As we say farewell to 2022, we thought it fitting to discuss the bottles of wine most likely to be popped to welcome the New Year: Champagne / Sparkling wine.

This week, Mark catches up with chef, restaurateur, sommelier, and consultant, Alan Tardi on a bit of the history and current trends in the region of Champagne. A long time student of wine who shares his knowledge through education and writing, Tardi is the author of Champagne, Uncorked: The House of Krug and the Timeless Allure of the World's Most Celebrated Drink. (Hachette, 2016)

But Champagne isn't the only sparkling wine used for celebration. From Crémant to Cava, Processo to Franciacorta, and more, there are endless options for glimmering bubbles. Jessica caught up with Matteo Lunelli, CEO and President of Ferrari Trento, a third-generation producer of sparkling wine from the TrentoDOC region of the Italian Dolomites. Lunelli shares the 120-year history of this mountain sparkling wine and how this lesser known region has catupulted to more widespread recognition as the official sponsor of the Formula 1 racing circuit. 

Lunelli shares suggestions of a few Ferrari Trento selections including: 

Ferrari Brut - The classic wine of Ferrari Trento made from 100% Chardonnay. 

Ferrari Perlé - A selection of vintage wines from Blanc de Blancs to Blanc de Noir

Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore - A special riserva Chardonnay named in honor of founder, Giulio Ferrari 

Alan Tardi also shared a few suggestions of interesting, delicious wines that demonstrate a new identity of Champagne that goes beyond bubbles to reflect region, grape variety, and production technique: 

Champagne Producers Showcasing 100% Meunier:

Appollonis 

Tarlant -  “La Vigne d’Or”

Christophe Mignon

Champagne Geoffroy 

Laherte Freres - “Les Vignes d’Autrefois”(old-vine meunier), plus two different Meunier Rosé champagnes.

 

Coteaux Champenois -Though Champagne is known throughout the world as sparkling wine, it began as still wine which can still be found in the region as Coteaux Champenois. Though harder to find, they are worth exploring for their complexity and reflection of terroir. 

Pierre Gerbais (Aube) - 100% Vrai Blanc 

Laherte Freres - 100% Petit Meslier

Champagne Bollinger - “Les Côtes des Enfants”

Louis Roederer Champagne - “Camille” 

Champagne Drappier - Three different coteaux bottlings. 

 

“Lost Vines” - While Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier are by far the biggest player in Champagne, there are four other approved varieties: Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Arbanne and Petit Meslier. Some growers have worked to bring these to the foerfront, offering a different perspective on the region.

Tarlant - BAM! (Pinot Blanc, Petit meslier, Arbanne)

Laherte Freres  - “Les 7” (includes all 7 grapes)

 

The Aube - The Aube is the southernmost area of Champagne, bordering Burgundy, is an important winegrowing area that has been looked down upon by many of the bigger producers in the north. In recent years, the Aube has come into its own and is proudly celebrating its unique identity. A few key producers include: 

Champagne Drappier 

Jacques Lassaigne

Olivier Horiot

Alexandre Bonnet