Wine Guy: bubbly for the holidays

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I’m not going to lie, 2021 ended up bringing all the sensations.

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We may think that 2020 was an unprecedented year, but looking back, well, let’s just say that 2021 continued the trend of proving to be extraordinary. Under the circumstances, the only appropriate way to end the year seems to be by focusing its last days on sparkling wine.

May you find the opportunity to toast, greet or reflect on 2021 in your own meaningful way.

The Prosecco Rosé Brand, Italy ($ 19.99, # 60556)

This week the focus is on international flares. We’ll be bringing things home next week to wrap up the year with a look at the local bubblies. You can also start in Italy, where most sparkling wine is Prosecco, a bubbly that continues to enjoy growing popularity thanks to its typically laid-back style. That said, pink prosecco isn’t entirely common, and La Marca’s Prosecco Rosé certainly provides a cheery tone for the holidays. Made primarily from Glera with a hint of Pinot Noir grapes providing the rosy hue, this lively sparkler sparkles with hints of berries and orchard fruits before an easy, fresh finish.

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Bottom line: B +, all day, daily flare

Albet y Noya Pequeno Albet 2017 Cava Brut Reserva, Spain ($ 26.99, # 74714)

In Spain, cava reigns supreme as sparkling wine, and the heart of the cava country is the Penedès, Catalonia’s mountainous wine region that stretches west of Barcelona. The traditional grapes used in Cava are Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada, and you will find all three in this attractive bottle. Made from organically grown cultivars and the traditional bottled secondary fermentation method, Petit Albet features lean and angular, all with lemon peel, flint and herbs, but softens the mid-palate with a pleasant texture before tastier tones with a fresh finish. . It’s ready for Christmas brunch, for an inspired turkey pairing, or even to take away makeshift fried chicken.

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Bottom line: A-, Classic Cava

Louis Bouillot Perle d ‘Aurore Brut Rosé, France ($ 24.99 on sale until January 1, # 494856)

Another pink sparkler? Why yes, and why not. After all, traditional Christmas-themed red and white colors turn pink, and if there is only one bottle on the Christmas table, it is advisable to use pink by default. When it comes to French sparkling wines, the obvious default is champagne, but the reality for most is that the price of champagne makes it not a starter. Don’t worry, head to the country of Crémant. Crémant de Bourgogne, or Burgundy, in this example. Perle d ‘Aurore, a Pinot Noir-predominant salmon-colored sparkler, sparkles with aromas of crushed berries and vanilla and features invigorating acidity and overall round fruit. In short, it’s a tangy, juicy, and robust holiday-ready sparkler.

In short: B +, Fun and festive

The Swirl: Marquis Wine Cellars Grower Champagne Sale

On the other hand, if champagne is on your bucket list this holiday season, it makes sense to check out Marquis Wine Cellars’ champagne offer for growers! Grower Champagne is a smaller bubbly batch made by a oenologist which produces Champagne from grapes grown exclusively in its own vineyards and produced on site. From now until January 1, Marquis Wine Cellars is offering a 10% discount on orders of six or more bottles of Grower Champagne. See all offers in marquis-wines.com/grower-champagne/ .