2014 Maximin Grunhauser Sekt Brut Riesling ($42) Rieslingsekt, Germany’s sparkling wine, is just being discovered in the U.S. This one, from a famous producer, won’t disappoint Champagne lovers.
When Only Champagne Will Do
Non-vintage blends from less-known grower-producers—specifically ones that rely on their own vineyards for grapes—are typically the best bet for value.
NV Piper Heidsieck ($40) In the past few years, bubbly from this widely available brand has really started performing. This cuvée has fruity charm and toasty aromas.
AR Lenoble Brut Intense Mag 14 ($40) The fresh, bright new cuvée of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier contains 40 percent of reserve wines for more vibrancy and complexity.
NV Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Bouzy Extra Brut ($44) This very pure, delicate, precise blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, from the grand cru area of Bouzy, exudes elegance.
NV Christophe Mignon Brut Nature Pur Meunier ($50)New to me, this under-the-radar producer specializes in Champagne’s third grape, pinot meunier. It’s fragrant and rich.
NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier ($50)The creamy, drink-me entry-level fizz from the maker of Cristal is the top non-vintage brut from a grande marque Champagne house.
Rosé Is a Year-Round Thing
2017 Liquid Geography Rosé ($12)Made from mencia grapes grown in Spain’s Bierzo region, this delicious, berryish, dry rosé is also a feel-good bargain: All profits go to charity.
2017 A.A. Badenhorst Secateurs Rosé ($16) Crisp, tangy, and strawberry-scented, this South African rosé from a cutting-edge winemaker’s second label is always a reliable deal.
2017 Jolie-Laide Rosé de Valdiguié($30)Rosé is so popular that it’s being made from just about every red grape. This food-friendly old vine valdiguié example is perfect year-round.