Sparkling wines that will make every celebratory moment shine

From France’s celebrated champagne to a Spanish cava to a sweeter prosecco, a celebratory moment deserves a pop of an impressive effervescent beverage. Whether the budget is grand or more reserved, there is a bottle or two that will impress everyone at the gathering. Ready to toast to good times?  

While some people might let price drive the decision or even be wooed by the pretty label, flavor should be the first point of discussion. Putting aside a sparkling wine that is used in conjunction with another beverage, the flavor should appeal to the person drinking it. Sweet, acidic, and fruity are all characteristics to ponder. Without humming a bar of Don Ho, tiny bubbles matter, too, since the carbonation impacts the flavor enjoyment.  

Although all those factors might seem overwhelming, it should not steer people away from carefully twisting that cage to remove the cork in the bottle. Whether people never venture away from a favorite bottle or prefer to open a new sparkling wine every time, the shelf is full of many options.  

A few sparkling wines that always pop with captivating flavor.  

Langlois Chateau Crémant de Loire Brut 

Priced under $30, the Langlois Chateau Crémant de Loire Brut brings the elegance of a French wine yet pours at an affordable price point. At first blush, the fresh and bright citrus aromas are exciting. With the initial sip, the delicate bubbles give way to a complexity that drinkers expect from a higher price point. For a touch of sophistication, this wine cannot be beaten.  

G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon 

Always a popular choice, the signature red stripe denotes a wine maker with almost 200 years of experience. Many people turn to G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon because it pairs well with other celebration food choices. From oysters to scallops, the flavor pairing is always a winner. Priced around $50, it is worth the extra splurge.  

J Vineyards Cuvée 20 

The signature “J” on the bottle stands out with its flamboyant script. J Vineyards Cuvée 20 is another food friendly sparkling wine. While the beverage has some pastry and buttery brioche notes, it is the fresh fruits and subtle sweetness that make it a favorite. For a party that has a wide array of food options, the versatility of the J Vineyards Cuvée 20 is divine. A bottle of J Vineyards Cuvée 20 retails around $40.  

Bollinger Special Cuvée 

For the discerning palate, the Bollinger Special Cuvée is the bottle to open for any special occasion. While this offering is quite complex, it has a moment where it sweeps the drinker into the history captured in every bottle. With a delicate flute in hand, sipping this champagne comes with the notion that the good life is meant to be savored. The Bollinger Special Cuvée retails for around $95 a bottle.  

Juvé + Camps Reserva de la Familia 

An impressive cava, the Juvé + Camps Reserva de la Familia has a note of green tea that makes the sip invigorating. With juicy notes from the white peach, it feels fresh and inviting. Priced under $25 is a delightful option to serve at any celebration.  

Segura Viudas 

As one of the most celebrated wine makers for hundreds of years, the brand’s Brut Reserva Heredad always makes an impression on the table. While the bottle garners all the attention, the slight honey sweetness with the fruit notes makes this cava quite versatile. From that favorite paella recipe to drinking it on its own, there is always a reason to have a bottle on hand. A bottle retails around $30.  

Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire 2021  

While monks might be known for beer, the Bouvet Crémant de Loire have a connection to the Saint Florent Monks. Part of a UNESCO world heritage site, the sparkling wine is zesty and bright. Lemon and green apple bring the fruitiness while the slightly bready toast note adds depth. Priced under $20, this sparkling wine is a find.  

Freixenet 

Many people can spot the iconic black bottle on the shelf. The brand’s classic Brut cava has a touch of ginger which lingers and has people thirsting for another sip. Overall, the crisp apple and subtle fruits offers tremendous versatility. It is easy to open a second bottle.