While sparkling wine is the wine of choice for special occasions, bubbly can be enjoyed any time and on any occasion. But you likely will want a sparkler that doesn’t carry the price tag of Champagne. Luckily, interesting, delicious and affordable sparkling wine is made just about everywhere on the planet. Often the Champagne grape varieties of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier are used, though many experiment with other varieties. I offer several from Italy, a couple from France and several from California to give you a head start. (NOTE: All are nonvintage, unless otherwise state.)
Outside of Champagne, French Méthode Champenois (or Méthode Traditionelle) is known as Crémant and is a fine value. Crémant De Limoux from the Languedoc region typically is distinguished with the addition of chenin blanc. The Côté Mas “M” Brut ($13) is 60% chardonnay, 20% chenin blanc, 10% pinot noir, and 10% mauzac – citrus, green apple, pear, creamy texture.
In Italy, it’s Metodo Classico. Franciacorta, from Lombardy, produces ripe, precise, complex, and silky bubbles. The 2017 Corte Bianca Rose Extra Brut ($48) is 80% pinot nero (noir), 20% chardonnay with a structure balanced between briskness and fullness, persistence, red berries, vanilla and mineral. The 1701 winery’s 2018 “Saten” Brut ($38) is 100% chardonnay, dry, fresh, with apple, orange, lemon and a salty note.
Alta Langa from southern Piedmont reportedly was Italy’s first sparkling wine, dating to the mid-1800s. The 2018 Enrico Serafino “Oudeis” Brut ($30), 80% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay, offers refined citrus, light toast, elegant palate and admirable complexity.
California also makes many fine sparkling wines. Most of the best use the traditional method and Champagne grapes pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot meunier.
Frank Family. A premier Napa Valley producer since its establishment in 1992, these wines are sourced from its acclaimed Lewis Vineyard in Carneros: 2016 Blanc de Blancs ($60), 100% chardonnay; lively citrus, delicate, rich; 2017 Brut Rosé ($60) 100% pinot noir; complex red berries, citrus, full, yet refined texture.
Laetitia. Another longtime favorite of mine. From the Arroyo Grande Valley in California’s Central Coast, these Estate grown bubbles are especially affordable. The Brut Cuvee RM ($29), 67% chardonnay, 33% pinot noir, offers apple, brioche, creamy lemon and toasty notes. The 2020 Brut Rosé RM ($29) 65% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir leans to strawberry, peach, and fresh bread.
Seppi. This is a new one to me and the wines are impressive. The debut project from Kelsey Phelps Finch, granddaughter of Napa Valley pioneer Joseph Phelps. The 2018 Blanc de Blancs ($48), 100% chardonnay, presents crisp green apple, grapefruit, toasted brioche and richness. The 2018 Brut Rosé ($52), 95% chardonnay, 5% pinot noir, shows raspberry with apple, pear and hints of baking spices.