Rosé. Bubbles. Repeat. It’s a great formula for any Sunday afternoon — but especially one celebrating the people you love. We asked 10 sommeliers across the country what they plan to open on Mother’s Day, and many have sparkling wines on the brain. Others vote pink, and some say skin-contact bottles are the way to go.
Whether you are spending Mother’s Day toasting the mother figures in your life, or plan to celebrate with friends who feel like family, here are suggestions from 10 drinks professionals.
“Nothing says ‘I love you, Mom’ like a bottle of Champagne rosé. We’ll be popping a bottle from Marc Hebrart, one of the most delicious (and affordable) Champagnes I’ve ever had.” — Sam Rethmeier, Wine Director at République, Los Angeles
“Rosé all day, but I think I’d take my Mom out of the familiar territory of Côtes de Provence and pop open a bottle of Italian rosé. I’ve really been enjoying Tuscan rosé made from Sangiovese like La Corsa’s Macchiatonda which sees the inclusion of a little bit of Teroldego as well. It’s Italian rosé inspired by the south of France!” — Nikki Ledbetter, Beverage Manager, Upland, New York
“As a first generation Asian American, Mother’s Day was spent having dim sum for brunch. Funny enough, it seems like bubbles goes well with both Eastern and Western brunch foods. Prosecco is my choice here — Borgoluce Lampo Prosecco is a classic expression; clean, crisp with hints of stone fruit. Perfect with shumai or eggs Benedict!” — DeAnn Wong, Wine Director, Momotaro, Chicago
“Mother’s Day I will be drinking 2016 Viteadovest Bianco. It’s a beautiful orange wine from Sicily. The grape varietals are Grillo and Cataratto. I like introducing my mother to new wines that are within her liking. This wine is beautiful with a nose full of soft ripe fruits, nice acidity, and a lush mouthfeel that makes you want to keep sipping.” — Jordan Young, Beverage Director, Atrium, Los Angeles
“I will be toasting Mom with a glass of Côtes de Provence Cuvée Tentations Rosé at Bisous Wine Garden… Clos Cibonne’s negociant rosé has a small amount of the native Tibouren varietal as well as Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. A light, drinkable rosé with notes of cherry, tangerine, and lemon.” — Terry Quire, Bar Manager, Couvant, New Orleans
“On Mother’s Day I think of spring, the weather turning and becoming nice and warm during the day. Therefore, I think of rosé. There is nothing better than drinking rosé on a warm spring day, and some of my favorite darker bottles are from Chateau Musar in Lebanon or the R. López de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva from Rioja, Spain.” — Ben Teig, Wine Director, Redbird, Los Angeles
“On Mother’s Day, I will be indulging in Champagne, mais bien sur! I have a beautiful bottle of Besserat de Bellefon rosé waiting in my fridge just for the occasion!” — Rebecca Banks, Beverage Director, Augustine, New York
“My mom’s on the East Coast, so I’ll drink a few glasses of her favorite Champagne, Laurent Perrier Rosé, in her honor. It’s a perennial classic and super fruit-driven, but never cloying.” — Rick Arline, Sommelier, auburn, Los Angeles
“Mother’s Day, I like to have some bubbles. Typically Franciacorta from Italy. It’s bright, approachable, and who doesn’t love bubbles? Contadi Castaldi Brut is usually my go-to. It’s reasonably priced, and drinks great all the time.” — Dayna Barnes, General Manager, GT Fish & Oyster, Chicago
“Mother’s Day for me is linked with a person both loving and capable, both strong and caring. For that reason I would choose a wine with different elements that bring balance through tension. Tselepos Moschofilero Blanc de Gris is a white wine with very interesting pink golden hue. It shows a lot of floral aromas on the nose, ripe navel oranges on the palate alongside with beautiful acidity and a touch of white pepper on the finish. It makes for a perfect Mother’s Day brunch wine that will definitely leave Mom and everyone else on the table happy.” — Dimitri Zafeiropoulos, Sommelier, Estiatorio Milos, New York
