Two Fantastic Champagnes to Bring the New Year!

As the clock inches toward midnight, a certain sparkle fills the air—a blend of excitement, hope, and celebration. Nothing captures the magic of that moment quite like the pop of true French Champagne, its dancing bubbles reflect the anticipation of a fresh new year.

Each New Year’s Eve, more than 360 million glasses of sparkling wine are raised around the world, a testament to Champagne’s enduring prestige, precision, and finesse. Traditionally made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, Champagne marries structural vibrancy with refined elegance, making it ideal not only for ceremonial toasts but also as a benchmark aperitif.

From iconic prestige cuvées to characterful grower-producer bottlings, there is a Champagne to suit every palate and every celebration. The two selections below highlight the region’s diversity and craftsmanship, and stand out as compelling choices for welcoming a healthy and prosperous 2026.

Champagne Pommery Apanage Brut NV blends 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier, and also benefits from four years of lees aging, adding depth and polish. Its nose is generous and inviting, showing baked apple, croissant, and subtle confectionary notes, brightened by tangerine and yellow plum. The palate is rounded and approachable, with flavours of pear, mandarin, and gentle spice, lifted by a light, refreshing salinity. The mousse is fine and creamy, giving the wine a smooth, seamless texture that enhances its elegance. The finish is long and satisfying, revealing touches of hazelnut, dried citrus, and a faint honeyed nuance. $59

Champagne Mandois Blanc de Blancs 2020 is crafted entirely from organic Chardonnay and fermented in a mix of stainless steel, older barrels, and concrete, giving it both freshness and gentle richness. After four years on the lees, it has developed a smooth, refined texture and subtle complexity. The aroma is bright and delicate, with notes of white flowers, fresh apple, and lemon zest, supported by soft hints of almond and light toast. On the palate, it is crisp and focused, offering green apple, citrus, and a clean mineral edge. The finish is refreshing, dry, and precise, with a persistent mousse that underscores its purity and finesse. $96.

So there you have it, two excellent samples to welcome 2026 with the grace and glamour that only Champagne can impart! Wishing you a brilliant New Year filled with joy, health, and exceptional bubbles. Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #champagne #newyear2026 #drinkupamerica

Holiday Sparklers under $25

It’s that time of year again — the holidays are finally here! Between the twinkle of festive lights, the rush of Black Friday deals, and the excitement of gift shopping, there’s one more reason to celebrate: Sparkling wines.

For me, it’s always about finding something special within my budget. Whenever I can, I treat myself to real Champagne it’s one of the few luxuries I never skip when ringing in the new year. But if Champagne isn’t in the cards, don’t worry! there are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly alternatives like Crémant, American sparkling wine, Italian Spumante, or Cava.

Many of these more affordable bubblies are crafted using either the Traditional Method (Méthode Champenoise), where the second fermentation,the one that creates the bubbles, happens in the bottle, or with the Charmat method, where it takes place in large pressurized tanks.

To add complexity and flavor, some producers also opt for extended aging on the lees (dead yeast cells), just like in Champagne. Others may go for shorter aging periods, resulting in fresher, fruitier styles.

Now, let’s explore my recommendations:

1)Crémant: Lucien Albrecht Crémant d' Alsace Brut $24

Crafted using the traditional Méthode Champenoise, this Crémant is vibrant and expressive, revealing delicate floral notes intertwined with fresh fruit aromas — crisp apple, juicy peach, and sun-ripened apricot. On the palate, it’s lively and fruit-driven, with a graceful maturity that adds depth. Ripe fruit flavors unfold in layers, leading to a clean, balanced, and satisfying finish.

2)California Sparkling: Piper Sonoma Brut $22

Also made using the Traditional Method, Piper Sonoma Brut is a dry, fresh sparkling wine primarily composed of mostly Chardonnay, with a touch of Pinot Noir. It opens with inviting aromas of citrus, green apple, and orange blossom. On the palate, it delivers crisp flavors of green apple and mandarin orange, layered with subtle notes of brioche.

3)Italian Spumante (sweet): Bartenura Moscato Spumante $18

Made from muscat grapes this pleasantly sweet sparkling wine shows delicate floral fragrances of honeysuckle with hints of raspberry. On the palate, Bartenura Spumante offers a sweet medley of strawberries and melon, making it a delightful choice to enjoy on its own or paired with fresh fruit.

4)New Mexico Sparkling: Gruet NV Brut $18

Aged sur lie for a minimum of 18 months, Gruet NV Brut offers richness and complexity typically found in higher-tier wines. This sparkling opens with bright apple notes and follows through with a silky, dense mouthfeel. The finish is long and refined, with a subtle touch of sweetness — perfect for celebrating special occasions or elevating everyday moments.

I hope you give them all a try soon! Cheers to bubbles, bargains, and a bright holiday season! Best, Silvina

#Thoughtsoflawina #holidaysparklingwines #holidays #christmas