Sparkling wine is the standard-bearer of celebrations, particularly during the holidays. You can’t go wrong greeting your guests with a glass of bubbly as they arrive, but don’t confine it to an aperitif.
Sparkling wine is incredibly food-friendly and provides ample refreshment with a heavy dinner spread. Look for bottlings from producers with a sparkling wine pedigree, like Scharffenberger, to please guests without going broke, or if you want to there are countless affordable Crémants (sparkling French wines made outside of Champagne).
Meanwhile, for any like-minded wine geeks at the table, break away from the ordinary and take a chance on some of the stellar sparkling wines being produced in Tasmania.
Scharffenberger NV Brut Excellence Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling (Mendocino County); $18, 91 points. This enticing and supple wine starts with aromas of bread dough and toasted almonds. The palate brings flavors of both fresh and baked apple on a plush, softly sparkling texture. —Jim Gordon
Ninth Island NV Sparkling Rosé Sparkling (Tasmania); $25, 91 points. Ninth Island is the second label of the well-respected Piper’s Brook, and its fizz is made by Natalie Fryar, the winemaker behind Jansz. This pink sparkler is made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Delicate notes of yeast, green apple, strawberry and watermelon rind are woven into a palate that’s creamy in texture but buoyed by a bright line of acidity and lively bubbles. Little Peacock Imports. Editors’ Choice. —Christina Pickard
Adami 2016 Rive di Colbertaldo Vigneto Giardino Asciutto (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore); $22, 90 points. Hawthorn, acacia and stone fruit aromas mingle together on this lovely sparkler. Refreshing and refined, the vibrant foaming palate doles out citrus zest and yellow apple offset by crisp acidity and elegant mousse. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Editors’ Choice. —Kerin O’Keefe
Raventós I Blanc 2016 de Nit Sparkling (Penedès); $24, 90 points. A light pink color and smoky, lightly woody aromas introduce this racy rosé sparkler that includes a dash of Monastrell for color. Nectarine, red apple skin and citrus flavors are fresh and briny, while this is steady and doesn’t break down on the finish; ideal for fried chicken (trust us). Skurnik Wines, Inc. —Michael Schachner
Domaine du Petit Clocher NV Brut (Crémant de Loire); $25, 90 points. This wine, like so many in the Loire, was aged in the chalk caves around the town of Saumur. An elegant blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it conveys a cool feel along with bright acidity and a creamy, apple aftertaste. Drink now. Kinson The Future of Wine. —Roger Voss