Here are ten sparkling wine bottles that Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave has recommended over the years. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or enjoying an intimate toast, these selections add a touch of glamour and bubbly perfection to the occasion. Cheers to a sparkling new year ahead!
Caviar is making a resurgence as the ultimate indulgence, trending as a must-have for gatherings and special celebrations. In 2012, Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave shared tips to pair Champagne and caviar. A bottle like California’s Chandon Brut Classic, with its crisp pear and lime notes and subtle almond nuttiness, is an excellent choice.
You don’t need to splurge on high-priced champagne to impress your guests this New Year’s Eve. Sparkling white wines can deliver just as much flavor, elegance, and celebratory fizz. The Jansz Premium NZ Cuvée featured in Eight Wines for Any Party is a delightful Tasmanian sparkling wine with bright citrus and delicate floral notes. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and affordability without stretching your budget.
If you’re bringing in the new year with your girlfriends, a bottle of Demi-Sec Rosé is the ultimate treat for a cozy, chic celebration. Nicolas Feuillatte’s D’Luscious featured in Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave’s Champagne Tastings Around Town is a perfect choice—its blush-pink hue and sweet, playful bubbles match the vibe of a night filled with laughter and heartfelt toasts. The bottle design makes it an Instagram-worthy centerpiece, and the sweet flavor is ideal for pairing with desserts or just sipping as you catch up.
However, if you are looking to make a statement this holiday season, the Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26 is the ultimate showstopper. Titled “Wine of the Year” from James Suckling, this cuvée is a masterpiece of blending, combining three stellar vintages—2012, 2008, and 2007. “With aromas of honeysuckle, lemon, peach and hazelnut, Grand Siècle exemplifies the art of assemblage,” Sheri de Borchgrave says.
“Expensive wines with pedigree generally have a good story, which makes wines at this level so compelling,” Sheri de Borchgrave says. Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 stands as a pinnacle of luxury Champagne, crafted exclusively in exceptional vintages and aged to perfection in the family’s renowned deep cellars. This bottle reveals exquisite aromas of quince, apricot, brioche, and a hint of lime leaf, complemented by a creamy texture, delicate bubbles, and remarkable complexity.
Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave suggests opting for a more refined choice over mass-produced champagne, such as the Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire Brut Reserve. Crafted with care in the Loire Valley, this bottle offers vibrant notes of citrus and white flowers, with a fine, creamy mousse that rivals other champagnes.
Step into the New Year in style with Rare Brut Millésime 2013, a Champagne that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Featured in last year’s Holiday Gift List, this opulent blend boasts a full-bodied richness with notes of ripe fruits, toasted brioche, and a touch of spice. The bonus? A removable golden tiara adorning the bottle to wear during the countdown.
Start off the new year on a high note with Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition. This bottle is described as an intricate array of floral, citrus, and marzipan aromas. “Krug is known for its dynamic texture, often referred to as a symphonic experience, with different flavor notes releasing like sections of an orchestra,” Sheri de Borchgrave shares.
Even though it was recommended in Seven End-of-Summer Sips as a warm weather bottle, the VARA Silverhead Zero Dosage is a great choice for beginning the New Year. Its crisp, refreshing profile with vibrant citrus and mineral notes makes it an ideal option for all kinds of parties, especially if you’re in a warm climate.
Champagne Drappier Carte D’Or Brut is a favorite of French presidents and a symbol of understated luxury. “With 80% Pinot Noir in the blend, Carte D’Or has white flower, peach and ginger aromas, a complex, dynamic texture, and a chalky finish. It’s made with a high percentage of reserve wines and is bottled unfiltered with low sulfur,” Sheri de Borchgrave says.