BOTTLE SHOTS: selection of sparkling wines from the land of the free

Last week I pleaded for American sparkling wine – for Independence Day, no less – and this week I’m back with some of my favorite bottles. Each of them deserves to be opened under the fireworks.

Gruet Blanc de Noirs, $ 20

America’s modern wine industry truly stretches from sea to sea, and there may not be another vineyard that exemplifies our country’s winemakers “https: // www. arkansasonline.com/news/2021/jun/30/sparkling-wine-picks- the free land / “grow anywhere” attitude than that of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gruet Winery. Literally Translated as “blanc de noir”, blanc de noirs means a white wine made from red grapes, rich and opulent, making it the perfect evening aperitif.

William Chris Sparkling Natural Rosé, $ 25

Another wine from the “yes they make wine over there” record, this bubbly from Texas is a personal favorite. Made from a blend of several red grape varieties, this wine has almost more in common with a craft beer or cider than with the other wines on this list, but I promise you it’s just as delicious. However, note that you’ll want to chill this bottle well before you pop its cap … otherwise the fireworks won’t be the only thing shooting up in the sky.

Roederer Estate Brut, $ 30

If there is a sparkling wine with better value for money in California, I haven’t found it. Located in the Anderson Valley of northern California (a few hours north of Sonoma), Roederer Estate is another winery operated by a French champagne house. This one, Champagne Louis Roederer, makes a small wine called Cristal. At just 9% off the price of its big brother, the Roederer Estate Brut is where I go when it comes to those inevitable weeknights that demand a cork stopper.

Scharffenberger Caves Brut Rosé Excellence, $ 28

Another Anderson Valley wine, this rosé achieves its pale pink color from a small percentage of still pinot noir that is added just before the wine undergoes fermentation to achieve its bubbles. The resulting rosé is summery and bursting with a nose of strawberries and cream. If you’re brave enough to make it through the Arkansas summer on a patio, consider this wine to be drunk.

Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Blanc de Noirs, $ 50

This is another white wine made from red grapes, and here the red grape in question is Pinot Noir. Without its characteristic red skin, we end up with a wine as spellbinding and dazzling as a disco ball. Marzipan and apricots swirl with almonds and a sweet macadamia nut in the glass. Napa Valley-based Schramsberg Vineyards were the first winery to produce an American blanc de noir, and it’s easy to see why it’s still one of the best.

As always, you can see what I’m drinking on Instagram at @sethebarlow and send your questions and quibbles about wine to [email protected]