Fizz Friday: American Bubblies–Fourth of July Holiday Edition

The Fourth of July is upon us which means {at least for many of us in the US} hosting–or being invited to–some fun fireworks & food-filled festivities, and whether it’s hotdogs, apple pie, barbecue, or any of those other quintessentially classic 4th of July American foods on the menu, there’s no other beverage that can unilaterally pair with all of them as deliciously as a bottle of bubbly.

Since we’re celebrating an American holiday, it make perfect sense that said bubbly ought to be of the American variety, no? So, today’s Fizz Friday holiday edition is designed to help get you ready for all of the 4th of July festivities with some terrific American sparkling wine picks & recommendations.

AMERICAN BUBBLY PICKS

As you know, champagne only comes from the Champagne region of France, which means everything else that effervesces is considered and called sparkling wine. Make no mistake though, there are many American-made sparklers that give the French ones a run for their money, particularly those made in the Méthode Champenoise style.

Ready to get down to the nitty gritty? Read on to see my recommendations {* for my full tasting notes follow me on Instagram!} for  a few of my favorite American sparklers that are sure to bring fireworks to your both your palate and your 4th of July plate:

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir ($20)

Made up of  92% Pinot Noir + 8% Chardonnay, this is a very soft, rich, supple sparkler with a slight blush. Gloria Ferrer has been one of my favorite sparkling brands since I visited Napa and Sonoma a few years ago. In fact, I have a bottle of VA di VI in my bubbly stash as we speak–delish!

Pair this one with grilled burgers slathered with barbecue sauce and gouda cheese; grilled steaks; barbecued ribs; crab; and semi-sweet desserts like a plum tart.

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence ($19)

Scharffenberger Cellars is one of the smaller, family-owned wineries in Mendocino County {about 2-1/2 hours outside of Napa} and it was a brand that was new to me. All I can say is that they winery has a new fan in me–I’ll definitely be adding bottles to my bubbly stash.

The blend is approximately 2/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Chardonnay. I would sip this one all day long with grilled oysters; deviled eggs {especially if topped with fried oysters}; barbecued chicken; grilled shrimp; and even hotdogs.

Roederer Estate Brut ($23)

As the California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate makes it sparkling wine with the same unique winemaking style as its parent champagne house. The wine is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir.

Grilled flatbread pizzas, like a white pizza {with or without chicken}; grilled lobster; and fried chicken would be excellent matches for the Roederer Estate with its chardonnay forward blend. Be sure to avoid dishes with tomato sauce because the acid will clash with the wine.

Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée ($32)

One of the things I love about the Iron Horse  is that it has a beautiful rose color. Rich and creamy, this is the sparkling Iron Horse is best known for.

Wondering what to pair with this one at the cookout? This cuvée is the perfect match for grilled pork, chicken, and salmon; creamy macaroni salad {or mac & cheese, for that matter}; and grilled veggies.

Have you tried any of these American Bubblies? Whether you have or not, I’d love to hear what others you’ve tried that are your favorites. Cheers to fireworks both in and out of our glasses this 4th of July!