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Champagne has long been the wine of the New Year. It’s a talisman to welcome peace and prosperity. It is a hope that like will follow like—that the coming year will mimic the satisfaction and joy that only a glass of the world’s most fussed-over wine can bring. If all that sounds expensive, fear not: there are great glasses of bubbly to be had right now at every price point. So fill a glass and raise a toast. If 2012 is as delicious as any of these wines, it will be a very good year.
Baron de Seillac, Brut Blanc de Blancs Vinde Table Français, NV
An unusual southern French blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard which unite in a sprightly, delicious, lemon-lime way, this wine is so refreshing, so clean, so good it’s hard not to gulp it. Available: Solo Vino, 517 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-602-9515, solovinowines.com ($12)
Gérard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux, 2008
A careful spender’s Veuve Clicquot, this wine offers the same balance, evenness, and finesse that you’d find in that famed bottle—but at a fraction of the cost. In fact, this might even be better, with more energy and nerve, and a mineral essence at its core that supports a nice tart orange-blossom finish. Available: The Cellars, multiple locations, including Eagan: 2113 Cliff Rd., 651-405-6681, thecellars.com ($19)
Quattro Mani Franciacorta Brut, NV
What were you doing three years ago? The Chardonnay in this northern Italian sparkler was just heading into a bottle to age. The well-integrated toast, vanilla, and mushroom qualities that result from this long, long aging are delightful to discover, and utterly elegant. Available: Excelsior Vintage, 400 Hwy. 7, Excelsior, 952-401-0346, excelsiorvintage.com ($20)
Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé Champagne Cuvée Rosé, NV
Pure, drinkable romance, this svelte pink beauty has a body that’s both lithe and taut. But fill a glass with it, and you’ll find that this Champagne giggles gorgeously, bewitching you with its strawberry-rhubarb laughter. Available: France 44, 4351 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-925-3252, france44.com ($100)
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Reader Comments:
That is the highest price I have ever seen the Laurent-Perrier Rose for in my life. Is there a reason you promote France 44 as this sells for around $40 less at many places.
In Minnesota that's a very fair price, it typically sells for around $110 retail. There may be fakes out there, or lower prices in states with lower taxes, or websites that seem to be offering it in dollars but are really selling in British pounds, or a damaged bottle here and there, but I haven't ever seen real Laurent-Perrier Brut cuvee rosé for $60. Though I'd like to!
If you know of a Minnesota liquor store that sells it for $60 share the good news, please.
It is available for $60 from several wine shops in California. As far as fakes that is not an issue from quality wine shops as the wine comes from the Champagne House to the distributor to the wine shops to the consumer. The only times fakes will be out there is when they get in the auction market but they figure those out. So make sure to shop from a solid wine shop with a track record and no worries on fakes.
Also is there a reason you don't promote Hennepin Lake for Champagne as they have one of the best selections in town at really good prices?