A Sparkling Occasion

Tomorrow night as the clock strikes midnight, the start of the New Year will be ushered in by a chorus of popping corks. Music to any drinker’s ears. While bubbly can be sipped from flutes, it also works extremely well in cocktails. (Check out two of our favorite fizzy recipes on Liquor.com.) Just about every liquor store stocks a big selection of sparkling wine from champagne and prosecco to cava. Here are a few of our favorites.

American: J Cuvée 20 Brut NV ($20)

This very drinkable sparkling wine from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley has both citrus notes and a bit of toasted oak. It’s mostly made from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes with a bit of pinot meunier.

French: Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé NV ($75)

Contrary to popular belief, rose wine isn’t always sweet and isn’t just for the summer. This dry champagne has a fruity aroma and both citrus and savory notes on the palate. Perfect for serving with smoked salmon or mushroom appetizers.

French: Krug 1998 ($350)

For a truly luxurious celebration buy this bottle of Krug. While the famed champagne house produces a brut every year, it only creates a vintage during the years when the harvest is exceptional. This bottle won’t disappoint.

Italian: Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco ($21)

Prosecco has gotten a bad rap in the US, but Italy’s sparkling wine is very approachable and usually very affordable. Nino Franco’s crisp and versatile Rustico is no exception and is a favorite of bartenders and critics.

Spanish: Segura Viudas Brut Reserva ($10)

Yes, they make sparkling wine in Spain. (For the record it’s called cava.) This highly carbonated bubbly is a blend of three grapes from the Alt Penedès region and is aged for at least three years. No matter what your budget, pick up a bottle of Segura Viudas, which you can sip, mix and, at $10 a bottle, even spray around like a rock star.