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 new marriage or honor an anniversary, celebrating life's events and moments are what bubbles do best. There are plenty of options at just as many price points in the Champagne and sparkling wine arena, so we'll get you started with some solid sparkling selections running the gamut from the under $10 category to the over $100 price point.
Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut (FR)
Perrier-Jouet
Perrier-Jouet enjoys a significant following in the realm of Champagne and sparkling wine - and for good reason, the Grand Brut displays an engaging "fresh factor" with its ultra lively acidity, ripe apple and apricot fruit surrounded by the warm, toasty notes of buttered bread and spice.
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2004 (FR)
Louis Roederer
A legendary vintage Champagne, the 2004 Roederer Cristal Brut brings astonishing clarity, density and exceptional energy to the glass. Packed with fine fruit, layered complexity, rising minerality and the essence of balanced beauty, the '04 Brut Cristal promises a delicate dance with sensational textures now and will offer even more to those with the patience to wait another couple of years.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne (FR)
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.
Armand de Brignac Brut Gold (Ace of Spades) (FR)
Armand de Brignac
Two years ago, Armand de Brignac was rated the number one Champagne in the world in a blind tasting of 1000 Champagnes (edging out the 2000 vintage of Dom Perignon), which just goes to show that there's a lot more to this impressive cuvee than just a fancy bottle (a distinct gold metallic with a hand-set and personally polished solid pewter label, encased in a handsome black velvet-lined box). On to what's inside the bottle, this is a multi-vintage cuvee made from equal amounts of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Menuier. The Armand de Brignac cuvee is gorgeous gold in color with generous bead and heady aromatics that push ripe stone fruit, warm spice and brioche to the forefront. On the palate, crisp citrus notes meet and mingle with layers of peaches and cream, that's well-supported by a bold minerality that does its part to drive the fruit towards a long, lingering finish. Liquid luxury, body and balance, the very essence of elegance - Armand de Brignac certainly ups the ante when it comes to the high-end Champagne category.
Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Rosé "Perle d'Aurore" (FR)
Boisset Family Estates
A gorgeous sparkling wine from Burgundy, made from Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir, the Crement de Bourgogne Rosé is one of the most reasonably priced sparklers around (usually weighing in at $15 a bottle). Buckle up for some serious strawberry and raspberry themes, followed up by an understated elegance ironically married to an unexpected bout of sturdy structure.
Dom Perignon 2002 (FR)
Dom Perignon
Perhaps the most well known Champagne around, Dom Perignon's 2002 vintage lives up to its reputation for being a big deal bubbly. Starting with significant concentration and an undeniable intensity, toasted almond, rich dried fruit and candied nutty nuances play backup to ripe, tropical fruit, captivating creamy textures, seamless focus and the epitome of elegance from fancied start to the ultimate finish.
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige (CA)
Always a great "go-to" sparkling wine with instant elegance and well-honed acidity, made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Expect generous aromas with layers of floral and spice, and a decent dose of citrus, melon and creamy vanilla undercurrents gift-wrapped in perpetual bubbly bliss.
Domaine Chandon Brut Classic (CA)
Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon puts out a popular value sparkling wine with a lavish load of almonds, apple and a classic layer of fig and spice. Easy to find, easy to enjoy and easy on the wallet - what more could you ask for?
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva (Spain)
Segura Viudas
If you are looking to shake things up, then you might want to consider this bright, vibrant sparkling Cava from Spain. You will find a good dose of golden delicious apple on the nose and loads of crisp acidity on the effervescent palate. Nice overall balance, a pleasing finish and a great price make this Cava a perfect bubbly for any occasion.
