The holidays are nigh, and many will be raising a glass in celebration. One might call this the bubbly season. But before you pour the Champagne or prosecco, consider some of the great sparkling wines being made closer to home. We asked Braithe Tidwell, New Orleans-based sommelier and unblushing fan of sparkling wine, for her favorite American-made bottles.
Argyle 2018 Vintage Brut, Argyle Winery, Dundee, Oregon
Courtesy of Argyle Winery
The winery calls this its “foundation” because its founder, Rollin Soles, came to the Willamette Valley intent on making this. Tasting notes include orchard fruits, citrus peel, toasted brioche, and an underlying creaminess. Ms. Tidwell suggests pairing this with oysters or shellfish. $30
Decoy Brut Cuvée, Duckhorn Winery, Saint Helena, California
Courtesy of Duckhorn Wine Company
Ms. Tidwell calls this sparkling wine “creamier, smoother, more of a Champagne style.” During secondary fermentation, the winemaker adds a bit of Napa Valley chardonnay that was fermented in French oak barrels. Expect buttery and brioche tasting notes. This pairs well with bread puddings or stuffing. $20
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Schramsberg, Calistoga, California
Courtesy of Schramsberg Vineyards
Crisp, dry, and really well-balanced, it has some fruit-forward notes. “It goes really well with fish, crab cakes, or any kind of fried dish.” First made in 1965, it was the first commercially produced American sparkling wine made from 100 percent chardonnay grapes. $45
Domaine Carneros Brut Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs, Domaine Carneros, Napa, California
Courtesy of Domaine Carneros
The winery’s finest selection is made with 100 percent estate-grown chardonnay grapes, so it’s super smooth. Tasting notes include crème brûlée, some citrus, brioche, and lemon. “Pair this with your meat dishes, your main courses—chicken, turkey, or pork would go really nicely.” $125
Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Brut Rosé, Gran Moraine Vineyard, Yamhill, Oregon
Courtesy of Gran Moraine
“This one has some really beautiful strawberry, raspberry notes, but it’s still dry and has a little bit of creaminess, and salty, briny notes.” Pairing suggestions include heavier meats, such as roast beef or ham, as well as fruit tarts or fruitcake, or anything with a light chocolate element. $60
Roederer Estate Brut Rosé, Roederer Estate, Philo, California
Courtesy of Roederer Estate
This one is “smooth and creamy and has some nice plum and stonefruit notes.” Because they tend to have a bit more body, rosés generally go well with main courses. This estate winery combines the experience of winemakers from America with those of France’s historical Louis Roederer Champagne House. $39
Meet the Expert
Braithe Tidwell is a certified sommelier and the corporate beverage director of Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group in New Orleans, Louisiana. Under her leadership, Brennan’s has received Wine Spectator’s top honor, the Grand Award, for three years running.
Courtesy of Braithe Tidwell
What will you drink on New Year’s Eve?
“At Brennan’s, we like to open a large format bottle—3-liter or 6-liter Champagne bottle—and then we pour from the bottle for all of our guests to have a little Champagne with dinner.”
Got New Year’s plans?
“We typically watch New Year’s Eve stuff on TV with my kids.”
Any resolutions for 2024?
“To learn to meditate. And always more travel to wine regions. That’s always a goal. More travel, more peace.”
This article was originally published in American Essence magazine.
