Wine Notes: Try an American Bubbly For Your Holiday Celebration

For the next two weeks, the fancy wines flow more often in American households than during any other time of the year. Everyone even moderately nerdy about wine splashes out by opening "special" bottles that they need an excuse to pop, and wine retailers throw all their best stuff on the endcaps, because they know you'll spend more than usual on your holiday purchase. Unfortunately, when it comes to Champagne, Euro exchange rates have thrown even basic non-vintage bottlings into the $35 and up range. And while those Moët & Chandon White Star and Veuve Clicquot bottles are perfectly enjoyable, it should be noted that American sparkling wines of equal (and often much better) quality can be purchased for far less money. That said, why not spend less, try something new, and impress your holiday visitors with a domestic bubbly? Here are our picks for your varied taste profiles and budgets:

Under $15:
Gruet Rose / Gruet Brut ($12.50 at Austin Wine Merchant) - This New Mexico (yes, New Mexico) producer has quietly become the go-to sparkler for case purchases for parties, weddings, and other such celebrations. The quality of the wine on offer here for $12 is awfully surprising. The Gruet Brut features pear and lemon flavors and a medium body, while the Rose offers lovely aromas of strawberries and a palate of red berry and bright, mild acidity. Forget the cheap grocery store stuff and grab this - you'll be pleased with the marked improvement in your bubbly, and you're practically buying local!

Korbel Rouge ($14.29 at Spec's) - This oddball of a sparkler made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir is not often seen in stores, but Spec's likes it enough to stock it during the holidays. It's a very exciting dark purple color, with rich aromas of raspberries on the nose and a flavor profile of spice, black cherry, and cream. It's rich, it looks beautiful, and your friends won't see anything like it at other holiday parties. At $14, it's a steal.

$15-20:
Schramsberg Mirabelle ($16.99 at Grapevine Market, $19.99 at Central Market) - We love the tiny bubbles, baked bread nose, and rich finish from this entry-level bottling from Schramsberg. The bread flavor is aided by tastes of apples, pears, and some mild sweetness that's good for those who like an off-dry style. A real crowd-pleaser for less than half the cost of Veuve.

Scharffenberger NV Brut ($15.79 at Spec's) - Most wine critics agree that this is the premier under-$20 sparkler available today, and we can't argue that assertion. This 2/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Chardonnay bubbly has a medium body, with some cream, tropical fruit, and berry flavors, alongside some fresh bread aromas. It's rich, clean, and polished. Impossible not to like.

$20-30:
Iron%20Horse%20CVB.jpg Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut ($29.99 at Austin Wine Merchant) - Our absolute favorite for an elegant and rich American sparkler. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, it exudes richness, class, and great depth of flavor. There are berry, vanilla, cream, and bread flavors here, with nice mild acidity and a lengthy finish. The bubbles create a velvety mouthfeel and are as tiny as they come. A truly worthwhile splash-out.

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs ($29.99 at Austin Wine Merchant) - We tasted this at Tour De Vin in October, and it was the best bubbly of the night. There's some tang and acidity here, but of the classy and pleasant variety. Citrus, small bubbles, and some dessert-type creme brulee flavors make this a perfect toaster for New Year's Eve.

So please don't overpay for your bubbly this year - choose something that suits your budget and your style, and see how much our domestic producers have to offer in this festive, social and fun category. We're guessing you'll enjoy the change - both on the palate and in your wallet.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.