© Velo Steve


Pop the cork, it's the time of year for the bubbly. As we celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next, we like to add a little tingle to the party. I don't know about you but I am always up for anything sparkling. This year, at three different New Year's (or close to) parties I got to try an array of different wines, each with different styles and price points.

Cook's Brut - $7 The cheapest sparkling wine I tried. There's no question that this is the bottle that you buy in bulk when you have a bunch of people coming over. It's a great mixer if you want to make Kir Royale or Mimosas. It's the best selling American sparkling wine so that has to count for something. Though it has a tart scent, the apple flavor is a little sweeter. Crisp, medium dry. Pairs great with fruit.

Moscato d'Asti from Castello del Poggio - $12 This wine was a surprise. I had it served at my near-by Olive Garden and found it to be a fantastic effervescent wine. I have yet to find it in stores but online I see it for less than $20 across the board. The bouquet has delicate scents of peaches and musk. The flavor has a well balanced fruitiness and is surprisingly light. I find this to be an excellent sipping wine, great with fruit-based appetizers or desserts.

Calixte, Brut, Cremant d'Alsace, Alsace, France - $20 The most interesting thing about this wine is that it's named for Pope Calixte II. It's the only actual champagne on the list. It has a full, floral aroma and balances fruit and acidity well in its flavor. It continues to bubble throughout drinking. This wine matches well with saltier hors d'oeuvres such as seafood, especially caviar. Even though its price is cheaper it is a sophisticated tasting champagne.

I was actually surprised when I priced each of these bubble-filled beverages. It just goes to prove you can feel classy without spending a ton of cash!

What champagne did you have for New Years?