I don’t know about you, but my head is spinning in these early weeks of 2026. It’s “Dry January,” technically, and I commend folks who are laying off alcohol because they feel they have overindulged. But for the rest of us, myself included, a glass of wine shared with family or friends (or, if really lucky, both), has been a balm in these troubling times. A wine that took some of our troubles away and reminded us that there are always reasons to celebrate is this Cremant de Loire from Gratien & Meyer. Cremant is the name given to sparkling wines from France made outside of Champagne. This one is from the Loire Valley, and it’s made with Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Noir. It’s light and elegant and the bubbles are small and playful. It tickles the palate and finishes with lovely citrus and baked bread notes. Sparkling wines are so food friendly that you can serve this with anything from an elegant dinner to a football party. It’s a reminder that bubbles do make everything better.
