New Year's Eve, Champagne?

Question

I just turned 21, and this is my first year organizing any kind of conventional New Year's Eve party. I'm just curious what kind of champagne to go with, based on the quality/year/price, that sort of thing. Any suggestions?

I will definately look into sparkling wine (I knew the difference between the two thanks to Wayne's World from way back when, lol). And not only will we drive safe, we'll be in a limo. So you can see why I need to look for a drink with a modest price tag ;-)

Answer 1

In order to really be Champagne, the wine must come from the Champagne region of France. Translate that as pretty expensive unless you happen to live in the Champagne region of France. The same process is used in many regions of Europe and in the US, and is marketed as Sparkling Wine. Many of them are quite good, and very affordable. They are ranked in sweetness (least to most) as Extra Brut, Brut, Extra dry, Sec and Demi-sec. Asti Spumanti, a sparkling wine, is the most sweet. Champagnes are generally a blend of grapes and do not fall into the convention of "years" except for vintage (exceptionally good years) bottles. (Read that as EXTREMELY expensive).

If you want to go with an economic brand, consider making coctails with the wine, and pouring a better brand for the midnight toast. I often get one of the inexpensive brands, and mix it with a fruit juice for a very enjoyable drink... orange juice (Mimosa), cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, pureed peaches (Belini) or pureed cherries. You can also mix it with a liquor, like amaretto, chambard, frangelico, etc. for another option that is sometimes called a Kir.

Don't be afraid to discuss your needs with someone at your local wine store, even if you have a modest budget. You will find that they can be very helpful if you will tell them your plan and your budget. Most wine retailers want you to be happy with your purchase, and they love to share information about different kinds of wine.

It's great that you want to be a good host and serve an enjoyable drink. Just remember, as the host, you should also encourage your guests to drink responsibly, or have a designated driver!!

Answer 2

Great Champagne: Champagne Veuve Clicquot Good Champagne: Champagne Mumm Sparkling Wines: Freixenet ( From Mexico) Sparkling Wine: Henkel Trocken Enjoy, but Remember it is Champagne if it is made in the French Region of Champagne It is Sparkling wine if it is made like Champagne but not from that Region. All have bubbles so they get to your head faster ! Enjoy with moderation

Answer 3

Look for brut sparkling wine, French or Spanish. You'll get a great taste and the giggles just like the real deal at a fraction of the cost
Addition - Cold Duck and spumante are what you drink in an alley with teenagers or old men who smell funny. It's New Year's for God's sake..

Answer 4

Doesn't have to champagne, there are some excellent sparkling wines being made in California. I suggest you check our some their web sites. More cost effective, easier access to product and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Answer 5

My favorite is Cold Duck, I personally can't stand Brut, it is way to dry for me and no sweetness. Extra Dry is much better and a bit sweeter than Brut, go with a Spumante.

Answer 6

growers sparkling apple wine its cheap tastes good and has bubbles just like champaine and even folks that arnt into champaine will love it. can be bought in big bottles or little bottles so there is no waste can be bought at any lcbo or usa liquor outlet

Answer 7

Skip the Champangne and skip the hang over!

Answer 8

My Fave is Martini and Rossi -- it is about $10-$13 a bottle - -it is sweet....

:-)

Answer 9

no idea