New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Mainstreet Wine and Spirits in Countryside, Il. got a jump on celebrating 2025 with its Annual Big Bubbles Event featuring more than 50 bubblies from around the globe. Taittinger, Mumm’s, Bollinger, Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot were just a few of the Champagnes and sparkling wines poured. A selection of value priced bubblies from producers outside of France and from smaller houses outside of the Champagne region also provided a rare opportunity to experience a range of sparkling wines that satisfy every palate. 

Among my favorites was:

Louis Pommery California Brut NV (non-vintage)-$21.95

Close your eyes and you’d think you were drinking genuine Champagne from France. This is the debut California effort from this historic Champagne house.  The rich history behind this sparkling California wine rests in the Pommery name, dating back to the mid-1800s. 
Madame Louise Pommery is credited with inventing Brut Champagne in 1874, Following the death of her husband, Pommery founder Alexandre Louis Pommery, Madame Pommery transformed the family’s modest estate into one of the largest Champagne houses in France. This same spirit of innovation drives Pommery’s latest venture in California.    

Expressive with persistent sparkling bubbles, Louis Pommery California Brut fills the palate with sublime notes of green apples and a delicate hint of lemon mousse. Finishing with savory notes of French toast and flavors of ripe peaches and apricots, this is a terrific sparkler to start the New Year’s Eve celebration.

Bollinger Special Cuvee NV (non-vintage)-$59.99

OK. You caught me mentioning Bollinger for the second week in a row, but this is one Champagne that stands out. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier, 85%, this Champagne comes from their Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. The result in the glass speaks for itself. One of the most widely known and appreciated Champagnes in the world, Bollinger owns 164 hectares of vineyards in Grand and Premier Cru villages in the Vallée de la Marne that are planted primarily in Pinot Noir, with smaller quantities of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. From its prime location in Reimsm  Bollinger produces a consistent product, thanks in part to the 600,000 magnum bottles of reserve wine that they have at their disposal.

The most widely distributed wine Champagne Bollinger produces is this Special Cuvée Brut. 

Characterized by a beautiful gold color with fine bubbles, Bollinger Special Cuvee has an aromatic complexity that is unparalleled.  Scents of baked apples with a hint of baking spice greets the nose followed by the flavor of luscious, ripe peaches. Subtle hints of toasted bread and flavors of golden pears and crushed walnuts round out the sumptuous experience. Terrific with freshly shucked oysters, Shrimp Cocktail or Caviar on toast points or atop a sliced miniature Yukon Gold potato, this is a Champagne to remember. 

Henriot Champagne Blanc de Blancs-$99.99 

This was the one I celebrated my 65th birthday with and it still lis among my fondest memories. This standard bearer of Champagne Henriot sets the standard for French savoir-faire (grace and poise). Blanc de Blancs is extravagant without being overbearing.  Complex with a lengthy finish, it is well-aged and graceful. Made from multi-vintage reserve wine, it has pleasing notes of honeysuckle and orange blossoms, followed by deep notes of almond pastry and Marzipan. Expressive with a lasting finish, this is a Champagne dressed to impress! 

Manciat-Poncet Cremant De Bourgogne Brut-$14.50

This is a moderately priced French Sparkling Wine from a small producer in Burgundy. Because it is not produced in the Champagne region, it is designated as ‘Cremant,’ which is another word for sparkling French wine made in the traditional champagne method. Bourgogne is a special place with a unique heritage. Located just an hour from Lyon and two hours from Paris, it enjoys easy access from many European capitals. Its strategic location makes it a perfect place to do business and to grow grapes. With climate conditions ranging from the cool northern climate of the Rhone Valley to the warm climes of the Mediterranean, Bourgogne occupies one of Europe’s most historic trade routes.  All that wonderful heritage can be experienced in a bottle of Manciat-Poncet Cremant De Bourgogne Brut.  Green apples, apricots and baked pears mingle with orange and lemon zest and toasted notes of baked Sourdough bread and creamy yogurt to provide a truly unique flavor experience. This is the essence of the Burgundy region in a glass. It is a welcome guest at any party, formal or informal.  A great way to get the party started and get everyone in the mood, this wine is a great companion to a tasty New Year’s Eve buffet.  

For more, visit MAINSTREET WINES & SPIRITS, 5425 S La Grange Rd, Countryside, IL or mainstreetwine.us