“I love a good value when it comes to sparkling wine, but there are so many occasions that warrant higher price points. In fact, purpose is the single most important part of any sparkling wine purchase. Is it a romantic affair or a graduation? Is it Thanksgiving or a retirement party? Will you be present when the bottle is opened? Generally speaking the import of the occasion leads you to a price. But the truth of the matter is that the premium category does not exist just for special occasions and gifts. Rather it can turn a boring occasion into a special one. Once you’ve tasted these premium wines it won’t be hard to understand why they fetch higher prices. “Higher” in this case means over thirty dollars. The care that goes into their genesis is evident. No matter which method is used, the creation of sparkling wine is an inherently risky proposition with higher costs. Specialized workers must be hired to tend to caves filled with liquids under extreme pressure. Special machinery must be used in some cases. Only the best grapes over several vintages, or within a single year, can be used. These producers get a high-five from me for the time, talent, and risk they put behind making premium sparkling wines.

“I still hear so many people being apologetic about their wine choices. They shift responsibility to a pushy retailer, a flash sale, or they just buy something – anything—with a vaguely recognizable name. That’s not going to be necessary this year. Check out this list of premium selections that go beyond the same old sparkling wine labels. Nobody is going to say that you made a mistake when you pop open one of these beauties! …

“Bisol Superiore di Cartizze Prosecco DOCG
Prosecco has been battling imitators for decades. There are two key terms to look for on Prosecco labels: 1.) DOCG – meaning, the Italian government has guaranteed the origin of the wine. 2.) The word “Cartizze”. This is a small geographical area – around 107 acres – named for the Cartizze hill. This steep vineyard area is most superior for growing the Glera grapes used in Prosecco. The Cartizze area falls in the Conegliano Valdobiaddene region — another great name to look for on bottles of premium Prosecco. Read more about Conegliano Valdobbiadene here. Light biscuit aromas with peach, grapefruit and lemon. This is full bodied and rich on the palate with a creamy mousse and flavors of tart lemon, creamy almond and peach, melting into chunky melon and smooth oak notes that linger for quite a long time before depositing a touch of sweetness and more nutty buttery brioche notes.”

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