Since most Champagnes are expensive/overpriced, it becomes obvious that seeking out sparkling wines from California, Burgundy, Spain or Italy should be your priority during this upcoming Holiday season !
All the products recommended in this article have been crafted in the traditionnal Champagne method : a second fermentation in the bottle to produce a lovely creamy froth from tiny bulles.
Here are my suggestions of fine sparklers for the Holiday season. All of these fine bubblies should be readily available in many SAQ outlets. Cheers !
SPARKLERS :
Ferrari Brut Trento, Italy 26,05 $ 10496898
This lovely Italian sparkler is made entirely with Chardonnay. Very flavorful for such a light bodied bubbly. Some complexity and evolution. Very charming and refined, a Blanc de Blancs with lots of character. Excellent! Score : 88/100
Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley California 35,25 $ 00294181
A superb California sparkler made by a reputed Champagne producer. When compared to its French cousin, it delivers more bang for your buck ($). Character and complexity with some residual sugar (12 gr/li) that adds richness and texture. A very flavorful sparkler from Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%). Score : 90/100
Pares Balta Cava Brut, Spain 17,95 $ 10896365
This excellent sparkler offers great value. From the classic spanish grapes : Parellada (58%), Macabeu (25%) and Xarel-lo (17%). Nose of good intensity displaying mineral, flowery and petroleum scents. A bit of residual sugar (5,3 gr/li), but remains fresh and lively. A well balanced Cava that should be discovered. Score : 88/100
Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Bailly-Lapierre, France 25 $ 11565015
Made entirely with Pinot Noir, this excellent Crémant reveals scents of green apple and toasted bread. Fairly high acidity and lingering bitterness add freshness and length. Lovely creamy froth in this great value sparkler. Score : 88/100
CHAMPAGNES : 2 Champagnes for those who wish to pay more!
Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs 78,75 $ 10796946
This delicate Blanc de Blancs Champagne is obviously made with 100% Chardonnay grapes. Pale gold colour, its complex and evolved nose displays scents of apple, pear and flowery hints. Finesse and freshness with good length, this lovely bubbly should satisfy the Champagne afficionado. Score : 90/100
Champagne 1er Cru Brut Pierre Gimonnet 61,75 $ 11553209
Made only with Chardonnay, this refined and elegant Champagne is a charmer. Complex nose with some evolution, it offers lovely scents of apple and tosted bread. Lively acidity adds freshness. Regardless of the 7 gr/l of residual, this lovely sparkler seems dry and remains refreshing. The fan of lively Champagne should enjoy this one! Score : 90/100
NICK HAMILTON
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