One of he most exciting sparkling wines has just been released from Vara Wines.

With a completely French style, the traditional method Vara Silverhead Brut Sparkling Wine ($25) blends predominantly Washington State grown Chardonnay, sourced from the Ancient Lakes AVA, along with 25% Macabeo and Xarel-lo from Spain’s Alt Penedes DO, and a touch (3%) Washington grown Syrah.

Celebrating the connection Spain has to America, particularly New Mexico, Vara Wine’s goal is to showcase the best of both in each of their wines under the leadership of Laurent Gruet, founder of New Mexico’s influential sparkling winery, Gruet, and revered California winemaker, Bob Lindquist, named one of the “World’s 50 most influential winemakers” by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

The creation of sparkling wine began two years ago when Gruet selected hand harvest fruit at low brix (sugar) levels to ensure the grapes contained the vibrant acidity needed for quality sparkling wines. After the assemblage occured in December the wine was bottled and left en triage (on the lees/yeasts) for 18 months prior to disgorgement and final dosage.

The resulting sparkler is vibrant, fragrant, and fresh, with juicy layers of crisp green apple, lemon zest, hazelnut, and fresh cream. It is a balanced, bright, clean wine with lip-smacking acidity that easily pairs with shellfish, like oysters, crab, and shrimp, or simply paired with hard cheese and charcuterie, like manchego and jamon. #cheese