New Year’s sparkling wine 2021 recommendations, where the focus is on value
This is not a great year for sparkling wine — lots of spot shortages, lots of too high prices thanks to the sport shortages, and so on and so forth. But never fear: the WC’s focus is on value with these four wines. Keep in mind the blog’s annual wine gift guidelines and our sparkling wine primer.
• Lucien Albrecht Crémant Brut NV ($23, sample, 12.5%): This French bubbly was once one of the world’s great wine values, but the price has increased by almost one-half since then. Having said that, it’s still worth buying — a bit soft (apples and stone fruit instead of citrus), but that’s a terroir and grape thing, given the wine is made mostly with pinot blanc in Alsace. Highly recommended. Imported by Foley Family Wines
• Dr. Loosen Riesling Extra Dry Sekt NV ($23, sample, 12%): Very well done riesling sparkling from Germany, with wonderful balance and those tight, delicious bubbles. Quite fresh, with tart green apple fruit and not especially sweet even though it’s extra dry. Imported by Loosen Bros USA
• Bouvet Brut NV ($12, purchased, 12%): Once again, the French Bouvet is a stunning value — zippy mouth feel and lemon apple fruit in a wine that puts other $12 sparklers to shame. Buy a case! Imported by Kobrand
• Bruno Paillard Champagne Brut Premiere Cuvée NV ($56, sample, 12%): Classic Champagne, made in the crisp, fresh, and less yeasty style, and a tremendous value given what Champagne costs. Look for citrus and green apple fruit and maybe some caramel in the back. Imported by Serendipity Imports
More about New Year’s sparkling wine
• New Year’s sparkling wine 2020
• New Year’s sparkling wine 2019
• New Year’s sparkling wine 2018
• Expensive wine 147: Laherte Freres Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV
• The good old days of Texas Champagne
Photo:
New Year’s sparkling wine 2020 recommendations, because value and quality matter