Budget-Friendly Bubbles: Sparking Wine Selections Under 230 kr
This category presents six sparkling wine options that offer excellent value without breaking the bank. Leading the pack is the Simonsig Cuvée Royale Blanc de Blancs 2021 from South Africa, a Chardonnay-based sparkler crafted using the traditional method (known as "cap classique" in South Africa). Its three years of aging on the lees contribute to a pleasant breadiness, complemented by citrus notes and a creamy mousse. Burgundy, France, offers the Clotilde Davenne Brut Extra Crémant de Bourgogne, a consistently crisp and dry crémant reminiscent of a sparkling Chablis with added apple, mineral, and herbal nuances. Italy contributes the Pietramore Métode Ancestrale Trebbiano from Abruzzerna, a vibrant, unfiltered, and flavourful wine produced using the méthode ancestrale (single fermentation in the bottle). This results in a wine bursting with orange peel, mimosa, and citrus, finishing with a delicate pithy bitterness. Prosecco lovers can rejoice with the Montelvini Il Brutto Asolo Prosecco Superiore Sui Lieviti 2022 from Veneto, Italy. This traditional, flavorful, and unfiltered prosecco boasts low sugar content, making it a sophisticated choice for celebrations. Returning to France, the Barton & Guestier Crémant de Bourgogne presents a likeable and elegant crémant made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region’s signature grapes. Allowing it to breathe in a large glass reveals its full potential. Finally, the Pongrácz Brut from South Africa’s Western Cape is a generous cap classique aged for two years on the lees, offering nuanced yellow citrus fruit, biscuit notes, and a hint of nougat. Its near-dry palate makes it an easily enjoyable choice.
Mid-Range Marvels: Sparkling Wine Selections Between 275 kr and 499 kr
Stepping up in price, the mid-range category showcases six sparkling wines that deliver enhanced complexity and finesse. The Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Grand Cru from Champagne, France, is a standout, exhibiting delicate floral fruit and a subtly creamy mousse derived entirely from Chardonnay. The Nicolas Feuillatte Blanc de Blancs Collection 2018, also from Champagne, provides exceptional value as a vintage Champagne, offering elegance and crispness with sufficient fruit depth. André Clouet Chalky Brut, another Champagne entry, features striking packaging that reflects its mineral-driven character, reminiscent of the chalky terroir. England joins the ranks with the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee from West Sussex, a reliable choice among British sparkling wines made from the three classic Champagne grapes. Expect almond, citrus, and brioche notes in a soft and balanced profile. From Spain’s Cava region, the Celler Kripta Barrica Gran Reserva 2020, made with Macabeo grapes and partially fermented in French oak barrels, offers an inviting and generous palate that finishes surprisingly dry. Finally, the Chassenay d’Arce Comtesse de Neples Brut from Champagne, a 100% Pinot Noir offering, stands out as a budget-friendly Champagne capable of competing with sparkling wines from other regions.
Prestige Picks: Sparkling Wine Selections Between 549 kr and 680 kr
For those seeking the epitome of sparkling wine, the prestige category highlights six exceptional choices, starting with the Georges Remy Les Quatre Terroirs No.21 from Champagne. This biodynamically produced Champagne captivates with its aromatic complexity and depth, showcasing red apple, almond, and a structure built for aging. Another remarkable Champagne is the Grongnet Special Club Grand Cru 2018, a serious contender from a small producer that surpasses many larger Champagne houses in its price range. Its direct, crisp, and subtly toasty character is a testament to its five years on the lees. The Gosset Grand Rosé, a richer rosé Champagne, demands a Burgundy glass to fully appreciate its broad spectrum of flavors, from blood orange and peach to raspberry and mineral salinity. England makes another impressive showing with the Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2018 from Kent, a surprising delight that delivers on all fronts, exhibiting depth and a long finish reminiscent of older vines. The Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve from Champagne is a dependable choice for those seeking a rich, generously toasty Champagne with a buttery, explosive citrus-driven profile, thanks to a high proportion of older reserve wines. Lastly, the Marie Copinet Nos pas dans l’ Argile Brut Nature, a bone-dry Champagne made entirely from Pinot Meunier, offers a compelling blend of minerality and spice, supported by vibrant acidity.
Luxury Libations: Top-Tier Champagnes Over 799 kr
The pinnacle of sparkling wine indulgence is represented by six luxurious Champagnes. The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2013 stands out as the ultimate luxury Champagne, offering exceptional value despite the general price increases in the region. Its elegant, creamy, and citrus-driven profile is already approachable, making it suitable for celebration now or years to come. Bollinger La Grande Année Brut 2015, a prestigious vintage Champagne, represents the best of its kind. Although benefiting from further aging, its structure and power are balanced by delicate aromas of light flowers and fresh sourdough. Another Bollinger gem, the PN VZ19, primarily composed of Pinot Noir, is a rich and powerful Champagne ideal for cellaring but also enjoyable now, offering brioche, winter apple, and marzipan notes. The Geoffroy Blanc de Rosé 1er Cru Extra Brut, the most visually appealing rosé of the selection, originates from 30-year-old vines. Its 60 months on the lees result in a delightful wine perfect for immediate enjoyment. Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru Extra Brut is a Champagne that unfolds gradually in the glass, rewarding patience with its nuanced, complex, and mineral-driven character. Finally, the Assailly-Leclaire & Fils Cuvée Millésimé 2013, a Chardonnay-dominant Champagne, exhibits evolving maturity with notes of yellow fruit, lemon, plum, and pomelo, culminating in a lingering finish.
Understanding the Ratings and Abbreviations
The wines are evaluated based on both value (DN rating 1-5) and quality (up to 100 points). A DN rating of 5 indicates a strong recommendation, while a score of 1 suggests avoidance. The quality score ranges from 91-100 (world-class) to 50-60 (substandard). The abbreviations used denote the wine’s availability: SB (standard assortment), BS (order assortment), TS (temporary assortment), and LS (local assortment). Wines marked with "TS" or "BS" may require pre-ordering or may be available only in select stores.
Further Exploration and Engagement
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