Sparkling Wine for Summer
Cool off with a chilled bottle of one of our staff’s favorite alternatives to Champagne.
Can Suriol, Cava Brut Nature – 2018 $15.99
A crisp, lean cava from the Suriol family, whose operation is housed in the sixteenth-century Castell de Grabuac in the Penedès DO. This brut nature is balanced on the palate with tart fruit and savory cream. A refreshing, spot-on classic. – Teddy Daly, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Frizzante Rosé “Prosa,” Meinklang – 2021 $18.96
Many natural winemakers believe that diversity in farming will contribute to healthy and happy vines. Meinklang is a two-generation family farm that raises livestock and grows grains and produce. Vines in this scenario tend to be happier and healthier, and bear fruit that make more vibrant wines. Prosa uses gently pressed Pinot Noir juice and natural winemaking techniques to produce this beauty. The wine is dry and has fine bubbles that tickle the palate. Enjoy as an aperitif on its own or with fresh berries. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
“Eins Zwei Zero” Sparkling Riesling Alcohol-Free, Leitz – NV $19.96
At first the very idea of alcohol-free wine seemed an anathema. But over the years, you get used to having a nice bottle with dinner. This is not sparkling grape juice. This is wine where the alcohol has been removed through a technical process. So, maybe you’re going for a dry January, or you’re expecting, or on medication. Here is a very nice option for that special dinner. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Dom. de La Grande Côte – NV $21.96
Crémant wines (French sparkling wines made in the same method as Champagne, just not in Champagne) are excellent for nights when you want a well-made and elegant sparkling wine but don’t want to pay top dollar. Those from Burgundy are particularly great as the terroir shares similarities with Champagne, providing some complexity. I also love crémant as a follow-up to Champagne when the occasion calls for opening a second bottle that doesn’t need to be Champagne-level. Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Dom. de La Grande Côte is featured regularly in my lineup because it is a fabulous wine that’s rich with yellow apples and pear. It finishes with a beautiful minerality that sets it apart from the rest. – Hannah Weiss, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Franciacorta Extra Brut, Corte Bianca – NV $32.96
Here’s a unique alternative to Champagne produced in northern Italy. Out of the gate the aromas lean toward the umami end of the spectrum, but slowly fade in the glass to classic notes of brioche, bright lemon, and subtle red fruit components that a classic Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend provides. Franciacorta is an ideal offering to explore traditional-method wines made outside of France. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Espumado Rosado Brut Nature, Los Bermejos – 2019 $33.99
The black, volcanic sands of Lanzarote produce some of the most under-the-radar, compelling wines on the market, and I’m always delighted to get a bit of this rare sparkling rosado on the shelf. Pale and absolutely bone-dry, the wine spends 15 months on the lees and balances its intense, volcanic minerality with serious texture and aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, toasted almond, and mango. – Jon Miner, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Swick, Pétillant Naturel “City Pop” – 2021 $34.96
Alternative to Champagne? Well how about something entirely different? Here’s a pét-nat made from organically grown Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling from the Columbia Valley. The juice underwent 14 days of maceration on the white skins. Instead of the smell of baking bread you have banana pudding. It’s a perfect picnic wine (especially if the picnic is in Brooklyn). – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant