—Nonvintage Gloria-Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, Carneros (92 percent pinot noir, 8 percent chardonnay): lots of tiny bubbles, black cherry flavors, tart finish; $22.
—Nonvintage Gloria-Ferrer Sonoma Brut, Sonoma (91.2 percent pinot noir, 8.8 percent chardonnay): hazelnut aromas, flavors of golden apples, firm structure; $22.
—2004 Gloria-Ferrer Royal Cuvee, Carneros (67 percent pinot noir, 33 percent chardonnay) yeasty aroma, ripe pear and caramel flavors, persistent bubbles; $32.
—2008 Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs Brut, North Carolina (100 percent chardonnay): energetic bubbles, flavors of mangoes and lemons; $25.
—Nonvintage Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Brut, Franciacorta, Italy (60 percent chardonnay, 30 percent pinot blanc, 10 percent pinot noir): lively froth, bread dough aromas, flavors of lemons and limes; $20.
—2002 Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage, Epernay, France (51 percent chardonnay, 26 percent pinot noir, 23 percent pinot meunier): yeasty aroma, persistent bubbles, flavors of hazelnuts and ripe apricots, long finish; $58.
—Nonvintage Anna de Codorniu Brut, Penedes, Spain (70 percent chardonnay, 30 percent parellada): lots of active bubbles, aromas of camellias, rich lemon and pineapple flavors, $15.
—Nonvintage Woodbridge Sparkling Wine by Robert Mondavi, Calif. (100 percent chardonnay): active bubbles, fruity, lightly sweet flavor of lemons and apricots; $10.
—2007 Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs, Napa Valley (90 percent chardonnay, 10 percent pinot gris): yeasty, toasty aroma, flavors of hazelnuts, vanilla and citrus, long finish; $20.
—Nonvintage Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry Sparkling Wine, Columbia Valley, Wash: lots of persistent bubbles, fairly sweet, aromas and flavors of golden delicious apples; $11.
—2007 Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Rose, Franciacorta, Italy (65 percent pinot noir, 35 percent chardonnay): big bubbles, aromas and flavors of red berries; $18.
—Nonvintage Gustave Lorentz Cremant d’Alsace Brut, France (1/3 percent chardonnay, 1/3 percent pinot blanc, 1/3 percent pinot noir): yeasty aroma, light and crisp, with green apple and mineral flavors; $25.
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(Fred Tasker has retired from The Miami Herald but is still writing about wine. He can be reach at fredtaskerwine@gmail.com.)
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