Shayn Bjornholm: From Cava to Sekt: World-Class Sparkling Whites

From Spanish Cava del Paraje Calificado to traditional method German Sekt, these world-class sparkling wines will take you on a delicious journey of sparkling wines beyond Champagne. In this demonstration, Shayn is joined by Alicia Towns Franken of Archer Roose and Wine Unify, an organization dedicated to fostering wine education for underrepresented minority groups, and amplifying the voices of the people of color who are already thriving within the wine industry.

By Food & Wine Editors

Updated on October 21, 2022

NV Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut
Bollinger is an icon, full of brightness, elegance, body, and structure.
NV Waris Hubert Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero
In some ways, this "grower champagne" from Waris Hubert is a polar opposite of Bollinger.
2017 Benovia Blanc de Blancs Brut
From Sonoma Valley, Shayn observes this sparkling could be thought of as California's version of a "grower champagne" - terroir-driven, focused, and delicious.
2018 Francois Chidaine Monlouis sur Loire Brut Tradition
This sparkling from a small, estate-driven producer beautifully expresses the Chenin Blanc grapes. Alicia loves to have a bottle of this chilled on hand for guests.
2015 Juve y Camps Gran Juve Grand Reserva Cava
Juve y Camps is known as *the* leader in Grand Reserva Cava. As Shayn says, this isn't your basic grocery store cava.
NV Loimer Brut Rosé
Alicia describes this wine as an everyday, party-drinking sparkling that's not going to break the bank.
2017 Benanti Etna Spumante Rosato 'Lamoremio'
This rare sparkling comes from Benanti's vineyards at the base of a volcano - Shayn notes that it would pair beautifully with proteins, like a steak.

NV Lini 910 Labrusca Lambrusco Rosso
Alicia describes this as red, fizzy, happiness. Need we say more?

Alicia Towns Franken

I'm somewhat obsessed with sparkling wines, for so many reasons. They are perfect with any cuisine, whether you're having french fries or even a steak. What I also love about them is that you can't be sad when you're drinking bubbles, right?

— Alicia Towns Franken

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