Castellroig NV Penedès Corpinnat Brut Reserva

Castellroig is one of the finest values in sparkling wine and a great example of the wines of Corpinnat: it is farmed organically, harvested by hand, aged at least 18 months on the lees, and fermented with native yeasts. Marcel Sabate and his team have a remarkable understanding of their vineyards and have mapped out every minute shift in terroir on their estate; this fanatical approach to quality shows in the bottle. The focus of this cuvée is Xarel-lo, a favorite among the grapes of the Penedès for its refreshing mineral qualities and notes of mountain herbs. A light-on-its-feet bubbly for everyday occasions. Ariana Rolich

Pinon, François & Julien 2018 Vouvray Brut Non-Dosé (8/22)

(Arrives 8/22) François and Julien Pinon make some of the finest sparkling wines in the Loire Valley. The superb Brut Non-Dosé comes from 45 year-old Chenin Blanc vines on Turonien limestone with topsoils of clay with silex, from four parcels; Les Haut de Terne, Les Hauts de Mortiers, Chopet and Les Planches Favettes. The 2018 was hand-harvested in three passes in order to select the best grapes, with two additional selections - on a "table de tri" and again before the press. Thus the best and ripest grapes are selected, enabling this cuvée with no addition of sugar, as in a Champagne Brut Nature. Aged sur-lies for more than 3 years.  This beautiful wine shows elegant aromas of ripe white and yellow fruits, floral and earthy with almond and bitter lemon. The palate is creamy and dense, round and ripe but with firm underlying acidity, with almond, earth and mineral notes lingering in the long finish. Enjoy it now for its beautiful depth and balance, but peak drinking will be 2032 - 2050. A profound Chamapgne of Chenin! David Lillie

Barth, Laurent NV (2019) Alsace Extra Brut Petillant Naturel

Mostly Pinot Auxerrois with some Pinot Noir in the mix, this is a methode ancestrale "Pet Nat" from Laurent Barth... a wine we never knew existed since most of it is sold in Europe and Laurent keeps a fair amount at home to share with friends. The wine spends 18 months sur latte (sur lie) before disgorging. A fascinating and singular wine, with a beautiful creamy texture and subtle aromas of red berries, citrus and minerals that continue on the elegant, refreshing palate. This is one of the most delicious Pet Nats of France - rarely available, don't delay!

Jonc Blanc 2021 Vin de France Bulle Rosé

This delicate natural pét-nat is made with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and a smaller portion of  Sémillon (30%), and shows a lovely pink-orange color in the glass. The mousse is very delicate, but at a quite high pressure, and on the palate herbal, red fruits, tea, and crushed strawberries are evident, with white fruits from the Semillon. WARNING - Open over a sink as the high pressure cases a  bit of overflow when opened!

Brand, Charles & Philippe 2018 Alsace Pet-Nat 'Le Bidule'

A gently sparkling, hazy Pet-Nat from Philippe Brand. Le Bidule is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and 10% direct press Pinot Noir. Low alcohol and as the French say, "digeste," in that it has nice texture and goes down quite smoothly. This will be a great Pet-Nat to have on the table during the holidays, as the bubbles are not aggressive yet the wine is still light on its feet and very refreshing and palate cleansing.

Dangin, Bruno NV Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

What a difference 2 kilometers makes! Bruno Dangin's Crémant de Bourgogne is made from 100% Pinot Noir from organically farmed vines in Molesme, located just beneath the southern border of Champagne's Aube.The limestone rich soils are the same as those of their pricier neighbor to the north.  Boasting a fine bead and soft mousse and aromas of red fruits and autolyse, one would be hard pressed to spot the difference. The palate offers great depth, pure pinot fruit, and a suave, layered, persistent finish. This is a great value in bubbles and will grace the holiday table nicely. John McIlwain

Serata NV Prosecco del Veneto

Il Fortunato 2017 Rosato Vino Spumante Extra Dry (Organic, low SO2)

Il Fortunato aced it with their Rosato Spumante; another lively sparkler produced from organic vineyards with only a minimal addition of sulfur. The nose is playful with a mix of bright berry fruits and fresh red cherries cut by tart apple skins. On the palate, a delicate mousse lifts the wine showing some weight, great acidity, and just touch of ripeness. Absolutely lovely! Pair with charcuterie, simple pasta, or simply drink on its own. Perfect for your Big Event this spring or summer..!

Terre di Marca (Corvezzo) NV Terre di Marca Bio Prosecco

100% Glera from a single vintage. -Clay and limestone soils along the Livenza River are the finest in the Treviso countryside. Hand-harvested. -Soft cold crushed and pressed, made sparkling through the charmat method by spending 60 days in inox tanks.

Terraquilia 2018 Bianco dell'Emilia Col Fondo Terrebianche

A blend of Pignoletto, also known as Grechetto Gentile, and Trebbiano, from organically farmed grapes. Bottled after halting fermentation, allowing carbonation to develop within the bottle. It is not disgorged, and is cellar aged for 15 months before release. In the glass, the color is a silvery lemon. On the nose, there are rich floral aromas, ripe lemon fruit, and sliced apricots. Like the TerraQuilia reds, this sparkling white is a touch herbaceous, balancing a faint bitterness on the edge of zingy lemon fruit and dried stone fruit. The palate has a bright core, but a softness in surrounding texture, creating a very compelling mouthfeel. Highly drinkable, but full of character. David Hatzopoulos

Rovero 2018 Brachetto d'Asti

Brachetto is usually made in the same style of Moscato d’Asti -- the fermentation is stopped when alcohol is still quite low and some of the CO2 is captured to create a slightly sparkling, sweet wine. Farmed strictly organically, the fermentation for the Rovero is arrested with filtration rather than large doses of sulfur (as is common for sweet Brachetto) to limit overall additions to the wine. The wine has opulent strawberry fruit and red flowers on the nose with a lively sparkle and creamy texture braced by bright acid and plenty of sweetness; it is a truly carefree wine that is a joy to drink. A natural pairing with fruit desserts, strawberry shortcake, as a sweet pairing for prosciutto and melon, or as a dessert in and of itself!

COS NV (2018) Spumante Metodo Classico Frappato Extra Brut

Finca Sabate i Coca 2014 Corpinnat Mosset

Mosset is a new Brut Nature Corpinnat from Marcel. I like to think of it as the next step up from the Brut Reserva: clearly more serious and more interesting than the entry-level bottling, but approachable enough in price and character to enjoy with abandon. As a non-dosage sparkling, you can expect a generally more intense character, but the long lees aging lends this wine a creamy, almost plush mouthfeel with very well integrated bubbles. What is most exciting for me about this wine is the herbal character that reflects the terroir of the vineyards with lots of fennel, anise, and rosemary on the nose. These herbal notes would complement all of the flavors of a holiday feast, and this very dry sparkler would be great to drink with dinner. -BF

Recaredo 2017 "Terrers" Brut Nature Corpinnat Gran Reserva

Certified organic in 2004 and biodynamic in 2010, Recaredo’s unparalleled rigor in the vines and cellar alike result in the most elegant, detailed, and expressive wines. Bone dry and languorous, with bubbles as fine as mineral water and deep, stony minerality to match. Chiseled on the nose and palate, with aromas of lime rind, crunchy green apple, rock salt, and orange blossom. Try this if you love mineral-driven Champagne like Laherte Blanc de Blancs. 50% Xarello, 38% Macabeu, 12% Parellada, biodynamically farmed. Nostalgia for Spanish oysters and delicate young cheeses is activated! 

Raventos I Blanc 2020 Conca del Riu Anoia de Nit Reserva Rose

Pepe Raventós stepped outside of the Cava appellation in 2012 to create the Conca del Riu Anoia designation. The de Nit rosé was the first Conca wine and continues to sate and impress us with its lively expression of calcareous soils, rich with marine fossils. This is an incredibly versatile sparkler that has crisp, pretty stone fruit and light raspberry fruit with a gorgeous minerality. Made mostly from white grapes Macabeu and Parellada, with a small percentage of Monastrell, this is a very pale rose, barely pink at all (almost peach-hued). Don't hesitate to place this in any role that a more expensive Champagne might have filled...you won't be disappointed!

Filipa Pato NV Bairrada Brut Rose "3B" Sparkling

Bairrada, with its cooler maritime climate, has a long history of producing fresh and distinctive sparkling wines of quality from the native grapes of the region. Filipa Pato admirably keeps the tradition alive with her delicious and unpretentious brut rosé made from a blend of Bairrada’s signature noble red variety Baga and the tangy high acid white grape, Bical. Spicy and zesty with notes of bright citrus and red berries, this is a great (and affordable!) pairing for baked fish with paprika and Iberian olive oil, smoked fish or a party with a variety of hors d'oeuvres...

Nigl 2016 Kremstal Zweigelt, Pinot Noir

Hailing from the upper reaches of the Krems valley comes this delightful vintage sparkling rose. Gushing with aromas of melon, strawberries and brioche, the palate is fresh, fruity and round with a very fine mousse. Excellent aperitif and brunch wine! GH

Kögl 2020 Styria Pet Nat 'Under Pressure'

A lively Pet Nat from the southernmost reaches of Styria next to the Slovenian border; Tamara Kogl's "Under Pressure" is made from Weissburgunder and illustrates, like her Morillon, how Burgundian her terroir is. From very steep slopes full of sandy limestone, her wines are biodynamic and burst with bright acidity, pure fruit flavors and minerality in spades. Perhaps the best characteristic is that they are never heavy handed and are always light footed, like an aerial acrobat flipping through the air from one trapeze to the next. An excellent aperitif for holiday meals and get togethers! Giselle Hamburg

Falkenstein, Hofgut 2021 Landwein der Mosel (Pet-Nat)

This is an ancestral style hazy sparkling Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) from the Falkenstein estate in the Mosel. An unexpected surprise this year, and a welcome one. No filtration here, which wins us some lively texture and yeasty flavors. The alcohol is low, and the acid high, making it a great way to reset after a meal, or get things started before one.

Gut Hermannsberg 2017 Nahe Sekt Riesling Brut

Winemaker Karsten Peter who was just awarded "Winemaker of the Year"by Germany's 2023 Vinum Wineguide, has updated the ageing on their Sekts now to a minimum of 24 months and a lower dosage;  in this case to 7gms for the Brut. Finally, an affordable Riesling Sekt showcasing notes of petrol, citrus and white peach with high acid, zesty minerality and a delicate body that makes for a perfect aperitf or pairing for lighter fare. Let the festivities begin! Giselle Hamburg

Turenne 2017 IGP Maures Brut Cuvée Cécile Brut Nature

The Domaine Turenne Cuvée Cécile Brut Nature is made from Rolle (aka Vermentino) and Cinsault, aged 18 months on the lees and bottled unfiltered. The wine shows fine bubbles with a pale copper hue and a creamy texture. The nose is redolent with notes of melon, white rocks and herbs whilst the palate has a dry, savory finish with flavors of orange peel, apricot and citrus. Serve this refreshing Provençal "bulles" as an aperitif or with fish, white meats and fruit desserts.

Grange Tiphaine 2021 Vin de France Pet Nat Rosa, Rosé, Rosam

"Rosa, Rosé, Rosam" is a gorgeous pet-nat, primarily Cabernet Franc with Gamay, Grolleau, and Côt made by the talented Damien and Coralie Delecheneau in Touraine. The vines are 70 to 80 years old and were planted in the clay and limestone soils by Damien's great grandfather. 100% direct press to preserve the aromatic finesse, followed by alcoholic fermentation at low temperature. Botled with residual sugar and no additives, the mousse produced naturally in the bottle. "It's a swimming pool wine" say the Delecheneaus "nothing complicated, just the simple pleasure of a fruity and refreshing 'bulle.'" It's quite delicious with bright, juicy strawberry and ripe cherry notes, and frothy, fully sparkling on the palate. Perfect for bringing to the next outdoor gathering!

Tessier 2020 Vin de France Pet Nat "Phil'en Bulle"

The Tessier "Phil'en Bulle" is a fabuous Pet Nat (Methode Ancestrale - one fermentation that finishes in the bottle) made from 80% Romorantin and 20% Menu Pineau (Orbois) - two of our favorite grapes!  The wine is bottled after one year sur lie, with zero added sulfur. The 2020 version is a knock-out, as usual, showing a pale gold color and vibrant aromas of citrus, honey, almond, and pear with herbal notes. The palate is round, dense and brisk, with citrus peel, almond, white fruits and caramel with herbal notes. The finish is long and refreshing. Serve this terrific Pet Nat with just about anything, it's a perfect aperitif and will be a treat over the holidays...

Grandes Vignes 2020 VdF Bulle Nature Petillant Naturel

This is a Methode Ancestrale sparkling white of equal parts Grolleau Gris, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc (Blanc de Noirs), with 10% Chardonnay. Disgorgement is after about 6 months on the lees, and the wine is made without added sulfur. It's dry and delicious - a great aperitif and a really versatile sparkler that will pair well with a wide variety of foods and is equally enjoyable and charming on it's own.  -EL

Roche Bleue 2021 Vin de France Belle en Bulle

The 2021 La Belle en Bulle is from 50+ year-old Pineau d'Aunis vines in Jasnieres and Coteaux du Loir. The terroir is clay with silex and stones over limestone, giving yields of about 30 ha/hl. This new 2021 Petillant version of La Belle d'Aunis contains 10% fruit from 2018 and 2019 (?), bottled in November 2021 to finish fermentation and disgorged in March 2022. The wine shows very pretty Pineau d'Aunis aromas,  earthy and  ripe of strawberry compote, tart cherry and violet. The palate is lightly sparkling and quite refreshing with citrus and minerals rather than fruit on the clean finish. Serve quite cool at your next picnic or party, especially with charcuterie.

Jean Maupertuis 2021 Vin de France Pink Bulles Pet-Nat

Jean Maupertuis is known for his reds from the Auvergne, so most people balk on the bubbles, but this year his little bubbly number is particularly delicious. All Gamay, very balanced and light, with a fine bead and really pleasant softness contrasting with the zippy acidity. Pale in the glass, dry and versatile, this is the year to grab one along with one of Maupertuis' reds.

Tissot NV Crémant du Jura Extra Brut

An abiding staff favorite from Stéphane Tissot's biodynamic estate in Arbois, this crémant is a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 10% Poulsard and Trousseau. The interplay between the dry, mineral complexity and rich generosity make this an incredible Champagne-alternative. Opulent aromas of raw honey and baked red apple lead to flavors of tangy yellow fruit, crisp apple, toasted almond, and quince on the persistent finish.  Amanda Bowman

Tissot, Stéphane 2018 Crémant du Jura Indigène

A serious Crémant made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Poulsard, and Trousseau, all fermented with indigenous yeasts. Stéphane will always point out that he is the only one in the Jura who uses their Vin de Paille to spark the second fermentation (instead of the typical Champagne yeast). This is truly a special detail, and adds to the richness and complexity of the wine. He adds in the Vin de Paille in small amounts, daily, over 1-2 months, allowing complex flavors and textures to develop. Clearly, it's a time-consuming process, but Stéphane is very proud of the quality of the wine, and we're always in awe. With a little aeration, the nose shows honeysuckle, orange zest, and orchard fruit. The palate offers crisp minerality, flavors of tangy citrus, toasted nuts, dried honey, and sea salt on the long finish.  -AB