Get an early start on New Year’s Eve celebrations!  Here are some bubbly you won’t see too often… some fun and unique ones to try.

NV Caves Arcos do Rei, “Issimo” Baga Sparkling Bairrada, Dao, Portugal

Grape Variety: Baga.  Caves Arcos do Rei is a third generation, family owned wine producer.  I’m always looking for high quality bubbly that is a little off the beaten path.  You don’t often see a bubbly made from the Baga grape.  This one makes you take notice – it’s clean and bright with some backbone and a touch of richness.

2012 Thomas Fogarty, Blanc de Blanc Brut, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

Grape Variety: Chardonnay.  This rarely found sparkling wine is typically only available at the winery.  I tasted this bubbly at the winery while selecting wines for a Thomas Fogarty winemaker dinner at TasteVin.  It is crisp with green apple and pear notes.  I think this sparkling wine rivals any vintage Champagne! 

Winemaker notes: Steely and precise, our 2012 Blanc de Blanc features an intriguing range of citrus, balanced with toast from three years aging en tirage. Lemon oil, brioche, and honeycomb flavors are supported by brisk acidity and good mid-palate weight. This wine should develop nicely with additional time in bottle.

92 pts Wine Enthusiast, 91 pts Vinous.  Thomas Fogarty is one of Wine & Spirit Magazine’s Top 100 Wineries of the Year in 2016.  

NV Aubert et Fils, Brut, Champagne, France

Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  I was looking for a Champagne to serve by the glass at TasteVin and this one was perfect.  The Aubert et Fils has ripe fruit flavors, some toastiness and a soft pleasing finish.

Winemaker notes: Aubert et Fils Brut is beautiful, crisp and stands toe-to-toe with some of Champagne’s heavy hitters. Full of elegant savory aromas with hints of toast and truffles followed by a crisp palate full of orchard fruits and subtle brioche notes. A brilliant Champagne at a brilliant price.

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