From the Scots depleting Boston’s beer supply to Norwegians conquering NYC’s subways with the Viking Row, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been chock-full of viral moments off the pitch. But things are heating up on the pitch, and we are down to the final four teams: Argentina, France, Spain, and England. Cheer on your favorite team with a bottle of their homeland bubbly.
France: Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve FIFA 2026 ($75)
Champagne Taittinger, the Official Champagne of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, released a limited-edition Brut Réserve bottle to celebrate the extravaganza. The elegant Chardonnay-dominant blend also includes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and was aged on the lees for 3-4 years.
England: Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut Rosé ($55)
England isn’t just making news on the pitch, but also in the vineyard. Established in 1952, Hambledon is England’s first commercial vineyard, and you can taste their know-how in this superb blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that was aged on the lees for over four years.
Spain: Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad ($30)
This majestic bottle of Cava looks like a trophy! A luscious blend of Macabeo and Chardonnay that aged on the lees for 24 months, it is full of flavor and energy, just like World Cup fans!
Argentina: Domaine EdeM Uco Stones Sparkling Chardonnay ($28)
Who says low-alcohol wines have to be flavorless swill? Uco Stones has an ABV of 7% but still expresses the mineral-driven profile and bright acidity characteristic of Uco Valley’s limestone-rich soils. Fermentation is stopped early to preserve natural acidity and freshness, and blended with Chardonnay verjus for added texture and complexity.
My fall festival season will kick off with the fabulous Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta. Last year was my first visit to Santa Fe and I’m honored to be leading seminars at the Fiesta again.
This year, I’ll guide attendees through a tasting of California wines from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and other exciting Golden State regions. I’ll also moderate the Judgment of Paris: 50 Years Later. Tickets are on sale now. Prominent presenters include Eric Asimov (The New York Times), sommelier Marika Vida-Arnold and Joe Spellman MS (Master Sommelier).
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.