Sparkling wine from New Mexico?! You bet your bubbly, booby, and it's good stuff! Gruet was founded in the early 1980s by the Gruet family of Champagne. They watched as Champagne and Cava houses from France and Spain established new operations in California, but after investigating and rejecting that state, they took a close look at New Mexico and eventually decided on a high altitude (4,300 ft.) location about 170 miles south of Albuquerque, and haven't looked back since. Here's what the winemaker has to say about this excellent buy:

The Blanc de Blancs offers abundant aromas and flavors recalling sweet apples, pears and citrus. The four years of aging has contributed a pronounced classic toastiness with accents of roasted almonds and minerals. The palate is creamy and long, and the style is elegant, dry and crisp, with great complexity. Winemaker's Note: Only 1,000 cases produced, selected from the best chardonnay of the harvest. It tastes like French champagne from the Cote des Blancs, supremely elegant, sophisticated long finish and nice acidity. My favorite!