Rumor has it that there might be a Champagne shortage this year, so now is the time to stock up for that holiday party, or for personal consumption. Because after a rough couple of years struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is slowly starting to celebrate again. While bubbly wine is produced all over the world––in varying styles and colors––it’s France’s Champagne region that represents the beverage’s motherland, and nobody makes it better than the French.
With its wide, celebratory appeal as a festive drink that looks pretty in a glass, Champagne is also tremendously food-friendly, ready to shine beside a holiday bird, or an omakase sushi meal. So, grab a coupe or a flute, and dive into some of the prettiest and most delicious Champagnes on the market right now.
Ruinart Rosé in Second Skin, NV
Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the world’s very first Champagne house, and one that seeks to preserve its legacy in bottle form. While the brand houses its Champagne in a distinct squat bottle that was popular during the 18th century, in effort to adapt to the 21st century and consider the environment, Ruinart has revealed a new, entirely recyclable paper bottle case made from wood fibers (replacing traditional rectangular Champagne gift boxes). Filled with a non-vintage rosé sparkler (45% Chardonnay, 55% Pinot Noir)––approximately one quarter of which is composed of reserve wines from the last two years––the bottle’s delicate exterior color matches the pink wine inside, while its textured exterior mimics the underground caves in which it’s rested.
Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, brioche undertones
AYALA, Le Blanc de Blancs, 2015
In 2005, major Champagne producer Bollinger purchased smaller house AYALA, helping to thrust the lesser-known bubbles-maker into the spotlight. AYALA makes a range of Chardonnay-based wines, and Le Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) celebrates the best of the 2015 harvest. The brand chose to house the expression––which is made by a female-lead winemaking team in Champagne’s Côte des Blancs sub-region, known for its Chardonnay vineyards––in a simple, elegant bottle with gold and white accents. The end product is a sparkler that’s clean, focused, and feminine.
Tasting Notes: Citrus, peach, honey
Champagne Nicolas Feuillate, Palmes d’Or Rose Intense, 2008
This pretty, rose-hued sparkler comes by way of lauded Champagne house Nicolas Feuillate, encased within the brand’s distinct faceted bottle created in tribute to an unnamed 20th century opera singer who loved black pearls. This cuvée de prestige or premiere release is a 2008 vintage blend (100% Pinot Noir) and made through the saignée process in which Pinot Noir grapes are allowed to macerate on their skins for a short period of time, which gives the wine its vibrant pink tone.
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