Segura Viudas — Aria Sparkling Pinot Noir

Spain may not be as recognized for its sparkling wines as its neighbor France, but surprisingly it is home to the Ferrer family, one of the largest sparkling wine producers in the world. This particular wine is one of the Ferrers’ many Cavas, the Spanish style of sparkling wine. Developed exclusively for the United States, Aria is made entirely from a favorite American grape: Pinot Noir. The sparkling wine is blended as a rosé using the traditional French méthode champenoise style, and then aged for twelve months. A complex and dry rosé, the Aria works perfectly as an aperitif or with food. It can be rather robust, thanks to the Pinot structure, and will work perfectly as a versatile wine for upcoming holiday parties.

Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $12

Other Sparkling Wines & Champagnes we've tasted
Check out our guide to Spain
For more information, visit www.seguraviudas.com

Mumm Napa Valley—Brut Prestige

It somehow seems fitting that Mumm Napa Valley winemaker Ludovic Dervin is one of the most respected sparkling wine makers in the United States. Born and educated in Champagne, France, his experience with the méthode champenoise of making sparkling wine has lent itself to his work at Mumm Napa Valley. This week’s wine is Dervin’s Brut Prestige, a sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris fruit chosen from over fifty vineyards. The combination of these different lots, which are kept separate during the first fermentation, results in a crisp and lingering wine that would be the perfect accompaniment to grilled poultry or oysters, prawns and mussels.

Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $18

Other Sparkling Wines & Champagnes we've tasted
Check out our guide to Napa/Sonoma
For more information, visit www.mummnapa.com

Domaine Carneros—2002 Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine

Hailing from Napa, California, where Domaine Carneros' three vineyards are located, this classic sparkling wine blends estate Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%). The result is a refreshing sparkler ideal for any celebration, with fruity yet spicy flavors that are creamy yet light. While a great accompaniment to pretty much any meal consisting of poultry, seafood, steak or duck, for the crème de la crème of pairings, try it with oysters.

Rating: 13/20
Price: $22

Other Sparkling Wines & Champagnes we've tasted
Check out our guide to Napa
For more information, visit www.domaine.com

Krug— Brut Grande Cuvée

If you are in the market for a special bottle to bring to your closest friends' table or you want to celebrate “en famille,” you can’t do much better than to bring a bottle of Krug Brut Grande Cuvée. This Champagne expresses a multi-generation tradition of quality and fine taste. Using some of the best grapes available, combining all three Champagne varietals and barrel aging them are some of the secrets that go into these pricey bottles. You’ll want to sip this one by itself, or you may use our paring guide.

Rating: 17/20
Price: $100

Other Sparkling Wines & Champagnes we've tasted
Check out our guide to Reims
For more information, visit www.krug.com

Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut Paris Bottle

Producing Champagne since 1859, Duval-Leroy can be trusted to make any occasion a celebration. In its elegant bottle, print-screened with artwork by LeRoy Neiman that evokes the city of lights, Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut makes an excellent gift or an impressive presentation at home. Sleek and sophisticated, the bottle is backed up by the Champagne's silky taste and finish. With delicate bubbles, a golden color and the combination of Chardonnay (40%) and Pinot Noir (60%), the result is a fresh but powerful Champagne that is sure to help you ring in the New Year in style.

Rating: 15/20
Price: $30

Other Sparkling Wines & Champagnes we've tasted
Check out our guide to Reims
For more information, visit www.duval-leroy.com