RETAILER

The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality / value sparkling wines .

For our latest wine panel of 2021 , we asked panelists to taste and rate sparkling wines . Fall season is the time for retailers to start putting in their bubbly orders ahead of the holiday push .

As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price ( which can vary from store to store and market to market ). Unless noted otherwise , the price reflects a 750-ml . bottle . If you ’ re a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you ’ re interested in participating in the panel , please contact Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgmediallc . com or 763-383-4447 .

RATING SYSTEM HHHHH Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship .

HHHH Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . HHH Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

FIVE STARS

( 96 ) Herdade de Rocim Mariana NV ( Portugal ). This blanc de blancs , produced from the arinto grape variety , is clean , elegant and focused . A great aperitif wine . Perfect match for shellfish and other seafood , as well as poultry . Certified as organic and vegan . An outstanding price / quality ratio . ($ 18.50 )

( 95 ) Campolargo Espumante Bruto Rosé 2017 ( Portugal ). This 100 % pinot noir rosé , shines in the glass with a delicate salmon

hue . The nose is primarily red fruit , with hints of spice from the extended aging . The finish is well balanced , and tapers off with notes of lovely baked fruit . ($ 28 )

( 95 ) Piper-Sonoma Brut Reserve NV ( CA ). Piper-Sonoma is one of the very first wineries where a Champagne house decided that California could provide the conditions for world-class sparkling-wine production . The reserve is a prime example of how correct they were . Mostly chardonnay , the partial fermentation in barrel adds complexity to the nose and palate . The tree fruit and subtle spice elements are an integral component of the long and luxurious finish . ($ 25 )

( 95 ) Dr . Konstanin Frank Brut 2017 ( NY ). This pioneering upstate New York winery is famous for planting some of the more esoteric wine varieties . This sparkler is produced , however , from the traditional Champagne varieties . Extended aging provides complexity , as well as finesse . Bright and clean on the nose and palate , the finish is exceptionally long and balanced . ($ 24.99 )

( 94 ) Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée ( CA ). A small majority of pinot noir adds depth and body to this lovely , balanced Carneros sparkler . Chardonnay and a touch of pinot gris provide brightness , and a touch of balance . Wonderfully food-friendly , the fruit and touch of spice propel the wine to another level of quality . ($ 36.99 )

( 94 ) Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV ( NM ). Gruet is one the great “ surprise ” wines . Who would have thought that a superb sparkling wine could be produced in New Mexico ? For any skeptics , the Gruet Blanc de Noirs should be a revelation . Lightly spiced red fruit on the nose and palate showcase the pinot noir used to make up the cuvée , and the wine ’ s focus can be traced to the chardonnay component . A great value and dependable producer make this a real must-buy . ($ 16.99 )

( 94 ) Trouillard Brut NV ( France ). Born from 100 % estate fruit , this stunning wine flies under the radar of the big-name bubbles . An alluring nose of fresh peach , kiwi and baked brioche grabs your attention as arousing flavors of candied lemon , poached pear and buttered toast are released from their bubbles , giving way to a long , silky finish . One would be wise to seek out this hidden gem . ($ 34.99 )

( 94 ) Marie de Moy Grand Cru Champagne ( France ). A striking wine that screams minerality and power that opens to smooth , toasty and rich flavors . The zesty initial energy melds into peach and apple fruit notes with nice structure . ($ 51.99 )

www . beveragedynamics . com September / October 2021 • Beverage Dynamics 29