Cheers to 2021!
After the year we’ve had it feels like we really need to usher in 2021 with a big ol’ bang. Below you’ll find a variety of my current favorite options for sparkling wines that are flavorful and unique. In case you’re looking for something else—a bold red to pair with that special meal you’re making, an IPA that packs a hoppy punch, or even a sake for the homemade sushi you’re rolling, stop on in and we can talk. We will be open until 5pm on New Year’s Eve and closed on New Year’s Day.
Mestres 1312 Cava | $17.99
Get out the Jamón and the manchego! Closer in taste to champagne than other sparkling wines, look to Spanish Cava when you’re looking for big flavor bubbles on a budget. This Mestres 1312 Cava is aged on the lees more than 18 months, over the usual 9 months resulting in an elegant, fruity, and fresh taste.
Brut Tradition Montlouis sur Loire Francois Chidaine 2018 | $28.99
From the natural viticulturalist, François Chidaine, who has earned a reputation as a leading sparkling specialist, this is remarkable wine at a great value. This Chenin Blanc is aged for 5-6 months on its fine lees in tank, then in bottle “sur lattes” for a minimum of 12 months. The result is a very crisp sparkling wine with notes of lime and pear.
Domaine Huet Vouvray Petillant Brut 2014 | $31.99
Compared to surrounding vineyards, the 80-year-old Huet estate is relatively young. Don’t let their age fool you, it quickly established itself as a consistent producer of world-class wines, and was an early adopter of biodynamic methods. You’ll find crisp minerality, honeycomb, and peaches. The Vouvray Petillant Brut is produced in the méthode traditionnelle, the second fermentation in bottle is started by adding a liqueur de tirage comprised of yeast and sugar at bottling. A roast chicken would be an excellent pairing for this bottle.
Madl Sektkellerei Von Den Weißen Brut 2013 | $46.99
On to Austria and the Weinviertel region from where this sparkling blend made of Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Riesling hails. Madl is a small family winery, started in 1990, in the village of Schrattenberg, on the Czechoslovakian border. Dry, lively on the palate with fine apple notes. This brut is fermented in stainless steel and spends 60+ months on the lees, yes, 60+ months!