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Celebrating with Bubbly: Prosecco and Crémant

It’s that season of the year when we seem to have many things to celebrate: graduations, weddings, engagements, new babies (Roma and Matilda have recently joined the Four Friends and Two Bottles extended family and we couldn’t be happier), new jobs. Sometimes we just want to salute the joy of a summer’s evening or the beauty of strong friendships. No matter what the reason, marking a special occasion with bubbly is a time-honored tradition and a simple way to make someone feel special.

Wine has a long history. Along with aqueducts, quality roads, and centralized government, history credits the Romans with bringing wine to France (then Gaul) in the Sixth Century BC. Patrick McGovern, Ancient Wine: The Search for the Origins of Viniculture, 2003. The first mention of Champagne wine dates to the coronation of King Clovis held in Reims, the largest city in the Champagne region of France. Apparently, Clovis was quite a trend setter and other would-be royals followed his lead holding their own coronation in Champagne, thus creating a culture of celebrating with Champagne wine. Back then, though, the wine was not effervescent; in fact, bubbles were shunned. Legend has it that in 1697, the forward-thinking Benedictine monk, Dom Perignon, popularized the bubbles common in the wines from Champagne after developing heavier bottles that allowed Champagne to withstand the increased pressure without breaking. Anonymous, The Legacy of Dom Perignon: A Historical Journey, June, 2024.

To sum up, Romans, coronations, and bubbles led to a wonderful tradition of popping that cork to say “Congrats!”

As we discussed in our December 2024 article, “Champagne is exclusively made in the French northeast, where crisp climates result in dry wines with a unique terroir.” Catherine Rickmann, “What’s the Difference Between Cava and Champagne?” April, 2023, Tasting Table. Rickmann goes to explain that “Champagne is produced using a technique known as the méthode champenoise. After initial fermentation, Champagne is blended and bottled with additional sugar and yeast and goes through a second fermentation in the bottle. Champagne must then age for a minimum of 15 months in a winemaker’s cellar before it can be sold (though many age for longer), with most vintages aging for at least three years.” Due to these specific requirements, Champagne has become quite expensive, often over fifty dollars for a decent bottle.

Luckily, Prosecco and other sparkling wines like Crémant are tasty alternatives and we’ve got three specific recommendations for you to try.

Eileen and Kate are both fans of a good Prosecco. According to food and wine expert Regan Hoffman, “Prosecco is a sparkling wine made in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia regions of northern Italy” and “was named for the small town of Prosecco.” Regan Hofmann, “Everything You Wanted to know About Prosecco” December, 2023, Giadzy Magazine. Hoffman goes on to explain Prosecco “is usually a white sparkling wine though it can be found as a rose sparkling wine and even a still wine known as Prosecco Tranquillo.”

Carolyn recommends a Crémant. “At its core, Crémant is a category of French sparkling wines that are produced using the same traditional method as Champagne, yet from other regions.” Brian Freedman, “Why Crémant is the Unsung Hero of French Sparkling Wine?” September, 2022, Food & Wine. Freedman praises the flavors of Crémant writing, “Crémant has the unique distinction of being both deeply appreciated by many wine professionals, yet stubbornly under the radar among most consumers. Among the most delicious – and deliciously versatile – sparkling wines in the world, Crémant remains somewhat of a mystery.”

Let’s turn to our recommendations for bubbly.

Eileen: LaMarca Prosecco D.O.C. (Northeastern Italy)

I recommend LaMarca Prosecco from Italy. This Prosecco is light and crisp with a combination of fruity flavors but not too sweet. Perfect for a summer day on the porch or by the lake. It’s a favorite sipper of my sister Cathy and me, especially on a warm evening. Since my sister moved to South Carolina, we still enjoy a glass together by FaceTime every week or so.

Winemaker: The liquid sparkles with lively bubbles and features a pale, gold color. Aromas of citrus and honeysuckle blossoms and a crisp, clean palate bring notes of green apple, juicy peach, and ripe lemon framed by hints of minerality.

Retail Cost: $15 a bottle

Rating: Buy a case and have a bottle on hand for the unexpected FaceTime Happy Hour.

Kate: Syltbar II Concerto Rosé Prosecco (Friuli, Italy)

Syltbar II Concerto Rosé is my favorite bubbly. Since Rosé is my wine of choice, adding the effervescence makes it a perfect option for me. This prosecco is crisp and has a refreshing taste with a bonus of low sugar content – only 63 calories a glass! Flavors include strawberry, raspberry, and lemon with a delicate citrus aroma. It’s a perfect summer drink.

Winemaker: The primary fruit notes include pear, golden apple, white peach, and lemon. The bubbles are delightful, well-balanced, clean, clear, crisp, and refreshing.

Retail Cost: $18 a bottle

Rating: Buy a case.

Carolyn: Celene Opale Brut Crémant (Burgundy, France)

Celene Opale Brut is a good alternative to Champagne, especially since the taste is so similar. This sparkling wine is pale yellow in color with a moderate amount of effervescence that I like better than extra bubbly. The pleasing and balanced taste includes some citrus and dry, earthy (wine experts would probably say minerality) flavors. I recommend trying this sparkling wine the next time you are ready to celebrate an accomplishment or honor the end of a long work week – think of it as a great alternative to traditional Champagne.

Winemaker: Straw-colored with green highlights, offers a nose of white flowers, green apple, pear and stone fruit. On the palate, this sparkling wine with fairly fine bubbles, presents good balance, with notes of citrus, apricot, fresh spices, and mineral finish.

Retail Cost: $19 a bottle

Rating: Buy a case so you are always prepared to celebrate life’s big moments.