It might be the 4th but we’re actually only recommending one American bubbly! Piper-Heidsieck: Forget canned wine, this is the coolest can of the summer. It’s a limited edition design by Josh McKenna that celebrates Pride. And you then get a fantastic bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut, with superfine bubbles, elegant brioche notes, and ample opp … Continue reading
For a beautiful bubble, sip no further than Eric Taillet. These wines are total gems. Rarely is Champagne all Pinot Meunier (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir usually dominate the three-grape Champagne blend), but Pinot Meunier gives such a delicacy and beautiful pink rose notes. I’d honestly drink all-Meunier all the time if I could find it more. Before 1992, … Continue reading
Paris winners can easily bust out Champagne (let’s hear it for that toasty raspberry Bolly, $135) to celebrate their medals. But for those of us sitting on the couch without lucrative endorsement deals we might want to turn to more affordable French bubbles to sip on during the Closing Ceremonies. Namely, crémant which is made in the … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
Marika Vida used to spotlight excellent female winemakers with these great dinners when she was the wine director at the Ritz, and she’s now doing a SOMM Series to continue the tradition. And what a revival last week, with an all-Taittinger dinner with Vitalie Taittinger, who recently took over as President of her family’s Champagne … Continue reading
And now for a few non-wine gifts (yes, they exist). Chill out with this Veuve Clicquot wine mini-fridge, designed by smeg in honor of the Champagne’s 250th anniversary. So chic, and a great way to keep your bubbly all together. $4000 This wine advent calendar will be sure to get you through any holiday stress. You get 24 mini bottles and … Continue reading
It’s that time of year when everyone starts asking me what wine to get for all the people they need to give a gift to—friend, family, boss, doorman. Here are some excellent suggestions, all under $100. Reds: Two reds that taste like they’re twice the price. White: Try expanding someone’s wine world with a fantastic white. Sparkling: A … Continue reading
I’ve been drinking a lot of bubbly lately. Not only is it refreshing in hot weather, but it tends to be a little lower in alcohol. We all know Champagne from France and Prosecco from Italy, but given how much sparkling wine I’ve been popping I decided to try some from lesser-known places—and was quite … Continue reading
It’s now full-on summer and I’m sure you’re ready for major rosé time. I’ve already clocked a decent amount, so let the recommendations begin! 1 Made from Grenache, Consult and Syrah, Berne Inspiration ($21) is really light and a perfect Provençal-style rosé. They’re even running a contest to win a trip for 2 to Provence (enter here and bring me if … Continue reading
Less than 4% of Champagne’s vineyards are certified organic, but Leonardo DiCaprio became in investor in one of the houses that’s going to up that number. Champagne Telmont is on track to convert all estate-owned vineyards to organic agriculture by 2025 and their partner wingrowers’ by 2031. Currently their Réserve de la Terre is already all organic. In addition, they’re going green in many other ways: … Continue reading
