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Cool New Champagnes And Sparkling Wines For Summer
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Published in Food and Wine on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 13:09 GMT by Forbes🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
This summer's guide to the coolest, best new Champagne and sparkling wines including expressions from Laurent-Perrier and Domaine Chandon
Cool New Champagnes and Sparkling Wines to Elevate Your Summer Sipping
As the summer sun blazes and outdoor gatherings beckon, there's no better way to beat the heat than with a chilled glass of bubbly. This season, the world of sparkling wines is bubbling over with innovation, from boundary-pushing Champagnes that blend tradition with modern twists to effervescent offerings from unexpected regions. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, picnicking by the lake, or simply unwinding on a balmy evening, these new releases promise refreshment, elegance, and a touch of excitement. Drawing from the latest launches and expert tastings, here's an in-depth look at some of the coolest new Champagnes and sparkling wines hitting shelves this summer. These selections aren't just about the fizz—they embody stories of sustainability, creativity, and the sheer joy of discovery in every sip.
Starting in the heart of Champagne, France, where the art of sparkling wine was born, one standout is the latest from Maison Perrier-Jouët. Their Belle Époque Rosé 2015 is a fresh take on a classic, blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier with a delicate dosage that keeps it light and lively. This vintage marks a nod to the house's heritage, inspired by the Art Nouveau designs that adorn their bottles, but it's the flavor profile that screams summer. Expect vibrant notes of wild strawberries, pink grapefruit, and a hint of rose petals, all wrapped in a fine, persistent mousse. What makes this release particularly cool is its eco-conscious approach: Perrier-Jouët has ramped up regenerative farming practices in their vineyards, ensuring that each bottle supports biodiversity. Priced around $250, it's a splurge for special occasions, like toasting a sunset cruise. Pair it with fresh seafood salads or prosciutto-wrapped melon for a match made in heaven. The wine's acidity cuts through rich flavors, making it an ideal companion for al fresco dining where the conversation flows as freely as the bubbles.
Venturing beyond traditional Champagne, the Italian Prosecco scene is effervescing with novelty. Enter the new Valdo Prosecco Rosé Millesimato 2023, a vintage-dated sparkler that's turning heads with its millennial pink hue and sustainable credentials. Made from Glera grapes with a splash of Pinot Nero, this wine hails from the Valdobbiadene hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 2023 vintage benefits from an exceptional harvest, yielding aromas of ripe peaches, white flowers, and a subtle herbal edge. It's extra dry, with just 11 grams of residual sugar per liter, keeping it crisp and not cloyingly sweet—perfect for those scorching afternoons when you need something thirst-quenching. Valdo's commitment to organic farming and carbon-neutral production adds a layer of appeal for eco-minded sippers. At about $20 a bottle, it's an accessible luxury that punches above its weight. Imagine popping this open at a pool party; its lively bubbles dance on the palate, pairing beautifully with light appetizers like caprese skewers or grilled vegetables. The wine's versatility extends to cocktails—mix it with Aperol and soda for a refreshing spritz variation that captures the essence of Italian summer.
For those seeking something truly avant-garde, look to the English sparkling wine revolution. Nyetimber's Cuvee Chérie Demi-Sec is a delightful newcomer that's redefining British bubbly. Crafted in West Sussex from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this demi-sec expression offers a touch more sweetness (around 35 grams per liter) without overwhelming the senses. The name "Chérie" evokes romance, and indeed, the wine bursts with flavors of honeyed apples, brioche, and a whisper of citrus zest, all balanced by vibrant acidity. What's innovative here is Nyetimber's use of extended lees aging, which imparts a creamy texture reminiscent of top Champagnes, yet it's distinctly English in its fresh, orchard-fruit character. As climate change warms the UK, estates like Nyetimber are producing world-class sparklers that rival their French counterparts. Priced at $60, it's a conversation starter for any gathering. Summer pairings? Think afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream, or even spicy Asian fusion dishes where the sweetness tempers the heat. This wine's charm lies in its approachability—it's not too dry for newcomers, yet complex enough for connoisseurs.
Shifting gears to the New World, California's sparkling scene is sparkling brighter than ever with Iron Horse Vineyards' Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs 2020. This limited-edition release is a tribute to ocean conservation, with a portion of proceeds supporting marine protection initiatives. Made entirely from Chardonnay grown in the cool Green Valley of Russian River Valley, it undergoes traditional méthode champenoise, resulting in tiny, persistent bubbles and flavors of green apple, lemon curd, and a saline minerality that evokes seaside breezes. The "Ocean Reserve" moniker isn't just marketing; the winery's proximity to the Pacific influences the grapes' crisp profile, making it an ultimate summer sipper. At $50, it's a value-driven choice that's both elegant and purposeful. Pour it at a beach bonfire with oysters on the half-shell or crab cakes—the wine's brightness enhances shellfish beautifully. Iron Horse's family-owned ethos and focus on sustainability, including solar-powered operations, add depth to every glass, reminding us that great wine can also do good.
Not to be outdone, Spain's Cava producers are innovating with organic and low-intervention options. The Gramona Imperial Brut Gran Reserva 2017 is a stellar example, aged for over 60 months to develop profound complexity. A blend of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Chardonnay, it offers layers of toasted almonds, ripe pear, and a subtle oxidative note from extended aging. This Cava stands out for its biodynamic farming practices and minimal sulfites, appealing to health-conscious drinkers. Priced at $40, it's a steal for such maturity. Summer vibes? Its robust structure holds up to grilled meats or paella, making it a go-to for Mediterranean-inspired feasts. Gramona's heritage as a family-run estate since 1881 infuses the wine with authenticity, while their push toward zero-waste production sets a forward-thinking tone.
Further afield, Australia's Tasmania is emerging as a sparkling powerhouse. House of Arras' EJ Carr Late Disgorged 2008 is a vintage gem that's been cellared for over a decade, disgorged just in time for this summer. Predominantly Chardonnay with Pinot Noir, it delivers intense flavors of baked apple, hazelnut, and a chalky minerality, with bubbles that remain fine and integrated. Tasmania's cool climate mirrors Champagne's, allowing for exceptional acidity and longevity. At $100, it's for those special moments, like a romantic picnic. Pair with aged cheeses or smoked salmon to highlight its depth.
Rounding out the list, don't overlook pét-nat (pétillant naturel) for a fun, funky twist. France's Domaine de la Taille aux Loups' Jacky Blot Pétillant Naturel is a Chenin Blanc-based sparkler from the Loire Valley, bottled before fermentation finishes for natural effervescence. Expect cloudy, yeasty notes with green apple and floral aromas—unfiltered and alive. Around $30, it's casual and cool for impromptu gatherings, pairing with fried foods or charcuterie.
These selections highlight how sparkling wines are evolving, blending heritage with innovation to suit modern palates. From sustainable practices to bold flavors, they're designed for summer's carefree spirit. So, chill a bottle, gather your friends, and let the bubbles transport you to effervescent bliss. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a casual enthusiast, these cool new releases promise to make your summer sparkle. (Word count: 1,048)
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