As New Year’s eve approaches, consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to conventional, and often pricier, Champagne. To help navigate the world of sparkling wines, we spoke with Louis Turano, a New york- and Italy-based sommelier, who curated a list of five notable bottles from lesser-known regions-all offering distinct qualities and value. His selections highlight emerging winemakers focused on lasting practices and unique terroir, offering a compelling range of options for celebrations this season.
As the year draws to a close, sparkling wine is a traditional accompaniment to New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, navigating the often-complex world of bubbly can be challenging, particularly for those seeking value. To help consumers make informed choices, we consulted Louis Turano, a Franco-American sommelier based in New York, for his recommendations on five sparkling wines to enjoy with friends and family, focusing on lesser-known regions. Turano’s experience includes roles at New York’s Racines and the two-Michelin-starred SAGA, before relocating to Italy in 2023. He spent two years as a sommelier at Osteria Fratelli Pavesi in Piacenza, and is now part of the opening team at Fiore Milano.
Stephane Tissot – Cremant du Jura Blanc de Noirs
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“Stéphane Tissot is one of the pioneering winemakers in Jura in terms of regenerative agriculture and natural winemaking. Since the 1990s, he has produced benchmark wines at his small estate in Arbois,” explains Turano. Beyond his standard range of still wines, Tissot also produces several Cremant bottlings, with the Blanc de Noir being a standout. “This wine is 100% Pinot Noir, aged first in wood and then spending 30 months on the lees before disgorgement. It offers a generous palate, with a bold and opulent gastronomic persistence, alongside a nose driven by delicate red fruit and a smoky hint.” Price: 35€.
Bodet-Herold Cremant De Loire Brut Nature Les Greffiers 2021
Etienne Bodet is a young and talented winemaker from Saumur. “With a resume that reads like a ‘greatest hits’ wine list of the Loire, he is also one of the winemakers at Clos Rougeard. Simultaneously, he pursues his own project with his vineyards and, in addition to some still wines, produces sparkling wines with the intention of a Champagne producer.” This Cremant, made entirely from Chenin Blanc, is aged in stainless steel before being bottled with no dosage and spending 28 months on the lees. The wine presents a fresh and savory nose, while the palate delivers both linear acidity and sufficient texture. “Etienne himself believes the wine is more akin to a great Champagne than a Cremant,” Turano notes. Price: 35€.
Alessandra Divella Blanc de Blancs Dossaggio Zero
Alessandra Divella is a self-taught and highly talented young winemaker based in Gussago. “Although her domaine and vineyards are located in Franciacorta, she operates outside the denomination to produce unique and singular wines.” With just 2 hectares of vineyards, production is limited, but her wines are already sought after by collectors. This wine is 100% Chardonnay, sourced from vineyards situated at 400 meters of altitude on fossil-rich soil. Two-thirds of the wine comes from a single vintage, while the remaining portion comes from a perpetual reserve, started around 15 years ago. The wines spend 30 months on the lees before disgorgement. “An intense wine, characterized by high acidity, distinct minerality, and an infinite persistence: the winemaker’s talent, combined with her unique terroir, shines through immediately,” Turano explains. Price: 40€.
Peter Lauer Riesling Sekt Reserve Brut 1992
“For several decades, Florian Lauer has contributed to establishing his family estate in the German Mosel region as one of the region’s leading producers.” In addition to his usual single-vineyard Rieslings, the estate produces only one Sekt. Fortunately for wine lovers worldwide, the family held back on releasing older vintages of Sekt, which are now being commercialized. This Sekt, from the benchmark 1992 vintage, was disgorged in 2022 after 30 years of aging on the lees. The combination of typical slate minerality and the opulence of long lees aging creates a wine that will surprise even the most seasoned Champagne enthusiast. Price: 120€.
Pepe Raventós Ancestral Vinya del Mas 2018
Pepe Raventos represents the 21st generation of one of Catalonia’s most important winemaking families. “This wine is born from his personal project, which focuses on artisanal production, with a particular emphasis on ancestral method sparkling wines.” A 100% Xarel-lo with a lively and brilliant perlage, the nose offers apple aromas and a palate that surprises with its depth. Price: 45€.
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