Even though you know I drink it all year round (sometimes the more mundane the day, the better drink I choose), December is really the king of sparkling wine celebratory moments. Plus, you can’t beat that sound. Sure you can always give Champagne. But if you want to stand out, here are some of the more unusual sparkling wines I’ve liked lately. 

• Royal Blue Sky Champagne from Champagne Pommery: People poo-poo putting ice cubes in wine, but you’re actually supposed to drink this “sur glace.” It’s refreshing, plus I love that it cuts the alcohol down. Just a good little touch of sweetness to drink with dessert or as an aperitif.
• Medici Ermete Phermento 2022: A Lambrusco di Sorbara pet nat that tasted like actually chewing black cherries. Chunky, fizzy, and fun. $20
• Baia’s Gvantsas Pet Nat: From Georgia (the country), this is one of the cooler wines I’ve tried in a long time! Tastes like unripe apricot smashed against slate with a dash of black pepper. Also huge props for their own description which is awesome: tsitska (local white grape) is a textural tour de force. Blistering with crisp, tangy acidity, shrouded in the chalkiness of skinsy pucker so often seen in Georgian white wines, imbued with attractive stone fruit character and light, peppery-herbal detail, this is such an interesting and delicious wine to drink. Best paired with a hearty feast, it’s a complex, architectural and fascinating expression, with refreshment factor built in. $30
• Giesen 0% Sparkling Brut: For those who want the fun fizz without the unfun hangover the next day, try this dealcoholized sparkler made from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris grapes from Waipara in New Zealand. Added benefit: only 40 calories per glass. $22

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