Ready to ring in the New Year? You’ve got party hats, plenty of snacks, and your best bedazzled outfit ready to go. But you can’t forget about the most important part: the bubbles. Of course, Champagne seems like the obvious sparkling wine of choice, but why limit yourself as you go into the New Year? With so many amazing sparkling wines available to you, it would be a shame if you always stuck with the same thing.
That’s why we’re here to give you the lowdown on some of the best sparkling Champagnes to ring in the New Year with. Whether you tend to prefer sweeter, juicier wines or you like to stick with the bone-dry stuff, there are plenty of sparkling Champagnes for you to try — and you may just find a new favorite in the process.
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What is Champagne?
Champagne is a sparkling wine from the Champagne region of northern France that uses the traditional method of fermentation to achieve bubbles. It is most commonly made from primarily three grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier but the grape varieties in Champagne can vary.
History behind Champagne
The history of Champagne is as fascinating as the drink itself. It all began in the 17th century when the region’s winemakers discovered that their wines were naturally sparkling. This accidental discovery led to the development of the traditional method and the birth of Champagne as we know it today.
Over the years, Champagne has become the drink of choice for celebrations around the world. Its association with luxury, glamour, and sophistication has made it a symbol of special occasions and a must-have for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
How is Champagne Made?
The process of making Champagne is intricate and requires great skill and precision. The traditional method, also known as the méthode champenoise, involves a secondary fermentation that occurs inside the bottle. After the initial fermentation of the base wine, a mixture of sugar and yeast, called the liqueur de tirage, is added to create a secondary fermentation. This creates the carbonation and bubbles that Champagne is known for.
The bottles are then aged for a minimum of 15 months, during which time the yeast cells form a sediment, known as lees, giving Champagne its unique toasty and yeasty flavors. Finally, the bottles are carefully placed on riddling racks, gradually tilted and rotated to move the lees towards the neck of the bottle.
The neck is then frozen, the yeast plug is disgorged, and a small dosage of wine and sugar is added to balance the flavors. This labor-intensive process ensures the highest quality and complexity in every sip of Champagne.
What makes Champagne different from other premium sparkling wines?
While there are many excellent sparkling wines in the world, Champagne stands out due to its unique terroir and production method. The grapes grown in the Champagne region, France, located just outside of Paris benefit from its cool climate, chalky soil, and gentle slopes, imparting distinct characteristics to the wine.
Additionally, the méthode champenoise, which involves aging the wine on lees, contributes to Champagne’s exceptional aromas and flavors. This combination of factors gives Champagne a complexity and finesse that is hard to find in other sparkling wines.
Our Picks for the Best sparkling Champagnes
When it comes to selecting the top Champagnes for your New Year celebration, you want nothing but the best. Here are our recommendations that will elevate your festivities to new heights:
Armand De Brignac Ace Of Spades Champagne Brut
Dubbed the “Ace of Spades,” this Champagne lives up to its name. Made by a small family-owned Champagne house, it boasts an impeccable balance of richness and freshness. With aromas of ripe fruits and brioche, accompanied by a long and vibrant finish, this Champagne is a true showstopper.
Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon
As one of the most renowned Champagne houses, Moet & Chandon presents Dom Perignon, a Champagne that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. With its refined bubbles, complex layers of flavors, and a creamy texture, Dom Perignon is a true masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Chateau Le Chemin Du Roi Brut Luminous
For a Champagne that captivates both the eye and the taste buds, look no further than Chateau Le Chemin Du Roi Brut Luminous. Encased in a beautifully illuminated bottle, this Champagne offers a vibrant and crisp experience. With notes of citrus, green apple, and a touch of toastiness, it is a delightful choice for a memorable celebration.
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne
Veuve Clicquot, renowned for its dedication to quality, presents the Yellow Label Brut Champagne. With its signature yellow label and rich history dating back to 1772, this Champagne embodies tradition and excellence. Expect a harmonious blend of flavors, including apple, brioche, and honey, accompanied by a lively effervescence that will make your taste buds dance.
Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne
If you’re looking for a Champagne that not only tastes phenomenal but also adds a touch of elegance to your celebration, Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne is the perfect choice. With its stunning pink hue and aromas of red fruits, floral notes, and a hint of spice, it is a luxurious and indulgent Champagne that exudes beauty and sophistication.
Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé
For those who prefer their Champagne on the rocks, Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé is the ultimate choice. Created specifically to be enjoyed over ice, this Champagne delivers a refreshing burst of flavors. Expect vibrant red fruit notes, a subtle sweetness, and a cool sensation that will invigorate your palate.
Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial
Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial is a Champagne that truly knows how to make an entrance. With its seductive pink color, vibrant red fruit aromas, and a silky smooth mouthfeel, this Champagne is the epitome of romance and celebration. Let this exquisite rosé Champagne set the mood for a night of joy and
Luc Belaire Rare Luxe
The exquisite Luc Belaire Rare Luxe is a premium sparkling wine, the perfect companion for any celebration. With its vibrant and effervescent nature, this sparkling wine reveals tantalizing aromas of peach, apricot, and brioche. Crafted with meticulous care, Luc Belaire Rare Luxe stands on its own as a sparkling wine that adds a touch of glamour to every occasion.
Luc Belaire Luxe Rosé
Luc Belaire Luxe Rosé, a dazzling sparkling wine from Provence, France that rivals champagne. Made from hand-picked grapes from the South of France, this vibrant pink wine offers a luxurious drinking experience with flavors of luscious berries, citrus, and floral notes. Its smooth and velvety texture and crisp finish make it a pleasure to drink.
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut
Last but certainly not least, Louis Roederer Cristal Brut is an iconic Champagne that needs no introduction. With its vibrant acidity, complex flavors of citrus, toasted nuts, and a hint of mineral notes, this Champagne is a true masterpiece. Savor each sip and let it transport you to a realm of pure indulgence and celebration.
New Year’s Eve is a really good time for bubbles! The fact is, Champagne goes with the yearend celebration as surely as chocolates go with Valentine’s Day, or turkey with Thanksgiving.
But sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve is more than just tradition. From the pop of the cork to the fizz of the pour, from the way the bubbles make perfect strings of beads in your glass to the way they dance across your palate, sparkling wines like Champagne are a life-affirming pleasure for all five senses and the perfect way to cheer out old and ring in the new.
In conclusion, selecting the right Champagne for your New Year celebration is essential as it sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. Whether you choose a classic like Dom Perignon or opt for a unique gem like Luc Belaire Rare Luxe, these top ten Champagnes will ensure your celebration sparkles with elegance, luxury, and joy. Cheers to an extraordinary New Year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prosecco the Same as Champagne?
Both Prosecco and Champagne are sparkling wines, but they are quite different. Prosecco is a sparkling wine from northeast Italy made from the white grape Glera. It is typically made using the tank method of fermentation, where the wine is put into a sealed tank with yeast and sugar for the second fermentation. The wine is then bottled under pressure and sealed with a cork and wire cage.
In comparison, Champagne, as mentioned previously, is made in France using the traditional method and from a different variety of grapes.
Does Champagne Go Bad?
Knowing how to properly store wine is important. Prior to opening, keep your Champagne bottle in a cool, dark spot out of direct sunlight or harsh lighting. It should not appear foggy or hazy, it should taste crisp and fresh without the flavor of vinegar and there shouldn’t be any residue floating in the bottle when opened.
Like any wine, proper storage after opening is key to keeping your bottle last past the night it’s popped. Store Champagne in the fridge for two to three days after opening and consider using a sparkling wine stopper or metal cork to retain as much of the effervescence as possible. And if your Champagne does go bad, there is plenty you can do with leftover Champagne.
How Do You Open Champagne?
If you’re wondering how to open a Champagne bottle, remove the foil and loosen the wire cage wrapped around the cork. As soon as these have been removed, you’ll want to keep the cork covered with your hand for safety.
Next, hold the bottle at an angle with the cork in one hand and the base in the other. Begin to turn the base of the bottle slowly while maintaining a firm grip on the cork. The cork will then loosen, and the pressure will force the cork out with a “phut” sound. No wine lost!
Finally, serve Champagne well chilled (about 43 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) and pour into a flute or tulip-shaped glass made for sparkling wines. The best Champagne temperature does vary slightly based on your personal preferences and what you’re serving it with. If you are considering decanting Champagne, read up on why you should or shouldn’t here.
How Many Glasses of Champagne Are in a Bottle?
The amount of Champagne glasses you can get from a bottle varies based on how much wine you’re pouring per glass. For a standard 750 ml bottle of wine, you’ll get about five five-ounce glasses of wine.
