Champagne Alert

Post date: Dec 30, 2009 8:22:08 PM

What should you have to toast the start of the New Year?

Here are a couple of my favorites. If you are making a champagne punch, you should consider the Cristalino Spanish Cava. It is as elegant as most true Champagnes, yet at roughly $10 a bottle, it won't make you shiver as you pour the mix into it. This is widely available. Peg and I purchased it for $7.99 at the New Hampshire Liquor store.

Some find Champagne to be a bit too dry. If you like champagne a bit sweeter, you aren't relegated to sparking dreck from upstate New York. I'd like you to consider an Italian Prosecco. Marsuret Prosecco VSAQ is typical of an excellent prosecco. It has a peach undertone with a very lively, citrusy flavor. Prosecco will set you back around $12-20. Ask your favorite wine merchant what they recommend and why they recommend it.

My favorite value Champagne is the Gruet Blanc de Noir NV. It is made predominantly from Pinot Noir, so you will likely find it to be much more interesting and complex. You'll find this at Acton Wine & Spirits, Colonial and West Concord for around $16 - $18. Don't tell anyone that this is really from Albuquerque New Mexico. Yup, pardners, even us wranglers from out west love a great sparkling wine. If they don't have the Blanc de Noir, then try their Brut or Rose.

If I were going to splurge to celebrate a particularly good year I would spring for the Piper Heidsieck, Brut NV. Here is what Wine Spectator said about this wine: