigneux Spontané 2020, $ 24.95 (13879801), 10.5%, organic

The estate is in Touraine, but this wine is made from grapes from the southwest: sémillon, len de lel and mauzac. Made according to the ancestral method, it is bottled before all the sugar is converted into alcohol, and finishes its fermentation in the bottle, trapping the carbon dioxide. A method also known under the name of pet nat (natural sparkling), which gives fruity wines, with less effervescence. This one is aromatic and charming, with notes of yellow fruits, orange, white flowers. Juicy, fresh and invigorating, it gives off an impression of purity. Not very complex, but original, full of life and delicious! (VR)

Domaine Wach Crémant d’Alsace Brut 2018, $ 26.10 (14,746,971), 12.5%

Impossible to resist the aromas of anise, biscuit and baked apples of this Crémant d’Alsace. What a beautiful nose! The pleasure continues on the palate with an aerial attack, followed by a gourmet, spicy palate, punctuated by very fine bubbles. Its spicy notes come from aging in acacia barrels before the fermentation in the bottle. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc come together in this crémant from the Wach family estate. Ah, and an interesting detail: this wine has a Quebec touch, since sommelier Jessica Ouellet, born in Estrie, is part of the vineyard. (KDP)

Through rose-colored glasses

In recent years, sales of rosé wines have exploded. And sparkling wines are no exception to the trend. So much the better: bubbles are festive, and pink bubbles even more! And they multiply the possibilities of pairings at the table.

Parés Baltà Pink Brut Cava, $ 17.95 (12888043), 11.5%, Organic

Made by the Cusiné family, this cava is hard to beat for its value for money. From biodynamic viticulture, it is made with Grenache, Parellada and Macabeo. The nose is discreet, but charming, with notes of raspberry, red apple, a hint of jujube. A very slight residual sugar accentuates its fruity character, but a fresh acidity and fine bubbles balance it out, leaving the impression of a dry, fresh and light wine, very easy to drink. At this price, no need to deprive yourself! (VR)

Vitteaut-Alberti Crémant de Bourgogne, $ 25.15 (12536101), 12%

The Vitteaut-Alberti house has been marketing this crémant rosé in Quebec for several years. He’s nothing new, but he’s still so good. Based on Pinot Noir, its aromas of red and black berries are reminiscent of the sweet scents of early summer. On the palate, the structure, bitterness and finesse of the bubbles enhance its complexity a notch. It all ends with a long and spicy finish. Surprise the whole table by serving it with red meat. (KDP)

To wow the gallery

Pop! When the champagne is slashed, the magic can begin. It is possible to arouse so many emotions by serving bubbles from lesser-known regions, made by small winegrowers and at slightly lower prices. This is the case with these two bottles.

Tissot Crémant du Jura Rosé, $ 37.25 (13236670), 12.5%, organic

Made with Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau, by an exceptional winemaker, this Crémant is a true expression of the terroir. With a sustained color, it offers a discreet, but dense nose, with a vinous impression, notes of red apple, cranberries, herbs, but also something reminiscent of the earth, root vegetables. Rich, full-bodied and very dry on the palate, with some tannic roughness that adds even more nuance and depth. Very complete, it has nothing to envy to other much more expensive wines. (VR)

Champalou Vouvray Brut, $ 29.35 (13031973), 13%

Sometimes very dry and tense, sometimes honeyed and sweet, Chenin Blanc makes it possible to produce a wide variety of wines. It reveals itself in this bottle of bubbles. And what beautiful bubbles! This wine is produced in Vouvray, in the Loire Valley, by the Champalou family. In the glass, the aromas of citrus, cookies and yellow fruits are inviting. On the palate, the wine is very dry, but it does not lack gluttony or complexity. Its notes of toast and fruit persist for a very long time. (KDP)

Champagne!

Champagne: from this cold and ungrateful land some of the greatest wines are born. Perfect for an aperitif, good champagnes are also great gastronomic wines and will surprise you with their versatility at the table.

Louis Roederer Collection 242 Brut Champagne, $ 77.75 (268771), 12%

An admirable house, founded in 1766, but completely in tune with the times. Leader in organic and biodynamic viticulture, it is a model to follow. This first edition of the Collection, which replaces Brut Premier, is based on the 2017 vintage, with a high percentage of reserve wines, including a perpetual reserve. Very harmonious and melted, with notes of pear, almond and brioche. The wine is fine and elegant, with depth, very fine bubbles and a long finish with chalky notes. A great classic. (VR)

Champagne Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Sainte-Anne, $ 55 (14728991), 12%

Small vineyard, great wine, here is what sums up this champagne. Very close to Reims, the Chartogne-Taillet family owns ten hectares of vines and works as naturally as possible. The Sainte-Anne cuvée is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Yet the result is unconventional. Delicate, saline and subtly spicy on the palate, its aromas are reminiscent of liquorice and yellow fruits. Champagnes of artisan, nature, and sold at this price do not run the streets. Don’t miss it! (KDP)