Although the name “champagne” is often used to describe any sparkling wine, true Champagne can only come from Champagne, France and it is only made in the Traditional Method (Methode Champenoise) where the bubbles in the wine are obtained through a secondary fermentation inside each individual bottle. Even though Champagne is often the sparkling wine of choice, there are many different styles of sparkling wine and they come from many different regions.
French Bubbles
Henriot Brut Soverain Champagne from Champagne, France - $34.99
Symbolizing precision and balance, fresh and delicious in equal measure, Brut Souverain by Henriot carries the quintessential expression of the great Champagne terroirs. Made from a blend of 50% chardonnay, 45% pinot noir and 5% pinot meunier.
Lambert de Seyssel Petit Royal from Savoie, France - $18.99
High in the French Alps sits the Village of Seyssel where the grapes for Petit Royal are grown. This delicate sparkling wine is made from primarily Molette grapes with a bit of Altesse grapes blended in. Notes of Alpine flowers, dried fruit and wildflower honey.
Italian Bubbles
Ettore Germano Rosanna Brut Rose from Barolo, Italy - $31.99
From the commune of Serralunga in the southeast edge of Barolo, comes an amazing Brut Rose made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. Harvested early from young vines, this sparkling wine is dry, light and refreshing.
Spanish Bubbles
Mont Marcal Cava from Penedes, Spain – $14.99
A traditional cava blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada and Chardonnay, Cavas are perhaps the perfect rival to real champagne. They are delightful, affordable and made in the same method as champagne.
Domestic Bubbles
Roederer Estate Brut from Anderson Valley, California - $22.99
60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir Founded in 1982, Roederer Estate is nestled in Mendocino County’s fog-shrouded, Anderson Valley. As the California property of Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate builds upon a centuries-old tradition of fine winemaking.
