By: Karen A. Jamrog
The holidays are here, but if there’s one thing recent times have taught us, it’s that every day counts. With sparkling wine, it’s easy to make any day feel special. Indeed, rather than waiting for a holiday or special occasion, more people are popping corks on sparkling wine throughout the year, says Brett Berish, president, and CEO of Sovereign Brands, a New-York based, international wine and spirits company that owns the award-winning sparkling wines of Luc Belaire.
Luc Belaire wines are a perfect example of sparkling wines that feel celebratory but are versatile enough to be enjoyed any day with food or on their own.
Sold in more than 100 countries around the globe, Luc Belaire is crafted in the south of France by fifth- and sixth-generation father-and-son winemakers in the Piffaut family, who oversee production of each bottle of Belaire at their maison in Montagny-les-Beaune, established in 1898.
When choosing products for Sovereign Brands, Berish says, “we look for taste profiles we think consumers will love.” And the taste of Luc Belaire, backed by a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, never disappoints.
“We started with Belaire about 10 years ago,” Berish says, beginning with the Rare Rosé. “We knew the best Rosé grapes come from Cote d’Azur,” which is where Luc Belaire grapes are grown. Endorsed by rapper Rick Ross, Luc Belaire Rare Rosé quickly gained attention, and its sales skyrocketed as consumers discovered the sparkler’s refreshing blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault grapes. Its distinctive black bottle with magenta accents led fans of Belaire Rare Rosé to dub it “the black-bottle Rosé.”
When you pour Belaire Rare Rosé, you’ll notice its vibrant “pink-reddish hue,” which results from how the grapes are macerated during the winemaking process, Berish says. Belaire Rare Rosé also offers scents of red fruits, delightful bubbles, and a fruity finish. Its quick rise to prominence among sparkling wines established it, Berish says, as “the figurehead of the Luc Belaire portfolio.”
If you’re more in the mood for a white sparkling wine, Luc Belaire Gold, made in Burgundy with a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. Its organic sugarcane dosage makes it a classic sparkler that evokes the wines of 1920s France. Boasting floral aromas and notes of citrus and stone fruits, Belaire Gold is dry and light with a crisp finish. It is balanced, lovely to look at, and highly drinkable.
Luc Belaire Rare Luxe Brut is true French luxury straight from Burgundy. Crafted from specially blended Chardonnay grapes and aged for six months in oak casks, Rare Luxe comes in an opulent white and gold bottle and features hints of grapefruit, peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and brioche. It’s rich and decadent yet refreshing.
And for a real stunner, try Luc Belaire Bleu, an attention-getter in a spectacular sapphire hue inspired by the waters of the Cote d’Azur. Imagine the dramatic cocktails you can make that will showcase Belaire Bleu’s extraordinary color, lush aromas of berries and tropical fruits, and rich complexity. Bleu is a perfect balance of old and new worlds.
Luc Belaire’s sparkling wines are driven by a “best-of-the best mentality,” Berish says. “It’s like painting. If you’ve only got two colors to choose from, you can’t do much. Artistry comes when there’s lots of breadth—different grapes, different appellations.” Luc Belaire’s high-quality grapes and exceptional blends, he says, make it stand apart from other sparkling wines.
“I love that it’s the underdog” of sparklers, Berish says, one that must compete with big, established names yet has proven its ability not just to hold its own but to shine.
“I pride myself on the idea that the consumer is the decision-maker,” Berish says. “Consumers discover what they like and don’t like… It’s not about trends or assumptions on the part of winemakers or sellers.” If consumers like it, they will come—and with Luc Belaire, there’s a lot to like.
