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Red-, white-, and blue-themed everything is great, but everyone knows the best parts of Independence Day are outdoor grill fests and the pyrotechnics. So raise a glass to July Fourth’s incendiary spirit and give your alfresco guests’ taste buds a fireworks show of their own with these local sparklers (available from wineries and area liquor stores):
Memories, Brut Champagne
Baldwin Vineyards; 176 Hardenburgh Rd, Pine Bush; 845.744.2226
A classic choice of carbonated wine, this is a great way to get your backyard-based celebration going. It’s made from a blend of chardonnay and Cayuga White grapes, which work to create balanced bubbles with a sturdy structure and an aroma to please just about any drinker.
Peach Gala, Méthode Champenoise
Clinton Vineyards; 450 Clinton Corners Schultzville Rd, Clinton Corners; 845.266.5372
This Dutchess County-made pour is the ideal drink to add a little fizz to your Fourth. With an aroma of fresh-picked peaches mingled with a light scent of shortbread, these bubbles have a surprising amount of body to balance out its dry, high acidity. Recommended to match lighter fare or served alongside dessert.
“B,” Sparkling Rosé
Brotherhood Winery; 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville; 845.496.3661
That’s right: sparkling ‘summer water.’ Need we say more? This rosé is crafted cuvee-style, using 90% chardonnay grapes and 10% Pinot Noir, and fermented twice to produce an extra-big bubble. Its flavor profile is more about bright fruit and crisp acid than it is saccharine sipping, ensuring your guests will keep enjoying this bevvie throughout the light show and well into the evening.