Happy New Year! Here is a list of sparkling wines to consider as your celebrations continue throughout 2022, derived from my radio chat with Kim McCallister on KGO 810 AM a few weeks back. CHEERS! Christopher

KGO Exclusive: SawyerSomm’s Sophisticated Sparkling Wine Picks for the New Year, Valentine’s Day & beyond!

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BRUTS

The classic style of sparkling wines crafted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, using the traditional methode champenoise techniques in the cellar.

SawyerSomm Picks (local):

• Flaunt 2017 Brut, Russian River Valley $48
• J Vineyard 2014 Brut, Russian River Valley – $60
• Iron Horse 2017 Winters Cuvee, Green Valley of Russian River Valley – $70
• Roederer Estate 2004 L’Ermitage Brut LD, Anderson Valley – $120

SawyerSomm Picks (imports):

• Claypool Cellars NV Cuvee Select Brut, Cormoyeux (France) – $55
• Billecart-Salmon 2008 Vintage Brut, Champagne – $90
• AR Lenoble 2008 Grand Cru Brut, Champagne – $110
• Paul Bara 2008 Marie France Comtesse Brut – $150
• Veuve Clicquot 2008 La Grande Dame Brut, Champagne – $190

Pairings  Tips: Raw oysters; chips with creamy dips; brie and young cheeses; gourmet soups and salads; fresh seafood, sushi; spicy pasta dishes;  chicken, pork, and stews. Delicious way to create smiles and open up the palates at great gatherings.

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BLANC DE BLANCS

In French, the fanciful term blanc de blancs literally means ‘white of whites’. In France’s famous region of Champagne and top winegrowing regions in Northern California, it refers to sophisticated sparkling wines that are made exclusively with high-quality Chardonnay grapes.

SawyerSomm Picks (local & imports):

• Idle Hour NV Blanc de Blancs, Clements Hills – $38
• Frank Family Vineyards 2015 Blanc de Blancs, Carneros – $55
• Michel Turgy NV Les Mesnil Reserve Brut Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France –  $60
• Ruinart NV Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France – $90

Pairings  Tips: Oyster with shallot-bases mignonette; rich, earthy cheeses; appetizers with tangy aioli; creamy soups or seasonal bisques; fresh Dungeness crab; pasta dishes with wild mushrooms; grilled fish; roasted chicken; pork stew; grilled meats.

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BRUT ROSES

As the flavorful counterpoint to blanc de blancs. The French term blanc de noirs means ‘white of blacks’, referring to elegant sparkling wines with translucent white or slightly pink hues made exclusively with the black-skinned grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These special grape varieties are also used to craft styles of Brut Roses.

SawyerSomm Picks (local & imports):

• Paula Kornell 2018 Blanc de Noirs, Napa Valley – $50
• Domaine Carneros 2018 Brut Rose, Cuvee de la Pompadour, Carneros – $45
• Patz & Hall 2015 Brut Rose, North Coast – $75
• Laurent-Perrier NV Cuvee Brut Rose, Champagne, France $75