Wine lovers, we have a big month of holiday events and gatherings ahead of us!
These celebrations always feel extra special when paired with a little bubbly. Luckily, there’s a world of sparkling wine options out there, from the liveliness of Spanish Cava to the refined elegance of French Crémant; from Italy’s sophisticated Franciacorta to the playful effervescence of Prosecco. Each region and production style has its undeniable charm.
But when it comes to the holiday season, nothing quite captures the spirit like Champagne, the queen of sparkling wines. With prestige, tradition, and exceptional quality, Champagne makes the perfect choice to elevate any holiday moment.
WHAT MAKES CHAMPAGNE DIFFERENT?
(Courtesy Champagne Louis Roederer)
Collection 245 is the 245th blend since the Louis Roederer Champagne House was founded in 1776.
Champagne is a sparkling wine produced exclusively in France's Champagne region using the traditional "méthode champenoise." This meticulous process involves a second fermentation inside the bottle, creating those precise, signature bubbles. Most often made with three main grape varieties, chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier, Champagne comes in several styles to suit any taste. A Blanc de Blancs, for instance, is made with only white grapes, such as chardonnay, offering a graceful, fresh profile. While Blanc de Noirs uses only red grapes like pinot noir and meunier for richer depth. Rosé Champagne brings a splash of color, and the sweetness level in all variations can range from the drier "brut” or even “extra brut/brut nature” to more indulgent options. There’s truly a Champagne for every celebration and palate.
The holiday season is the perfect time to pop open a bottle of bubbly and celebrate with friends and family. Whether you're toasting to the new year, hosting a festive dinner, or simply enjoying a cozy movie night, Champagne adds a touch of joy to any occasion.
Here are some recommendations to suit different tastes and experiences this holiday season.
CHAMPAGNE LOUIS ROEDERER COLLECTION 245
Family-owned Louis Roederer, famous for the iconic Cristal, presents Collection 245 – a Champagne with a radiant golden hue and lively, elegant bubbles. This expressive cuvée blends 41% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 24% meunier, unveiling aromas of ripe nectarine and zesty lemon, softened by hints of delicate flowers, almonds, and a touch of brioche. The layers of fruit richness intermingle with creamy accents, creating a captivating palate. Collection 245 is smooth and full-bodied, with a unique salinity in the bubbles that adds depth to its excellently integrated texture. Complex yet harmonious, this classic Champagne offers a celebratory moment with every sip.
(Courtesy Champagne Telmont)
Champagne Telmont Réserve de la Terre is an extra brut style Champagne with only 2.5 g/l of sugar.
Total Wine, $67.99
CHAMPAGNE TELMONT RÉSERVE DE LA TERRE
Champagne Telmont has been a family-led estate since 1912, passing down a passion for winemaking rooted in respect for the land and dedication to craftsmanship. Today, Telmont leads the way in sustainable Champagne production, prioritizing organic farming, biodiversity, and an ambitious path to net-zero emissions.
Released in 2024, Réserve de la Terre represents the brand’s philosophy, crafted exclusively with organic grapes and housed in the lightest Champagne bottle at 800 grams. This extra brut wine, aged for 36 months, balances three exceptional harvest years (2020, 2019, and 2018) and combines 44% meunier, 34% chardonnay, and 22% pinot noir. Réserve de la Terre shows citrus, anise, and fresh white fruit on the nose, with flavors of green apple, Yuzu, and refreshing minerality – a Champagne that embodies elegance and sustainability.
Reservebar.com, $106
CHAMPAGNE JACQUART MOSAÏQUE BRUT, NV
(Courtesy Champagne Barons de Rothschild)
The Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs Champagne is a perfect holiday gift for a generous host.
Champagne Jacquart is one of the younger Champagne Houses that takes a more modern approach in one of the more traditional wine regions. Think of this Champagne as one that can be enjoyed while relaxing at a celebration with friends, or just when taking a moment to appreciate a well-lived year.
The Mosaïque Brut is a blend of 40% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 25% meunier. Maturation takes place for at least three years on the lees, leading to a sophisticated feel to the wine in the glass. A fresh Champagne with pear, peach, and white flowers flavors, followed by a creamy but vibrant fruit-driven finish. Mosaïque proves it’s not always about convention, but Champagne is a libation for life’s everyday pleasures.
305wines.com, $52.99
CHAMPAGNE BARONS DE ROTHSCHILD BLANC DE BLANCS, NV
The Rothschild name is a top moniker denoting wine industry royalty, especially in the region of Bordeaux. Though, that is not the only place this notable family makes wine.
(Courtesy Champagne Louis Roederer)
A glass of Champagne Louis Roederer will add a touch of elegance to any holiday gathering.
Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs is a Champagne fit for a fête of grand proportions. This 100% chardonnay is made with grapes from some of the best vineyard areas in the region. With a minimum of four years of aging, the wine shows incredible intensity on the nose and palate, with notes of citrus and dried fruits, and a creamy pastry companion. Clean and fresh, with fine bubbles and a crystal-clear appearance, this brilliant Blanc de Blancs is ready to accompany you into the new year with a little extra sparkle in your glass.
MrDWine.com, $88
MIAMI WINE EVENTS
If you're looking for more reasons to enjoy and learn about wine, don't miss these exciting events this month. On Saturday, Dec. 14, Happy Wine in the Grove will host their annual Wine Fest from 2 to 6 p.m., featuring a walk-around tasting of over 70 wine labels. More info at happywineco.com.
Earlier that day, from noon - 2 p.m., 305 Wines in Pinecrest is hosting Sparkle! Miami, a walk-around tasting of sparkling wines. Visit floridawineacademy.com for details.
On Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m., Vinya Wine & Market in Key Biscayne will hold their annual Bottle Swap. Bring a bottle you'd like to trade in and swap it for someone else’s! Check out vinyawine.com for more information.
Be sure to check the websites for more events and registration details.
Jacqueline Coleman is a wine and travel writer and Star Wine List’s ambassador in Miami. She is a contributor to Luxury Guide USA magazine, a regular guest host on Linda Gassenheimer’s “Food, News & Views” podcast, and founder of BYOBMiami.com.
Jacqueline Coleman