Chandon Blanc de Noirs

While this bubbly is technically dry, it tastes sweetly infused with the essence of strawberries and vanilla. The mouthfeel is fine, with a gentle scouring of acidity and the slight sourness from its lees. Drink it now with almost anything, especially sushi.

A lively quaff, this is soft and loaded with fresh strawberry and creamy, spicy vanilla notes. Drink now.

A good sparkling wine for the price. Medium-bodied, it has pretty flavors of strawberries and limes. The bubbles are a little fierce in texture.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Blanc de Noir (literally, “white from black”) sparkling wines, and the Chandon is a favorite for value. Produced from the noble black grapes of Champagne, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this California bubbly is bursting with ripe strawberry, pomegranate and white plum notes, overlaid with lovely floral violet aromas. The tangy fruit flavors are lively on the tongue, and the mouthfeel is crisp and refreshing. Although terrific on its own (for sipping or celebrations), I love to serve this with salmon, canapés or omelets.