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Champagne and Sparkling Wine Reviews and Recommendations

By , About.com Guide

Nothing says, "Celebrate" quite like a good bottle of bubbly! Whether you are looking for a Champagne or sparkling wine to bring in the New Year, toast a marriage or enjoy with a bowl of buttered popcorn, there are plenty of options at just as many price points, but we'll get you started with some solid sparkling wine selections here.

Charles Heidsieck Brut NV (FR) $60

Charles Heidsieck
If you are looking for a full-fledged French Champagne to sip and celebrate the New Year with, then look no further than the Charles Heidsieck non-vintage Brut. A beautiful bubbly with the right mix of yeasty notes and zesty citrus, well managed vibrant fruit and smoky minerality, engaging luxury and practical accessibility all wrapped up into a single bottle of celebration. Offering elegance, solid structure, rich textures, a medium body with fine bubbles, and finishing with purity and persistence, this Brut is a perfect pick bubbly for New Year's and beyond.

Nicholas Feuillatte "Blue Label" Brut Champagne (FR) $30

Solid pricing, quality fruit and an emphasis on balance, make the Nicholas Feuillatte "Blue Label" a great "go to" Champagne this season. Expect apple, pear and almond overtones with a dash of grapefruit wrapped around a mineral-laden core.

Pommery Brut Royal Champagne (FR) $35

Pommery

The Pommery Brut Royal is a staple for value bubbly from Champagne.  Rich, ripe and elegant with citrus fruit making the initial show, followed by a touch of apple and pear sealed with toasty vanilla tones.  Keep an eye out for Pommery's seasonal Champagne, with the "Springtime" Rose being among the favorites!

Roederer Estate Brut NV (CA) $20

Roederer Estate
The warm scents of spice-laden, baked apple pie dominate the nose of the Roederer Estate Brut sparkling wine. The 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir of estate grown fruit brings considerable complexity and a lively mix of pear, citrus and cherry pie fruit to the palate's forefront in a wave of vanilla and toasty yeast-filled character. Medium-bodied with a depth and finesse that go way beyond the price point, this is a topnotch bubbly for the holidays and any day. Pair with smoked salmon, oysters, lobster, a variety of rich hors d'oeuvres, or sushi.

Pol Roger Brut Rose 2002 (FR) $110

Pol Roger

The 2002 Pol Brut Rose presents a stunning rendition of the Pinot Noir grape in all of its bubbly fanfare!  Bright aromas of red raspberries and alpine strawberries make their rounds, with delicate floral aromatics playing in the background.  On the palate expect more fresh red berry fruit, followed up by a stint of stone fruit and grounded minerality.  Balance, elegance and complex character make this a top Champagne pick for New Year's, anniversaries and big birthdays!

Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut NV (Spain) $12

Freixenet
One of Spain's most beloved sparkling wines, the Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut brings a blend of three distinctly Spanish grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. Well-balanced acidity allows the fruit to really shine - lemon, lime and green apple round out the mix.

J Vineyards "Cuvée 20" Sparkling Wine NV (CA) $22

J Vineyards
Kicks off the party with yeast-driven, citrus-based aromas. Makes a move towards Granny Smith green apple and a subtle touch of pear on the palate, followed up with a touch of toasted almond on the backsplash. A sparkling wine guests will rave about!

Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee (FR) $60

Bollinger

Check out the apple crisp and fresh baked bread aromas on the nose.  Then there is the engaging palate combination of citrus and apple mingling with mouth-watering acidity on the finish. A gold standard in mid-level Champagne, offering the essence of true blue French Champagne without the over the top pricing.

Mumm Napa Cuvee M NV (CA) $18

Mumm Napa

Love the strawberry components of this sparkler, with plenty of citrus nuances to go hand in hand with the lively acidity and overall elegant style and structure of this well-priced bubbly. 

Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne

Veuve Clicquot

The Veuve Clicquot Brut is a classic Champagne, that's reasonably priced and full of fragrant flavor! Check out the stone fruit and nutty note on the palate and the glittering combination of minerality and mouth-watering acidity on the finish. If you've been looking to try the "real deal" in Champagne adventures without paying top dollar, this one is worth a go.

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