โ12-27-2023 02:08 PM
Another year is coming to a close, and thatโs an opportunity to reflect on all that was and make resolutions for all that will be. Sure, but itโs also an opportunity to pop some bubbly. Because nothing is quite so festive as flying corks and clinking glasses when the clock strikes midnight. Here are six fine Champagnes and sparkling wines to enjoy on New Yearโs Eve, from budget bottles to splurge-worthy sips.
Best Budget Champagne: G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut
Immediately recognizable for its red sash bottle design, G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut is still one of the best values in Champagne. Itโs fresh and structured on the palate, with notes of ripe peaches and dried apricots mingling with honey and yeasty pastries. Itโs great to sip solo, but given the reasonable price tag, you can also add it to cocktails like the French 75.
Average price: $45
Best Vintage Champagne: Billecart-Salmon, Nicolas Franรงois 2008
This excellent cuvรฉe was created in 1964 as a tribute to the houseโs founder. The 2008 vintage was released in spring 2023 and shows off the richness and complexity of the high-quality harvest year. Itโs refreshingly aromatic, with notes of fresh berries, quince, honey biscuits and limestone minerality.
Average price: $199
Best Splurge-Worthy Bottle: Louis Roederer 2012 Cristal Brut
Sourced completely from Roedererโs own vineyards, this 2012 bottle is 100% biodynamic and 100% delicious. Itโs just now coming into form, which makes New Yearโs Eve the perfect time to pop the bottle and give it a taste. The Champagne is bright and lively, with aromatic florals and ripe fruits. Itโs a thoughtful gift if youโre willing to share, but feel free to open this bottle with someone special and keep it all to yourselves.
Average price: $279
Best Rosรฉ: Laurent Perrier Cuvรฉe Rosรฉ
First debuted in 1968, this top-notch non-vintage rosรฉ Champagne is made from 10 different crus, all pinot noir, and aged for five years. The wine is fresh, with good acid, and it contains intense flavors of red fruits โ raspberries and strawberries โ as well as black cherries.
Average price: $95
Best Prosecco: Borrasca Prosecco DOCG
Proseccos often get short shrift among sparkling wine aficionados, but this Italian bubbly is easy-drinking and affordable โ and there are plenty of high-quality bottles to choose from. Hailing from Veneto, Borrasca is soft and fruit-forward, with notes of green apples, pears and white flowers. You can confidently sip this straight, or mix it into Aperol Spritzes or other festive cocktails.
Average price: $17
Best Cava: Guilera Musivari 2007
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method โ like Champagne, it undergoes a second fermentation in the same bottle itโs sold in. And across the board, cava is one of the best bang-for-your-buck values in wine. Thatโs evident with Guilera Musivari 2007, a top-ranked brut nature (no added sugar) that brings delicate aromas and lots of flavor to each sip. Expect notes of citrus, green apple, ripe pear and toasted brioche.
Average price: $25