"Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!" ~ Dom Perignon
This famous quote by Dom Perignon sums up our love of Champagne and all things sparkling. Christmas is a time of celebration with friends and loved ones and it's time to bring out the good stuff.
This is not a sponsored post (although we'd love it to be) and if you follow our Instagram feed, you'll see we're a lover of bubbles, so this is a list of our top 10 favourite bubbles this year, discovered from touring vineyards and tastings.
Drink French all day if you can afford it, but if you're like most or catering to a large crowd, you'll be looking for a quality Australian or New Zealand sparking wine to supplement. Always buy sparkling wine from a cooler climate region, as the flavours will be more refined.
We try and buy from local, independent retailers such as Cru Bar or Craft Wine Store in Brisbane, however you'll find these from your favourite local or online retailers. Here's our Top 10 Sparkling Wine and Champagne for the holiday season...
Cheers!
Top 5 Australian Sparkling
Deutz Marlborough Cuvee Brut ($19)
This cheerful, fun bottle of fizz is a great quaffer for Christmas Day! This drop shows complex flavours with lovely yeastiness and a long finish. Perfect for any occasion and is a great NZ Cuveé.
We've enjoyed the Petaluma Croser many a time and just spotted there is this rather neat cooler gift pack this Christmas! Croser is sourced from fruit high in the Adelaide Hills and is a perfect aperitif style sparkling.
House of Arras Brut Elite Chardonnay Pinot Noir ($33)
Made by Ed Carr arguably the best sparkling wine maker in Australia. This cold climate Tasmanian sparkling wine has developed outstanding complexity from extended ageing.
Stefano Lubiano Brut Reserve ($34)
We visited this beautiful cellar door again this year and it's well worth the little detour from Hobart as it also has a sensational Osteria with dishes created from local & seasonal ingredients for long lunches over a glass of bubbles.
Chandon 2011 Vintage Brut Rosé ($35)
This blush pink colour just screams party time! From the Yarra Valley, this is a lovely cellar door to visit and should be on your hit list in 2016. Made using fine base wines and the addition of red Pinot Noir colour, Vintage Brut Rosé 2011 is a wine for Pinot Noir lovers and people who enjoy the balance of finesse and complexity on offer in a Rosé sparkling.
Top 5 Champagne
Perrier Jouet Grand Brut NV Champagne ($55)
Another oh so pretty bottle of bubbles! Wine buffs say it has a nose of great complexity, with white flowers, fresh Nashi pear and a hint of marzipan followed with a palate of stone fruit and almonds. A truly elegant Champagne. We've also spotted a delightful offer which includes two branded Champagne flutes for $64.99 again, ideal for Christmas gift giving.
Andre Clouet NV Grande Brut ($59)
Ok, I may be a sucker for the handsome label here, but it's still a top drop and would make a great gift for the Champagne lover! This lesser known French grower is based in Bouzy, a village where Pinot Noir is renowned and delivers an elegant, deeply complex wine with plenty of fine bead and dry on the finish. You'll find this one at your favourite independent wine store.
Veuve Fourny & Fils Grande Reserve Brut Vertus Premier Cru ($65)
Nurtured by the Fourny family since the 19th Century, vines for this Champagne are around 40 years old and handpicked to maintain the finesse and elegance of the Chardonnay. Worth every cent wouldn't you say?
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Mail Box ($68)
You've got mail! Already the recipient of this happy, bright yellow mail box this holiday season it's hard to go past Veuve Clicquot as a party favourite. Popular all over the world for its elegance and rich texture and is the perfect celebration wine. A great gift idea this Christmas.
Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs ($69)
I recently splurged on this wine for my Champagne Club guests and it was a crowd favourite. This is one of the best lesser-known Champagnes available in Australia and one of the region's smaller producers of high quality and distinction. The nose has fresh apple and pear fruits, hints of citrus and fine, yeasty complexity. Check with your local independent retailer, we bought ours at Cru Bar.
Which is your favourite bubbles this holiday season?
Image credit: Dallas, Arras, Vindulge
