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.
1. Pol Roger Rich NV (France) $56
Pol Roger
The Pol Roger Rich non-vintage Champagne is a perfect Champagne for bringing in the New Year - it is lively, slightly sweet and offers fascinating floral and ripe fruit aromas. The palate profile brings forth delicious apple and vanilla spice yielding both fresh and vibrant flavors that are structurally supported by a touch of tannin and a bit of complexity on the enduring finish. This Champagne is composed of about 1/3 Chardonnay, 1/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Pinot Meunier and is from a well-known, family-owned producer in the heart of the Champagne region. Give this lovely bubbly a go with smoked salmon, stuffed mushrooms, brie cheese, shortbread cookies or fruit-based desserts.
2. Zonin Prosecco Special Cuvee (Italy) $11
This Prosecco is a delicious option in the sparkling wine arena - well-balanced, easy to pair with a variety of food factors (my favorite was smoked salmon and raspberry crumb cookie) and easy on the wallet. On the nose you'll find an intense fruit and floral combination, on the palate expect the fruit (mostly apple and a bit of pear) to appear again, mixed with a nutty nuance. This sparkling wine has a little lower alcohol content, giving it added versatility to serve in a variety of social settings - from brunch to dessert.
3. Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvee Sparkling Wine (CA) $24
This is a classic California sparkling wine with plenty of appley overtones and citrus-based foundations. The finish is long and rides out on a beautifully defined minerality. This is a consistent wine and will offer good quality year in and year out.4. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (Spain) $10
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This sparkling wine is a blend of three of Spain's white grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada - which all combine to make a noticeably balanced wine with crisp flavors and a smooth finish. Consider this brut for a variety of food options, from the fancy to the "football" party - offers a ton of pairing versatility at a price that offers considerable value.
5. Mumm Napa Brut Rose (CA) $24
Mumm Napa
This is a lovely rose bubbly with engaging aromas, powerful palate appeal and a perfect pricetag. The blend consists of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, making for a well-balanced sparkling wine with both vibrancy and food-pairing versatility. Keep this one in mind for weddings, anniversaries, showers and the like.
6. Pommery Brut Royal (France) $33
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The Pommery Brut Royal is a classic Champagne with pale yellow coloration, a fresh, vibrant nose and ample fruit on the palate.
7. Segura Viudas Brut Rose (Spain) $9
Segura Viudas
If you are looking to shake things up, then you might want to consider this bright pink sparkler from Spain. You will find a good dose of citrus on the nose and buckets of strawberry mingling with raspberry on the effervescent palate. Good acidity, a surprising finish and a great price make this Brut Rose a perfect pick wine for any occasion.
8. Saracco Moscato d'Asti 2006 (Italy) $16
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This Moscato d'Asti is certainly a unique wine, being a semi-sparkling wine, or a "frizzante." It is noteably sweeter and lighter in both taste and palate feel, with a lower alcohol content of around 8%. It is from the Piedmont region and oozes with ripe peach flavors surrounded by honeysuckle. Makes a terrific apéritif as well as a perfect partner to cheesecake.
