A very interesting thing has been happening in the wide world of wine over the last several years. Sparkling wine is becoming both more flavorful, more approachable, food friendly and is just plain fun. Plus bringing a sparkling wine to a party can be more economical than a traditional bottle of wine. 

Officially, champagne of course can only come from the region of Champagne, France. The name champagne is protected by the Coite Interprofessional du Vin du Champagne (CIVC), and they have a staff of eight lawyers to prosecute those that misuse the name — from wineries, to chocolatiers, to tea makers. Even the Yves Saint-Laurent perfume Champagne was banned in 1993 after a lawsuit by the Champagne vintners, and the champagne-colored iPhone introduced by Apple in 2013 was ultimately called gold after the CIVC threatened a lawsuit.

There are a few exceptions to this rule for American sparkling wineries. In 2006, a French-American trade agreement was established that allows any American sparkling producer who had used the term “champagne” on their bottle prior to 2006 to continue to do so as long as they included a U.S. geographical region to differentiate it. Therefore, some U.S. producers are legally allowed to use terms like “California champagne” on their labels. 

In recent years, sparkling wine has become more of an everyday product versus a strictly celebratory one. Younger consumers like the fact that sparkling wines have a lower alcohol content (around 10-11% compared to traditional wines that start at around 12% and can often be up to 14%). When COVID hit, the at-home consumption occasion of sparkling wines skyrocketed. We were looking for ways to celebrate even the little wins at home or participate in virtual happy hours. A major trend for sparkling wines is pink or rosé. One statistic I recently saw, was that sparkling wine is the only major category of wine that has experienced large growth between 2016 and 2022. It’s showing up on more bar and restaurant glass pour lists and is becoming the first pour in most winery tasting flights. 

I asked Danielle Anderson from The Corkscrew and Zach Sweet from It’s All About Wine (remember to shop local) for their holiday wine recommendations. 

First, here are recommendations from The Corkscrew.

• Unshackled Sparkling Rosé – It is made with chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, has aromas of apricot and yellow peach and is from California’s The Prisoner Wine Company. Pair with salmon. NV – $24.99
• Prosper Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir – It is a red burgundy with elegant, dark red fruit from the Bourgogne Region of France. Pair with grilled fish, fowl or barbequed meats. 2020 – $32.99 
• Gruet Demi Sec Sparkling – With a fresh and delicate style, this sparkling wine from New Mexico opens with aromas of fresh apples, pears and peaches. Drink as an apéritif, or it is nice with triple cream cheeses and fresh fruits like pears, strawberry or mango. NV – $17.99 
• Vidal Fleury Saint-Joseph – This one is a full red. It has on the nose blackcurrant, spice (nutmeg, pepper), strong and elegant tannin, and is fresh in the middle with a touch of oak. The complex and long flavors are based on blackcurrant, smoked ham and some black tea. Serve with turkey or wild game. 2014 – $26.99 

And now here are Zach’s recommendations from It’s All About Wine. 

• Balan Prosecco Brut – It has aromas of crisp green apples, white peaches and delicate white flowers, and it is accompanied by hints of citrus zest and a touch of fresh-cut herbs. Prosecco is a versatile wine, perfect to pair with charcuterie or even pizzas. $22
• Chemistry Sparkling Rose of Pinot Noir – This is a lovely Willamette Valley sparkling wine made from a 100% pinot noir. There are notes of cherry and strawberry on the nose followed by hints of rose petals. Pair with brunch dishes such as a hearty salad with seared salmon or pork. $20
• Schramsberg Blanc De Blanc – This California wine is 100 percent chardonnay. It has on the nose, bright and refreshing scents of green apples, crisp pears, citrus zest and hints of custard. It could even be paired with something fried like chicken or fries. 375ml – $25 or 750ml – $43
• Andre Clouet Brut Nature “Silver” – This is a grower champagne produced from 100% pinot noir that comes from the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. It has hints of green apples and fresh pears, and pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes. During the holidays, it is perfect for oysters or seafood. $58

Thank you, Danielle and Zach. In the mood for a little holly and jolly? Toss a candy cane in your flute for an extra holiday cocktail.   

“If life brings you troubles, drink some sparkling wines, then your problems will just become bubbles.” – Unknown 

About

Lincoln Land Community College offers credit programs in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management and Baking/Pastry, and non-credit cooking and food classes through LLCC Community Education.

Cooking or food questions? Email epicuriosity101@llcc.edu.