Sparkling

Winemaker Description

Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | Produced from a small walled vineyard close to the Lanson winery in Reims, this is a splendid wine. Its richness is balanced by the intense freshness and minerality of the Chardonnay, with apple and citrus flavors that still in the background. Now mature, this wine is ready to drink.

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Disgorged in July 2016 with only three grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos Lanson is showing very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with notes of dried white flowers, citrus oil, toasted brioche, oyster shell and smoke. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with a racy spine of acidity, good concentration and chalky structuring extract. This is quite a tightly knit, tensile wine, despite the warm mesoclimate and two years on cork, which suggests it will enjoy a long future.

Vinous 93 Points | Clos Lanson's 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs is a very pretty, soft Champagne that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. Bright citrus and floral notes, along with soft contours, give much of its immediacy and sheer allure. Understated and classy, the 2007 will drink well for a number of years, but it is also remarkably giving and enjoyable today for a relatively young Blanc de Blancs. Although it is not super-complex, the 2007 offers quite a bit of freshness and character. An open bottle was still in great shape when I re-tasted it a few days later. Disgorged: July 2016.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fragrant, featuring lime blossom and ground spice notes, this fine and creamy Champagne offers a broad range of lemon parfait, chopped hazelnut, spun honey and dried cherry flavors, underscored by chalky minerality. Elegant and well-knit, with a firm, focused finish. Disgorged July 2016. Drink now through 2030. 665 cases made.

Lanson Champagne Père & Fils Brut — Champagne NV

Founded in 1760, Lanson is one of Champagne’s most storied and consistent houses — and the Père & Fils Brut is its definitive expression. Crafted by chef de cave Hervé Dantan from 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier sourced from 100 villages across the region, with 30% reserve wines spanning 10 vintages back to 1995, this is a non-vintage Champagne of remarkable depth, consistency, and integrity. Four years on the lees — well above the minimum — adds richness, complexity, and a fine toasty character that sets it apart from the crowd. Decanter calls it “one of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.” At this price, it is hard to argue.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, pear, pie crust, and a touch of toast from extended lees aging. On the palate, it is ripe and well-balanced — Pinot Noir’s weight and red fruit character is lifted by Chardonnay’s precision and fine bubbles, with a crisp, dry finish of real elegance. Already drinking beautifully, with the structure to reward short-term cellaring.

Decanter 92 — “A class act and a resounding statement of talent. One of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 — “Back on form, giving a ripe style dominated by Pinot Noir. Fine balance between the fruits and touches of toast from four years on the lees.”
James Suckling 92 — “A fresh, balanced palate with green apples, pie crust and pears. Fine bubbles and a crisp, dry finish.”

• Producer: Lanson, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1760
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier
• Sources: 100 villages across Champagne
• Reserve Wines: 30% across 10 vintages
• Aging: 4 years on the lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, pie crust, red fruit, toast, fine bubbles, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, grilled fish, soft cheeses, charcuterie, light appetizers

Founded in 1760, scoring 92 across the board, and priced for every occasion — Lanson Père & Fils is the Champagne house that history and critics agree on.

Winemaker Description 

A white gold in color with delicate and persistent bubbles, Grand Siecle No. 26 offers a very complex nose which mixes honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter aromas, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The feel in the mouth is very delicate and fresh with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut aromas. The palate is silky and mineral with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine.

It pairs with high quality produce and refined dishes, including shellfish, noble fish and white meats such as Thai style langoustine tartare and fine roasted poultry.

Expert Reviews

100 James Suckling James Suckling's #1 Wine of 2023 |  This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage.

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | Tautly textured, the Champagne is delicious with a poise between white and citrus fruits along with touches of maturity coming through. Drink this magnificent wine now for its great balance and intensity.

96 Points Decanter | This iteration of Grand Siècle is almost entirely composed of two of Champagne's greatest recent vintages, so expectations are high. The wine more than meets them, tempering the generosity of 2012's fruit – ripe apricots, white peach, clementines and sunny, zesty citrus – with a pitch-perfect streak of 2008 tautness and structure. There are some fleshy, creamy notes of papaya and toasted white sourdough, but everything is as delicately rendered as expected and impeccably shaped, with a sleek, silky mousse. A little more approachable than Itération No. 25, it will welcome extended bottle age rather than demand it. The blend is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from eight grand cru vineyards. 65% is from the 2012 vintage, 35% from 2008 and 10% from 2007.

96 Points Robert Parker | Unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with notions of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, tangy acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making.

95 Points Wine Spectator | A graceful Champagne, with flavors of boysenberry and black cherry fruit, toast, blanched almond and grapefruit pith, graphite and fleur de sel gliding across the satiny mousse. Reveals racy acidity that sculpts fine definition, allowing the detailed profile to expand on the palate, while minerally hints of chalk and oyster shell linger on the finish. 

Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Leclerc Briant is one of Champagne's most celebrated and pioneering grower-producers — a historic house based in Épernay with roots going back to 1872, and today one of the region's most committed advocates for biodynamic viticulture. Under the stewardship of the Lignac family, Leclerc Briant farms its vineyards according to strict biodynamic principles — certified by Demeter — believing that the health of the soil is the foundation of great Champagne. The estate works with the lunar calendar, uses only natural preparations, and practices minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir of their Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs vineyards to express itself with clarity and precision. The Réserve Extra Brut is the house's signature non-vintage cuvée — a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2019 harvest, with reserve wines adding depth and complexity. Extra Brut in style, it is drier and more precise than a standard Brut, allowing the terroir and the fruit to speak without the softening effect of dosage.

The color is bright pale yellow with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex and inviting: wet asphalt, ripe white peach, fresh redcurrant, pear, verbena, lime, herbs, and a touch of menthol — the signature of biodynamic Champagne. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and approachable with a rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture, and sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, and oyster shell. The finish is persistent, lightly spiced, and mouthwatering — clean, energetic, and long.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse. Attractive and balanced with a clean finish."

Wine Spectator 92 — "Lithe and graceful, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish."

Wine Advocate 90 — "Lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish."

• Producer: Leclerc Briant, Épernay, Champagne, France (est. 1872)
• Style: Extra Brut NV
• Blend: 40% Pinot Noir / 40% Pinot Meunier / 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (Demeter)
• Dosage: Extra Brut (very low dosage)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, redcurrant, raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, oyster shell, wet asphalt, chalky texture, persistent spiced finish
• Style: Precise, energetic, terroir-driven
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, soft cheeses, charcuterie, caviar

Biodynamic Champagne from one of Épernay's most celebrated grower-producers — Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut is precise, energetic, and triple 90+ point rated.

Winemaker Description

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne starting in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc began to follow biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003.

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2018 Les Monts Ferrés Blanc de Blancs derives from vines planted in the eponymous parcel in the 1er cru village of Vertus. It reveals a delicate, fine bouquet with aromas of fresh bread, acacia, spring flowers and ripe orchard fruits. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, it’s enveloping and structured with both racy and bright acidity. This is a tension-filled, ethereal Champagne with a dosage of 1.4 grams per liter.

Winemaker Description

An open-knit nose of wild plum, almond and orange with underlying notes of salted bread. On the palate, the wine shows considerable body and a complex array of flavors including lemongrass, peppermint and quince. As the wine breathes scents of orange blossom and honeysuckle come to the fore and mingle with the soft, spicy accents of cumin and nutmeg.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

A classic blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. Straw yellow in color with green highlights. Fresh and expressive primary aromas such as green apple and pear along with dried nuts and fresh baked bread notes. Fruity flavors combined with those from the ageing on lees. Fresh with medium structure.

Winemaker Description

A perfect combination of softness and concentration, matched by a masterful maturity, The 2015 Cristal Brut delivers intense and delicious aromas with a superb energy and a magical vibration.

This is a timeless champagne with a chalky temperament, sustained by its soils, freed from the sunny character of the vintage.The nose begins with hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds and wheat from the Chardonnay, combined with the juicy red fruit of the Pinot Noir. 

Then comes the great surge of energy from the wine's structure, a vibratory intensity that transforms into a gentle caress, a silky texture interwoven with fine flavors of candied citrus and iodized spices.The vintage's chalky character thus bursts forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise and finely honed freshness.

The finish is underpinned by subtle oaky, sappy and saline notes, which creates the ultimate sensation of delicacy and concentration.Cristal 2015 remains a wine of supreme balance and measure, resonating from the chalky nature of its soils rather than the sunny character of its vintage.

A perfect Cristal, intensely of the 2015 vintage, with enormous ageing potential.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 97 Points | The warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, picked from all 45 Cristal vineyard plots. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023.

96 Points Wine Spectator | This mouthwatering Champagne has an ethereal quality, with a frame of chiseled acidity and focused precision to the pointillisme-like, vibrant mousse. Yet this shows depth and generous expression, with the finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit opening beautifully on the palate and through the minerally finish, with notes of grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond and anise.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck | I had the opportunity to taste the 2015 Champagne Cristal twice, both at the house in Reims as well as at my home office. On both occasions, the wine offered a terrific balance of decadence and notable freshness for this vintage, which was highly expressive on opening. The release reveals layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the mousse is fluffy and rounded out beautifully through the palate. Round and approachable, it has a well-managed richness along with underlying savory sapidity and saline to keep this going over the coming three or more decades, with a chalky tannin structure to support it.

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985.

95 Points Decanter | An open and inviting nose references cream, oatmeal and Amalfi lemon with the slightest edge of smoke. The palate immediately strikes with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. It stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal and speaks of the concentration of 2015. Fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine while the long finish hints at chalky depth which, for now, is dominated by ripe stone fruit and more of that textured, rich notion of oatmeal. Definitely a Cristal to enjoy soon.

Winemaker Description 

Grape varietal : Melon de Bourgogne. Vine age : 40 years. Farming : Ecological Farming. Vinification : Méthode traditionnelle. After initial fermentation in underground cement tanks, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in bottle and is aged on the lees for 9 months.

The House of Chéreau Carré occupies the most privileged position in the Loire-Atlantique department of France. This family-owned property dates back to the 15th century. The vines here are some of the most prized in the region of the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine.

The property is managed by Bernard Chéreau, whose family origins span back to the eleventh century. Bernard’s passion for Melon de Bourgogne is evident in the quality of his wines.

Our Professional Notes

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer, writes:  On the nose, you’ll encounter an enticing bouquet of wild red berries—raspberries, strawberries, and red currants. The palate continues the red berry theme, delivering a tangy, fruit-forward experience complemented by a delightful saline minerality that adds complexity. The finish is crisp and dry, with a bright, natural acidity that makes this wine a fantastic choice as an aperitif or a versatile companion to food. 

Producer Description 

Maria de Maria Rigol Ordi Gran Reserva Brut Nature is made from 100% Xarello grapes from 40-year-old goblet vines in the Penedès depression, 300 meters above sea level, yielding 8000 kg/ha. Crafted using the traditional method.

Aromas of stone fruits and dried apricots, mediterranean herbs and balsamic touches. On the palate, dry, sharp finish with vibrant acidity that ends with a touch of salinity.

About This Bundle

Get two of our favorite Marrugat Cavas from Bodegas Pinord at a special bundle price — one bottle of the classic Brut Selección NV and one bottle of the Brut Rosé. Both are made using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle) in the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain, and offer exceptional value in Spanish sparkling wine.

Producer Notes

Marrugat Cava Brut Selección NV (Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada) — Smooth and silky on the palate with green apple, lime, and a fresh, lively finish. The carbonic content keeps it crisp and refreshing. WE 87 pts.

Marrugat Cava Brut Rosé (Garnacha) — Clear red with pinkish tones and small, persistent bubbles. Gentle raspberry and blackcurrant aromas with tertiary lees notes. Full in the mouth with great elegance and a long finish.

Food Pairings

• Oysters, shrimp cocktail, or seafood tapas
• Jamón ibérico or charcuterie
• Fresh goat cheese or aged Manchego
• Perfect as an aperitif or celebration pour

Winemaker Description

Less than 1% Alcohol. Crafted using traditional winemaking techniques "One" undergoes a gentle process to remove alcohol. The resulting delicate wine is light and refreshing with a touch of sweetness and flavors of peach and apple. Vegan. Lower alcohol as compared to its peers. 

Apple, Mineral, Vanilla, Citrus.

Mionetto is one of Italy’s most celebrated Prosecco houses, with roots in Valdobbiadene dating back to 1887. This single-serve 187ml bottle delivers everything you love about great Prosecco in a perfectly portable format — ideal for brunches, celebrations, mimosas, or an Aperol Spritz on the go. Light straw in color with bright yellow highlights, it opens with a bouquet of honey, fresh apple, and white peach, leading to a crisp, refreshing palate with lively effervescence and well-balanced acidity.

Food Pairings: Spicy curries, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, burgers, pizza, fresh salads, and light appetizers. The classic choice for mimosas and Aperol Spritz.

Varietal: Glera (Prosecco)
Style: Sparkling Brut
Producer: Mionetto
Region: Veneto, Italy
Serve: Chilled in a champagne flute or white wine glass
Bottle Size: 187ml

Winemaker Description

From the province of Treviso — one of Italy’s most celebrated Prosecco zones — this Brut Prosecco pours a luminous straw yellow with an emphatic yet elegant mousse. The bouquet is redolent of golden apple, while the palate delivers appealing notes of golden apple, white peach and honey with a clean, refreshing finish.

Food Pairings

• Antipasti, bruschetta, or light appetizers
• Fresh seafood, sushi, or oysters
• Soft cheeses and fruit
• Perfect as an aperitivo or celebratory pour

Product Details

• Producer: Mionetto
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points | “Fresh and vibrant, this classic Prosecco is exactly what we are all looking for: freshness, fun and fruitiness. Ample apple and lemon notes with a touch of white flower define the nose. These lead to a zippy palate that directly translates from the nose with loads of fresh apples and a touch of minerality.”

Tasting Notes

Fresh and vibrant with aromas of green apple, lemon, and white flower. The palate is zippy and fruit-forward, with loads of crisp apple, a touch of minerality, and a clean, refreshing finish. Everything a great Prosecco should be.

About the Wine

Mionetto is one of the most celebrated Prosecco houses in the Veneto, with over 130 years of history in the region. The Prestige Collection — instantly recognizable by its iconic orange label — is the benchmark expression of the range: a Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut made from Glera grapes grown in the hills around Treviso. Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile.

Serving

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C. Perfect as an aperitivo, for celebrations, or anytime a glass of something bright and joyful is called for.

Food Pairing

Excellent with antipasti, prosciutto, light seafood, sushi, fresh cheeses, and fruit-based desserts.

Product Details

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Mionetto

Winemaker Description 

Mionetto’s Prosecco is made from the Glera grape, which is grown in the hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano. The grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand to ensure the highest quality. The wine is then fermented in stainless steel tanks using the Charmat method, which results in a light, refreshing, and effervescent wine.

Winemaker Descxription 

MUSE DE MIRAVAL is a rigorous selection of the château's oldest and best plots and the finest expression of this unique terroir!

Organically farmed.

This rosé cuvée, mostly vinified in egg-shaped concrete vats, is also aged to a lesser extent in special oak barrels (so-called demi-muids). Each of its aromas evokes a chapter in Miraval's history, reflecting the place and its fragrance, which is typical of this Provençal winery. The unique shape of its handcrafted bottle (available only in magnum) and its very own rosé wine celebrate Miraval's timeless style with rare elegance.

Producer Description 

Brut, acidic, citrus notes, strawberry notes, light cherry notes, hint of rhubarb, fresh, refreshing. Sweetness varies from very dry to medium-sweet. Their rich fruitiness is typically balanced with a crisp acidity. Ideal for toasts, socialising and buffets, or to accompany shellfish, fish and vegetable dishes. 

Winemaker Description 

This has always been the top vineyard at the estate and produces Meuiner with fruit flavors that veer towards exotic hints of mandarin orange, papaya, guava and even litchi, alongside the more typical red-fruit flavors that one might expect from Meunier.

• Practicing organic
• 100% Meunier
• A single site on the top of the hill in Cuisles
• Terroir of green clay and limestone marl
• Yes malo
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel
• Aged 48 months on the lees
• Dosage: 0.5g/L

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige — California NV

Mumm Napa is widely considered one of California’s finest producers of méthode champenoise sparkling wine, blending traditional French Champagne techniques with the vibrant, sun-ripened fruit of Napa Valley. The Brut Prestige is the house’s signature expression — a complex assemblage of primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that delivers elegance, freshness, and exceptional value in every glass. Earning 90 points from both Wine Spectator and Decanter, this is the best-value domestic sparkler that consistently punches above its price point.

The nose opens with gorgeous layered white blossom aromas, followed by creamy vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, and melon. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and delicate yet plush — cherry, lemon verbena, green apple, orange blossom, and yeast roll flavors linger on a supple, refreshing finish with excellent mousse and crisp, elegant acidity. Equally at home as an apéritif or at the table.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Delicate in style yet plush, with pretty cherry, lemon verbena and yeast roll flavors that linger on the supple, refreshing finish.”

Decanter 90 — “A snappy sparkling with a seriously fresh nose of green apple, orange blossom, citrus and gingerbread. Medium-bodied, balanced, crisp and complex, with a lengthy finish.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White blossom, vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, cherry, lemon verbena, green apple, orange blossom, excellent mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, truffle popcorn, roast poultry, creamy pasta, spicy Thai; excellent in Mimosas or French 75

French technique, California sunshine, 90 points from two continents — Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige is the sparkling wine that makes every occasion feel special.

Mumm Napa Brut Rosé — California NV

Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is one of California’s most vibrant and food-friendly sparkling wines — a Pinot Noir-dominant expression that brings the energy and freshness of méthode champenoise winemaking to a beautiful pink-salmon package. Blending 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, the wine is partially fermented in the press to develop its signature soft, fruity directness, while the Chardonnay component adds power and structure. The result earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and is one of the most versatile food wines in the sparkling category.

The nose is ripe and inviting: black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, and fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and succulent — peach, wild strawberry, and plum flavors are framed by lively acidity and fine bubbles, with a clean, refreshing finish. Robust enough to stand up to bold cuisine, yet elegant enough for the apéritif hour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “A hearty 80% Pinot Noir dominates in this sparkler. With a pink-salmon hue, it offers peach and wild strawberry aromas followed by similar, medium-bodied flavors, with the addition of succulent plum.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, plum, fine bubbles, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Thai cuisine, grilled salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, pasta with tomato, Italian dishes

Pink, precise, and endlessly food-friendly — Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is California sparkling at its most vibrant.

Winemaker Description 

The Faìve Spumante Rosé Brut from the Nino Franco winery is obtained from a skilful blend of 80% Merlot grapes and 20% Cabernet Franc grapes. The vineyards are located in the heart of Valdobbiadene, a typical prosecco area, where the soil structure rich in nutrients and the very mild climate favor optimal development of the vines and the production of quality grapes.

This winery has been producing quality wines and sparkling wines for several years, combining two important concepts such as excellence and typicality of the products. To produce Faìve Spumante Rosé Brut, a specific production cycle is followed. After a brief contact between the skins and the must, the fermentation takes place in steel tanks before carrying out the second fermentation with the Classic Method.

The refinement takes place directly in the bottle. In this way an elegant and refined sparkling wine is obtained, with a persistent foam, balanced and ideal to be consumed during an aperitif. 

Winemaker Description

Champagne Palmer & Co concentrates its vineyard holdings in the Montagne de Reims: in the grand cru villages of Mailly and Verzenay and the premier cru villages of Trépail and Villers-Marmery. While they also have holdings in the Marne Valley, the Côte de Sézanne and the Côte des Bar, their prestige cuvée Grands Terroirs, channels those north- and north-east-facing slopes with power and precision.

The 2015 vintage is blended from 50% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Meunier, sourced from Mailly and Verzenay as well as Trépail, Villers-Marmery, Ludes, Chigny-les-Roses and Rilly-la-Montagne. Palmer & Co refers to the vintage as “exceptional” because it combined high temperatures and little rainfall – spelling little disease pressure and even ripening. Sunny days and cool nights in August, they say, allowed for “perfect” ripening.

The nose, subtle and charming, opens with notes of orange blossom and acacia, mixed with notes of yellow fruits, then it evolves towards lovely and delicately spiced aromas of fried pineapple and tonka bean. The palate is characterized by freshness, with citrus fruits sublimating the notes of brioche and dried fruits. Its creamy texture stretches deliciously into a persistent finish. 

Expert Reviews

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Markedly youthful in its smoky reduction, this wine sees its sulfur blow off quickly, leaving a flinty scent and an impression of clarity. It’s bright with pretty scents of black tea and herbs, firmed up by strong acidity.

92 Points James Suckling | A chalky and mineral Champagne with aromas of blanched almonds, chalk, seashells, biscuits, lemon pith and dried apples. Creamy mousse. Dry and bright, with a rounded finish. Drink now or hold.

Paltrinieri Lambrusco di Sorbara Radice Rosato 2023 — Emilia-Romagna

Alberto Paltrinieri is the standard-bearer for Lambrusco di Sorbara, farming the sandy alluvial soils of the Po Valley with a focus on the native Sorbara grape — one of Italy’s most distinctive and food-friendly varieties. The Radice (“root”) is his single-vineyard flagship, sourced from old vines planted on the estate’s deepest soils. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 95 points, calling it “radiant” and “loaded with energy.” Bone-dry, focused, and built for the table, it is one of the most exciting values in Italian sparkling wine.

The nose is vivid and aromatic: woodland berry, violet, and botanical herb. On the palate it is bone-dry and energetic — strawberry, pomegranate, fennel, and a hint of citrus zest, carried by bright acidity and softly foaming bubbles that lend polish and finesse.

Wine Enthusiast 95 — “Bone-dry, focused and loaded with energy.”

• Producer: Paltrinieri, Sorbara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC
• Varietal: Lambrusco di Sorbara
• Style: Rosato, bone-dry, lightly sparkling
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Woodland berry, violet, strawberry, pomegranate, fennel, citrus zest
• Best Paired With: Prosciutto di Parma, mortadella, fried foods, pizza, charcuterie, light pasta

A 95-point bone-dry Lambrusco at an honest price — Paltrinieri’s Radice is the benchmark for what Sorbara can be.

Paltrinieri | Solco | Lambrusco dell'Emilia | Emilia-Romagna, Italy | 2024 | 750ml

Paltrinieri is one of the benchmark producers of serious Lambrusco — the kind that has nothing to do with the sweet, mass-market versions that defined the grape's reputation for decades. Based in Sorbara, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, the estate farms its vines with care and bottles wines that are dry, vivid, and deeply tied to the region's food culture.

The Solco is their entry point and one of the most satisfying bottles at its price. Deep purple-ruby in the glass, it opens with sweet cream, raspberry, and spice before revealing tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit. The finish is long and intense, closing with violet and lavender florals. This is Lambrusco as it should be: wickedly fresh, perfumed, and built for the table.

Serve it chilled (10–12°C) — it works as an aperitif, alongside a charcuterie spread, or as the ideal foil to the rich, fatty classics of Emilian cuisine: tortellini in brodo, mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tigelle.

91 Points — Vinous (Eric Guido): "Wickedly fresh and perfumed with tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit notes. Long and intense, closes with violet and lavender inner florals."

• Appellation: Lambrusco dell'Emilia IGT, Emilia-Romagna
• Grape: Lambrusco
• Style: Dry, sparkling red
• Serve: Chilled, 10–12°C
• Pairs with: Mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini, charcuterie, pizza, tomato-based pasta

Parés Baltà Brut Nature Cava Organic — Penedès, Spain NV

Parés Baltà is one of Catalónia's most respected organic estates, farming biodynamically in the Penedès with a deep commitment to indigenous varieties and traditional methods. Their Brut Nature Cava is made exclusively from the classic Cava trio — Xarel·lo, Parellada, and Macabeu — with an emphasis on Xarel·lo, the most characterful and site-expressive of the three. Produced via the traditional method with zero dosage, this is a bone-dry, gastronomic sparkling wine of genuine precision and integrity — the kind of Cava that earns its place alongside Champagne at the table.

The wine pours a pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is fresh and inviting — green apple, citrus fruit, and a subtle brioche note from the lees aging. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a crisp, enticing mouthfeel, superb fine bubbles, and a clean, refreshing, bone-dry finish. Excellent as an aperitif, and a natural match for crema catalana — the local cousin of crème brûlée — a pairing that showcases the wine's precision beautifully.

"This might have been a classic Cava, if all Cavas were farmed organically and made with as much care. Instead, it stands out — fresh, lively and dry." — Eric Asimov, The New York Times

• Producer: Parés Baltà, Penedès, Cataluña, Spain
• Style: Brut Nature Cava (zero dosage)
• Appellation: Cava DO
• Blend: Xarel·lo, Parellada, Macabeu
• Method: Traditional method, certified organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus, brioche, fine bubbles, bone-dry finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitif, oysters, grilled fish, crema catalana, light tapas

Organic, zero-dosage Cava from one of Penedès' most committed estates — NYT-endorsed, traditionally made, and priced for every celebration.

Winemaker Description

Pares Balta Cava Pink is smooth, refreshing and very graceful on the palate, packed with ripe, red berry fruit and balanced by a crisp, fresh acidity. Ideal for helping you to enjoy the summer sunshine. Or a rainy Tuesday evening!

Made using the traditional method developed in Champagne, this terrific Parés Baltà Pink Cava is quite stunning, and it is by far the best rosé Cava we've tasted for the price. This modern blend sees the traditional Xarel.lo component of white Cava replaced by 38% Garnatxa, alongside the 32% Parellada and 30% Macabeu.

Grape Variety: Garnatxa, Parellada, Macabeo/Viura

Redcurrant color with a very good sparkling crown of bubbles. On the nose aroma of red fruit with a light floral notes. In the mouth it is appetizing and fresh with hints of redcurrant and raspberry. Long, sweet and pleasant finish. Serving temperature: 8 – 10°

Varieties

Winemaking

Winemaker Description 

Blended Syrah, Grenache, and Mouvedre, this bold Brut Rosé offers a rush of strawberry and dried fruit aromas. It is effervescent and expansive on the mid-palate and is a bit more fruit-forward than the Paul de coste Rose light - a truly compelling sparkling wine from Provence.

Paul de Coste is an estate producing exceptional sparkling wines in the South of France. Started in 1952 with just one wine, the estate over time has added a full range of sparking wines from the South of France. Since the company was founded in the years following WWII, three generations of family has managed the operations with the same passion and philosophy for quality. Today, Paul de Coste wines are famous in France.

Memo Summary Notes

It is produced by Compagnie Française des Grands Vins (CFGV), a historic house known for mastering the Méthode Charmat (tank method) to create fresh, fruit-forward bubbles.

Expert Reviews

Decanter 94 Points | A distinctly red-berry nose – all red currants and small forest fruit. Red Delicious apple has such a telltale Pinot scent. The palate has pure, bright apple fruit, a lemony verve, and a very delicate mousse backed by gently salty autolysis. Vanilla oak comes through, like the custard on an apple crumble, carrying freshness and flavour until the lingering finish.

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | The nonvintage cuvée from this producer, based on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, is beautifully judged. It is rich while also showing great freshness from citrus fruit flavors.

James Suckling 93 Points | Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity and a tight, tense and clean aftertaste. 65% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 3% pinot meunier.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The NV Champagne Reserve Perpetuelle Brut is a bright straw color and is from the 2021 base vintage. Beginning with this release, they have changed the name of this cuvée to better reflect the method of production, which utilizes their perpetual reserve as a key component in the blend, although it’s the same as it’s always been. Made from 66% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, the nose is inviting and pure, with gorgeous red fruits that shine brightly in this release, and while it has intensity, it’s approachable and pretty, with notes of almond, peaches, red berries, and fresh bread. The mousse is elegant and integrates nicely into the wine.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A baseline of chalky minerality supports juicy pear and white cherry fruit, lemon peel and pickled ginger alongside rich accents of crystallized honey and biscuit in this sleek and creamy Champagne. Harmonious and finely knit, with good length through the lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Comprising 44% wine from the 2021 vintage and 56% reserve wines held in perpetual reserve, Philipponnat’s NV Réserve Perpétuelle Brut—formerly known as Brut Royale Réserve—opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe peach, red berries, pear and pastry. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, broad-shouldered and textural, delivering a generous, enveloping style energized by racy acidity. While the base vintage is vinified primarily in stainless steel, the reserve wines are stored in oak, and the wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation. This bottling was disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter.

Memo Summary Notes

The Philipponnat Réserve Perpétuelle Brut NV represents a significant rebranding of the house's flagship "Royale Réserve." The new name reflects the "perpetual reserve" (solera) system started in 1946, where older wines are refreshed with younger ones to ensure a consistent, complex house style.

Based primarily on the 2021 vintage (with over 50% reserve wines), this Champagne is a Pinot Noir-heavy powerhouse that emphasizes the "vinous" (wine-like) character typical of the Mareuil-sur-Ay terroir.

This is a "gastronomic" Champagne, meaning it has enough body to handle a full meal:

• Seafood: Scallops in butter sauce, lobster, or even grilled oily fish like mackerel.

• Meats: Excellent with white meats such as roasted poultry or premium charcuterie (Prosciutto di Parma).

• Japanese Cuisine: Its acidity and minerality pair exceptionally well with high-quality sushi and sashimi.

  
  

   

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate by Kristaps Karklins 92 Points | Paillard’s NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XX hails from the 2020 vintage and, in keeping with the tradition, incorporates 20% reserve wines. It embodies the signature blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of Bouzy. The bouquet is expressive, unfolding with aromas of pear, ripe citrus and warm spices, mingling with nuances of toasted bread and orange zest. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, showcasing a livelier, more luminous fruit profile than its predecessor, driven by racy acidity and finishing with a pronounced saline finish. True to the estate’s approach, maturation take place in 350-liter oak barrels, with the final cuvée composed from a mosaic of approximately 25 distinct parcels across Bouzy. The dosage is set at two grams per liter. 

Winemaker Description 

Les Parcelles is a precise expression of Bouzy terroir vinified by the Paillard brothers; the powerful Pinot Noir from south-facing slopes is balanced by the finesse of the chalky subsoil. Produced mainly from the 2020 harvest, with 20% reserve wines, this cuvée is composed of 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Fermented in oak, it is cellared for three years on lees before disgorgement. Dosage: 2 gr/l. 

Expert Reviews

Decanter Magazine by Simon Field MW writes 93 Points |  Made up, half and half, of base wine from the sunny 2018 harvest, and reserve wine from Rodolphe’s Perpetual Reserve which goes back to 1988, this is one of the most consistently excellent NV wines on the market. Its current iteration is especially impressive, floral, chalky, upstanding, and very complex; the palate sharing notes of dried apricot, plum and lemon pith with more developed intimations of sour honey and patisserie. An exemplary wine with real purity and precision on the finish. 

The Wine Spectator by Alison Napjus writes 91 Points | Sleek and mouthwatering, with a fine, satiny mousse and a fresh panoply of crunchy pear, grapefruit sorbet, pickled ginger and spring blossom notes. Bright and finely knit, with rich hints of toast and mineral echoing on the finish. Disgorged November 2019. Drink now through 2025.

Winemaker Descriptions

Discover the elegance and purity of Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Blanc de Blancs, a non-vintage Champagne crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This refined Champagne offers delicate aromas of citrus, white flowers, and brioche, with a crisp acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Memo Summary Notes

Produced by Rodolphe Péters, this wine is celebrated for its precision, chalky minerality, and the unique use of a "perpetual reserve" system that dates back to 1988.

Its high acidity and saline finish make it a perfect match for raw oysters, sushi, or creamy risotto.

Expert Review - Vintage 2008

97 Points Wine Spectator:  Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish. Drink now through 2035.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast:  The new release of this producer's prestige cuvée comes in its usual beautifully sculpted bottle. The Champagne, from a great vintage in the region, is just approaching maturity still showing minerality from the high amount of Chardonnay in the blend. Nutty flavors are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further.

96 Points Decanter: Rare Champagne boasts an illustrious past, with its first vintage having been presented to Marie Antoinette in 1785. The wine is produced in very limited quantities and is restricted to exceptional years, with only 11 vintages being declared over the past four decades of production. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from selected grand cru vineyards. Simon Field MW: Gentle bead, lovely evolved notes of hazelnut, even a hint of praline, enrobed and ennobled by firm acidity and a persuasive finish. Alan Bednarski: Great, pure wine with still-fresh zesty flavours, delicate palate and sweet yeast notes, with a long flavourful finish of ripe melon. Tim Hall: A challenging, pressing start, wanting to overwhelm with shimmering and sharp attack, but shows intensity on the palate to match. Lovely lemon-apple notes and tempered texture.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2008 Champagne Rare is luxurious with aromas of graham cracker, honeysuckle, quince, and orange zest. It is round and opulent, with a fine and pillowy mousse, and retains freshness throughout, with apricot and yellow flowers. It is impressive and long, and fully luxurious. Drinking well now, it is sure to hold its own for years to come. Drink 2022-2044.

93 Points Wine Advocate:  The newly released 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare is very promising, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved nose of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, iodine and oyster shell, as well as some rather herbaceous characteristics that depress my score a little, even if I suspect that they will resolve with a bit more bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and tightly wound, if the 2006 vintage was gourmand and demonstrative, the 2008 is slower to show all its cards. Built around racy acids and complemented by a pillowy mousse, this rendition of Cuvée Rare will reward a few years more on cork.