Champagnes that Pop!

Bubbling with Romance and Good Times

Champagne0221

February 2021 Issue
By Stephanie Skager  |  Photography by Lindsay Gifford


“I could not live without Champagne.
In victory I deserve it, in defeat I need it.” —Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill was a fan of champagne, and this quote of his is on point for 2021, thus far. Really, it applies to just life in general. A glass of bubbles always lends itself to lightening things up. In raising a glass to more good times than bad ahead, here are six scrumptious, sparkling selections in every price point to celebrate victories, soothe defeats and calm your nerves in between. These selections are also perfect for adding a pop of magic to your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day celebrations.

 

Under $20----------------------------------------------------------------

Champagne0221 Vaux

 

 

Cuvée Vaux is a sparkling wine from Germany that checks all the boxes for quality. It is made from biodynamically farmed estate fruit from a winery that dates back to the 1880s, made in the traditional Champagne Method by their committed cellar master, a young woman named Maike Maria Münster. The cuvée gets it’s creaminess from pinot blanc and pinot noir, while maintaining crispness from riesling and chardonnay. The value this wine offers makes it exceedingly difficult for others to compete.

 

 

Champagne0221 Rose

 

 

 

 

Bertolani Lambrusco Rosé I know when most people hear Lambrusco they think Riunite—a simple, sweet, sparkly red that is usually enjoyed over ice. This is not that. The Bertolani winery is over a century old, and they continue to win awards for this dry rosé Lambrusco, which pairs well with an entire meal from appetizer to dessert, and is also wildly enjoyable on its own. This is a sparkling every wine lover should experience.


 

 

 

 

$20 - $50 Selections---------------------------------------------------

Champagne0221 Phaunus

 

 

 

 

Phaunus Pet Nat Interest in natural and low-sugar wines is continuously increasing, and this wine exceeds those expectations. Made from the Portuguese grapes Alvarelhao and Vinhao, this is a rosé sparkling wine that has no added yeast, sugar, or sulfites. It is unfiltered with no forced stabilization, which makes this wine vegan and about as healthy as wine can be.

 

 

 

Champagne0221 Villa

 

Villa Crespia Franciacorta Brut Many people search for more expensive prosécco than most wine stores carry. Honestly, there isn’t such a product that calls for a higher price point because the method to making prosécco is not expensive. It is meant to be an affordable, quaffable, simple libation. If you find yourself in the market for something with a little more complexity, Fanciacorta should be your go-to. (Italy’s method traditional sparkling wine). The Muratori family has been deeply rooted in the Franciacorta territory, and Tenuta Villa Crespia concretizes this family's bond and passion to their homeland. Since its birth, Villa Crespia has been dedicated to the exclusive production of Franciacorta, with grapes from the family-owned vineyards. The vineyards are located in each of the six vocational units of Franciacorta and each Franciacorta of Villa Crespia aims to be a witness and representation of a single vineyard landscape.

Champagne0221 Schramsberg

 

 

 

 

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs   Schramsberg, Napa Valley’s well-known sparkling winery, dates back to the 19th century, when German immigrant Jacob Schram first made his home and started his winery on Diamond Mountain. Over 100 years later, Jack and Jamie Davies restored the Schramsberg Estate in 1965. They set out to produce America’s most prestigious sparkling wine. Through the decades, this spirit of innovation has earned Schramsberg and the Davies worldwide praise and recognition.

 

 

 


50+ Selections-------------------------------------------------------------

Champagne0221 Natur

 

 

 

 

Hidden Bench 2013 Natur This bottle of bubbles is a pleasant surprise…and it’s from Canada! The passion and acute attention to detail of this cool-climate winery permits them to consistently create Canada’s benchmark for quality wines. Hidden Bench exhibits notes of toasted brioche, dried almond and hints of citrus. The generous mid-palate, body, intensity and structure lead to flavors of fresh orange and an autolytic character.

 

 

 

 



Champagne0221 Mousse

 

 

Champagne Mousse Fils L’or D’Eugene  Not suggesting a true Champagne for the most romantic month of the year would be to deny St. Valentine his bow and arrow filled with love. Champagne Mousse Fils L’or D’Eugene came across the desk over the holidays and has become a overnight favorite. This Champagne is unique because it is made from mostly Pinot Munier and made using perpetual reserve. To make it simple, imagine two barrels—one full and one empty. The winemaker transfers half of the full barrel to the empty one so both are at 50 percent. Then 50 percent of the new harvest is added to each one. One barrel is bottled and the other is kept to start again next year. Winemaker Cedric uses this method to strike a masterful balance between the freshness of the new vintage with the complexity and depth only “old wines” can bring.

 

 


Champagne0221 Stephanie

 

Stephanie Skager is a Certified Sommelier and Manager at Rollers Wine & Spirits Palmetto Bay Road location. A Rollers team member for 8 years, she's had the pleasure of traveling the world to see where her favorite wines are grown, including Champagne, France! When taking a break from traveling, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two little ones and new puppy.

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