No doubt, sparkling wine will be on the menu this month as we ring in all things hopeful and wash down sumptuous holiday flavors. Sparkling wines, the most well-known of which, of course, is Champagne, are reliably food-friendly and a must for seasonal parties. Here are three recommendations from Matherne’s Market for the festivities. But remember, they’re also great year-round. mathernes.com
Gloria Ferrer
N/V Brut
Sonoma
$26
The primary varietal used in this lovely non-vintage brut from California is pinot noir with a little chardonnay thrown in to make things interesting. The flavor profile includes notes of pear, apple and citrus as well as robust hints of toasted bread and almond. There’s enough heft in the wine to stand up to a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, spicy food and citrus.
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Pair it with: Charcuterie, Thai curries or sautéed flounder with crabmeat beurre blanc
Monmousseau
Brut Etoile
France
$13
This methode traditionnelle sparkling wine from France’s Loire Valley is made with 70% chenin blanc grapes. Light golden in appearance, it’s got tiny bubbles—literally. They’re small and long-lasting and incredibly crisp and clean. Look for notes of almond, fig and pear and a soft, neat finish. This is a great hors d’oeuvres wine.
Pair it with: Fresh chevre with a drizzle of honey and flatbread, Marcona almonds or gougères (savory cheese pastries)
Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
DOCG Brut
Santa Margherita
$20
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Produced in Italy’s northeastern region of Valdobbiandene/Conegliano, this prosecco is made exclusively from the Glera varietal, a neutral-in-flavor grape sometimes called simply prosecco. Look for notes of apple and peach. This wine is clean and fruity and performs well both as an aperitif or an accompaniment to parts of the menu with gentle, non-aggressive flavors.
Pair it with: A cheese board with manchego and quince, vichyssoise or grilled shrimp with parsley pesto
This article was originally published in the December 2016 issue of 225 Magazine.