5 Conversation Stealing Sparkling Wines

1st June 2020

5 Conversation Stealing Sparkling Wines

Wouldn’t it be great if, when hosting your next dinner party, you whip out a bottle of Sparkling Wine that no one has tried before, a Sparkling Wine that will keep people thinking about it and desperately wanting another glass, well here is my list of Sparkling Wines that I think will do the trick.

I’ve decided to go for Champagnes and Sparkling Wines that would be a talking point based on the aromas and flavours over the design of the bottle or label, but that being said, some of these bottles and labels are unforgettable as well.

1. Les 12 De Versailles – Spicy Rose

I first saw this French Sparkling Wine at the 2018 Glass of Bubbly Tasting Event, the event was coming to a close and I was lucky enough to experience the last small glass from the last bottle, the display surrounding these blue bottled Sparkling Wines are lovely glasses with leaning stems to represent flowers.

I had smelt nothing like it before and I have tasted nothing like it since, it is filled with fine spicy flavours, nothing like what you would expect from a Sparkling Wine, this is why I think this would be a fantastic Sparkling Wine to enjoy at your next dinner party.

Les 12 De Versailles – Spicy Rose

Les 12 De Versailles – Spicy Rose

Les 12 De Versailles – Spicy Rose Tasting Notes

Aroma – “A luxurious mixture of herbs and spices on the nose including lavender and saffron.”

Taste – “You are hit with the same expression of herbs and spices in the palate.”

This French Sparkling Wine won the Trophy in the Hint of Spice Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2018.

2. Champagne Roger Brun La Pelle Extra Brut Grand Cru 2013

This was a rightful Oaky & Toasty Trophy winner in 2018, I tried it back then and fell in love with this Champagne, and a year later I have tried it again, and I can tell you it is still ageing impeccably in the bottle, this is a must try for those of you that love Champagne.

It has the classic Champagne flavours, but the feeling in the mouth is so unique, there is a charm to this Champagne that is unforgettable, probably thanks to this Champagne being produced with more sugar, the winemaker, Philippe Brun believes that sweeter Champagnes are the future.

Roger Brun La Pelle Extra Brut Champagne Grand Cru 2013

Champagne Roger Brun La Pelle Extra Brut Grand Cru 2013

Champagne Roger Brun La Pelle Extra Brut Grand Cru 2013 Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Oaky and toasty nose, with burnt aromas.”

Taste – “An elegant smooth buttery flavour on the palate with ripe yellow fruits.”

This Champagne won a Gold Medal in the Gastronomic Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019 and in 2018 it won the Trophy for Oaky & Toasty.

3. Fox & Fox Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011

I am never disappointed when I open a bottle of Fox & Fox and I absolutely was not disappointed when I opened a bottle of their 2011 Midnight Rosé on Christmas day, to enjoy with a roast dinner, in my opinion, this is an English Sparkling Wine that is made to pair with food, especially meat, from Chicken or Turkey to Steak or Hamburgers and even Gammon, if you are looking for a Sparkling Wine to pair with your main course, then I recommend this one.

This English Sparkling Wine has strong but delicate red berry flavours, that are sweet but not sickly, it is very unique in its aromas and flavours, this is not your typical Rosé, definitely one for the bucket list.

Fox & Fox Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011

Fox & Fox Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011

Fox & Fox Midnight Dark Dry Rosé Brut 2011 Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Red fruit aromas with lovely spices in the background.”

Taste – “Dark cherries, red rose petals and redcurrant.”

The Fox & Fox Midnight 2011 won a Trophy in the Gastronomic Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

4. Frank John 2014 Riesling Brut

This Sparkling Wine definitely took me by surprise when I first smelled the aroma, depending on where you stand with parsnips, you will either love or not be too keen on this one. Definitely one to try for the unusual aroma that is a real conversation starter!

Frank John 2014 Riesling Brut

Frank John 2014 Riesling Brut

Frank John 2014 Riesling Brut Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Fresh parsnip, green fruits and hints of petrol from the Riesling grapes on the aroma.”

Taste – “Parsnips, zestiness and green fruit flavours.”

This German Sparkling Wine won a Silver Medal in the Zesty & Zingy Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

5. Evana Premium Sparkling Wine 2012

This Sparkling Wine is from Slovenia and has a beautiful image of a mountain on its label, this has been a Sparkling Wine that I have wanted to try for a while now, I was drawn in by the label and to my pleasant surprise, the aromas and flavours that I had imagined the Sparkling Wine would deliver, just by looking at the label, were experienced in the glass.

Evana Premium Sparkling Wine 2012

Evana Premium Sparkling Wine 2012

Evana Premium Sparkling Wine 2012 Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Dry golden fruits, honey and apricot pastry.”

Taste – “An initial pleasant dryness that fades into sweeter golden fruit flavours with honey, yellow rose petal, spices and more.”

This Slovenian Sparkling Wine won a Gold Medal in the Vintage Category at The World’s Finest Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

There you have it, 5 Sparkling Wines that will definitely turn some heads, if you decide you would like to try one or two of these Sparkling Wines, I would recommend that you pick up two bottles because it’s more than likely one won’t be enough!

Oliver Walkey

Oliver Walkey

WSET 2 Journalist focused on sharing Champagne and Sparkling Wine reviews and cocktails to the world.