New Year's Eve Sparkling Wine Recommendations

A great way to celebrate New Year's Eve is always with a little bubbly. Many people are a little initimated by the array of sparkling choices…What does each description mean? What will taste the best? What if I do not have a lot of money to spend?

Product descriptions:

Champagne: True French champagne is produced in the Champagne region in France and follows a strict set of laws regulated by the French government. Typically champagne is produced with the chardonnay and pinot noir grapes.

Cava: Spain's version of sparkling wine.

Prosecco: Italy's version of sparkling wine.

Moscato d'Asti: An effervescent (slightly sparkling) wine from Italy. This product typically has higher residual sugar. So, if you like a little sweetness this is for you!

Sparkling wine: Only a few U.S. companies are grandfathered with the right to use "champagne" on their label. Most U.S. producers have "sparkling wine" on the label. Do not worry, many U.S. producers follow the same traditional methods as used in France to produce their wines. Eventhough it doesn't say "champagne" it can be just as good…or sometimes even better (but that's up to you).

Here are my recommendations (disclaimer: these are brands G&M distributes):

Sigura Viudas Brut Riserva: A fantastic Spanish Cava. Overall, one of the best values for the money on the market.

La Marca Prosecco: You will not miss this classy, Tiffany blue label. This Italian prosecco has a great crisp taste and will make your party fantastic.

Luccio Moscato d'Asti: If you have a sweet tooth, this is for you! There is a nice balance of fruitness and sweetness in every drop

Serena: This is a fun option. It is also from Italy, but it is red. Serena is geared to the sweet tooth and has a little bubble to it.

Charles de Fere: This is a fantastic option if you are budget minded but want French. The wine is crisp, clean, and well balanced. The price is just right.

Lastly, there are a few traditional NYE budget brands that are standards. Don't forget about Ballatore (from California, designed for the sweeter palate), Tott's-a classic California bubbler, and Andre. Andre is great if you are having a lot of people over as it is the most reasonable bubbly on the market. Andre comes in a wide array of flavors, so you can even get a strawberry flavored sparkling wine.

Enjoy NYE! Celebrate responsibly. Please do not drink and drive. Always have a designated driver or call a cab!