I'm going to be on Hugh Hewitt's radio show this afternoon (at 3:40) to talk about sparkling wines for New Years. Since Hugh is the official California Wine Sommelier, I've limited my selections to California sparklers (but Francophiles can check out my r eviews of Champagnes):
$50+
Schramsberg Reserve - A great sparkler with a substantial dollop of Pinot Noir that makes it a wonderful and versatile food wine. Try to find one with some age (I've reviewed the 1992 and 1997).
Schramsberg J. Schram - A Blanc de Blancs of the highest quality. I'm going to serve the 1997 on New Years' Eve with Seafood Paella (I reviewed the 1992 here).
$25 - $50
Schramsberg Brut Rose - A great food wine; reviewed here.
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs - Another couple of favorites from Schramsberg. (In my opinion, Schramsberg is currently the best US sparkling wine producer. Period.) I reviewed the 1999 Blancs and Noirs.
$15 - $25
Domaine Carneros Brut - A lovely wine which matches well with a lot of foods but also makes a nice apertif.
Domaine Mumm - Offers a number of very reliable wines in this price range; typically sourced from Napa Valley. The Brut and Blanc de Noirs are particular favorites.
Gloria Ferrer Brut - Sourced from Sonoma County, this wine is a good bargain at about $18 or so.
Under $15
For the most part, this price range puts you in Korbel-land, which is fine, but if we can stray north of the California border up to Washington state, we can pick up a real bargain:
Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs - A lovely Chardonnay based sparkler at a remarkably low price (I've seen it as low at $10).
