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While France's Champagne region is a go-to source for sparklers, there are exciting examples of bubbly from a wide range of regions around the world. Today's selections span the spectrum of styles, from a fresh Californian pick to a rich Australian rosé, and quite a few in between. With celebration season in full swing and New Year's Eve approaching, there's no better time to branch out when it comes to bubbly.
FLAUNT Brut Sonoma County NV
WS Review: Steely and elegantly layered, offering vibrant pear and kiwi flavors accented by fresh ginger and spice. Drink now. 560 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Winemaker Dianna Novy Lee has made still wines for two decades: First, under the Pinot-centric Siduri label with her husband, Adam Lee, and then with her own project, Novy, making Zinfandel and Rhône styles. Now, she has shifted her focus to sparkling with the launch of Flaunt, which released this first bottling in 2017.
NINO FRANCO Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano 2017
WS Review: A rich and creamy Prosecco enlivened by a firm backbone of juicy acidity, this offers a fine range of baked apricot, pastry cream, almond biscotti and spiced orange flavors that linger on the mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,800 cases made.
Why It's of Note: A family estate founded in the Italian town of Valdobbiadene in 1919, Nino Franco is now run by third-generation vintner Primo Franco and his wife, Annalisa. This bottling is made by tank method using 100 percent Glera grapes from the San Floriano vineyard.
NINTH ISLAND Rosé Tasmania NV
WS Review: Vibrant raspberry and mandarin orange notes are fresh and focused, with chamomile, lime zest and spice details lingering on the light, effortless frame. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.
Why It's of Note: The Ninth Island label showcases the Tamar Valley region of Australia with its line of reds, whites and sparkling wines made from the Pipers Brook Estate, which features volcanic soil. This sparkling rosé blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The Ninth Island and Pipers Brook brands are both part of Kreglinger Wine Estates, which also includes Norfolk Rise.
THE LANE Blanc de Blancs Adelaide Hills Lois NV
WS Review: Crisp and bright, with lemon curd, green apple and a touch of candied ginger. It's smooth and spicy on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Three Chardonnay clones from south-facing vineyards come together in this good-value sparkler. The family-owned Lane Vineyard is located in Australia's Adelaide Hills, which boasts a Mediterranean climate with cooling breezes from the adjacent Great Australian Bight.
BOUVET Brut Crémant de Loire Excellence 2016
WS Review: Fresh and open in feel with breezy peach, pear and green apple flavors backed by a flash of white ginger. Stays generous through the finish. Drink now. 200,000 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Established in 1851 by a 23-year-old Etienne Bouvet, the Bouvet winery has become synonymous with Loire sparkling wines. The 2016 bottling of this bubbly blends Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, and showcases the region's 2016 vintage, which brought more freshness and acidity than some recent previous years.
CA' D'OR Brut Blanc de Blancs Lessini Durello 2016
WS Review: A smoky base note and rich hints of lemon curd and pastry are layered with poached apricot and candied ginger flavors in this firm and well-knit sparkler. Drink now. 17,000 cases made.
Why It's of Note: This vintage-dated Italian sparkler is made with 100 percent Durella grapes, harvested by hand from Ca' D'Or's top vineyards in Franciacorta, Italy. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks for about a year before some additional aging in the bottle.
BORTOLOTTI Brut Rosé Lagrein Vino Spumante UB NV
WS Review: A garnet-hued rosé, with a toasty overtone to the lively flavors of pureed raspberry, candied orange peel and dried thyme. Smoke-tinged, with a creamy finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Representing Bortolotti's only sparkling rosé, this Italian bottling is made entirely from the red Lagrein grape. It draws its deep color from extended skin contact early in the fermentation process, before undergoing a short aging period in the bottle.
CA' DI RAJO Extra Dry Prosecco Treviso NV
WS Review: Lightly juicy and balanced, with candied lemon peel and ginger notes accenting the ripe apricot and Gala apple fruit. Drink now. 54,166 cases made.
Why It's of Note: Italian producer Ca' di Rajo makes still wines from Cabernet, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and more, as well as several sparklers, from Moscato styles to Prosecco. Expect a little more residual sugar from this extra dry bottling than its brut counterpart.