Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 24 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2021 This year, we all could use a boost, and there's nothing like some bubbly to provide a temporary one. Welcoming the arrival of 2021 certainly merits a major toast (or two) with something special, like champagne! Valentine's Day and winter weddings deserve plenty of sparklers, all in the name of love. So what's the best fizz to fill your flute? To help you choose, several North Shore wine experts gave us their top three picks. ANDREA LEWIS, Wine & Store Manager, Andover Classic Wines, Andover, andoverclassicwines.com Champagne Laherte Frères Ultratradition Brut NV, 750ml, $44.99 This sparkler's lovely fruit, fine bubbles, and great balance make it a perfect choice for any celebration. It's one of the greatest values in Champagne and embodies every quality that has earned the region its legendary status. Col de' Salici Prosecco 2018, 750ml, $21.99 This beautiful Italian sparkler from the famous Valdobbiadene Prosecco region is a definite step up from the ordinary. Its lush aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel will delight every sense. Even the bottle is elegant! Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV, 750ml, $89.99 The pretty raspberry color parallels this wine's aromas of red currants, strawberries, and roses. Sound wonderful? It is! Nothing is more festive than sparkling brut rosé, especially when it comes from one of the greatest houses in Champagne. KATRINA SULLIVAN, Wine Director, Lighthouse Wine & Spirits, Beverly, lighthousewines.com Brut Champagne Le Drappier Carte d'Or 2002, 750ml, $99.99 Primarily composed of Pinot Noir and made following organic and natural principles, this champagne has white peach on the nose and Celebrate the start of a new year with a stellar selection of sparkling wines. BY VICTORIA ABBOTT RICCARDI A BIT OF BUBBLY E AT + D R I N K Kathleen Erickson, owner of Savour Wine & Cheese, in Gloucester with some of her favorite bubbly picks parts organically farmed Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes grown in Savennières, France's most geologically complex wine region. Biodynamically produced, it shines with a dusty apple Chenin taste over a backbone of flint and slate. It is dry, crisp, and clean and has a good structure and a fine, delicate mousse. Like many sparkling wines, this one is memorable with sushi and fried foods. AR Lenoble Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2016, $54.99 (France) Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru village of Chouilly, this blanc de blancs champagne is a great find! Wines of this caliber often cost hundreds of dollars per bottle. It is crisp and steely, but with complex notes of vanilla, toast, nutmeg, and even a bit of coffee. The fruit reveals Mirabelle plum and golden delicious apple with the chalky minerality characteristic of champagne. From a classic vintage, 2016, it ages very well and makes a great holiday gift. It pairs particularly well with chilled shrimp and lobster. Antica Fratta Franciacorta Essence Rosé 2013, $36.99 (Italy) This rare aged rosé of Franciacorta stands out for its soft pink hue, persistently creamy mousse, and seamless pairing with charcuterie and cheeses. Made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay in the traditional champagne method, it has ripe cranberry and dark cherry fruit notes notes of toasted brioche and orange zest. It's rich, complex, and divine. Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne La Grande Dame Rosé 2006, 750ml, $229.99 This highly coveted champagne comes from one of the leading producers in Champagne (the house created the first vintage champagne, invented riddling, and created the first rosé champagne through blending). It's brimming with delicate flavors of toast, raspberries, and minerality and pairs beautifully with smoked salmon and caviar. Louis Roederer Brut Champagne Cristal, 2008, 750ml, $229.99 This highly rated 2008 champagne is the first vintage in Cristal's history to undergo a full 10 years of aging. It is one of my favorite bubblies, and for good reason. It's fresh, packed with notes of vanilla brioche, citrus and peach, and has an elegant mousse. It strikes wonder on the palette. KATHLEEN ERICKSON, Owner, Savour Wine & Cheese, Gloucester, savourwineandcheese.com Chateau du Breuil Crémant de Loire 2016, $21.99 (France) This remarkable sparkler includes equal PHOTOGRAPHS BY JARED CHARNEY