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Bubbly for the New Year

Bubbly for the New Year What New Year's fete would be complete without a fantastic bottle of bubbly?

Whether you opt for a simple Italian spumante or a sophisticated French champagne, a sparkler is a great addition to any meal with friends and family.

Champagnes are almost always made from one of three grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier.

Those labeled Blanc de Blancs are purely Chardonnay, while Blanc de Noirs are made with Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. As you may have guessed, Rosé wines are a blend of red and white grapes.

While most Champagne is dry, you will occasionally find a sweeter version.

Check the label to determine the degree of dryness or sweetness. Champagnes, from driest to sweetest, are labeled as such: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Sec, Sec, Demi-Sec and Doux. Brut is the most common style of Champagne.

You can find Champagne in a wide variety of price points. Here are some $15 - $50 recommendations from Food and Wine's Wine Guide 2008:

Bruno Paillard Premiere Cuvee Brut: "Mouthwatering tart apple and lemon flavors are further enlivened by exuberant bubbles."

Gosset Excellence Brut: "A lovely melange of baked apple, spice and minerals, with a touch of residual sugar."

Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial: "On the sweet side, with a touch of smoke and tropical fruit flavors..."

Piper-Heidsieck Rose Sauvage Brut: "This fruity bubbly is full of expressive wild ripe berries and light hints of spice."

If you prefer a mineral-laden sparkling wine, check out some of these Italian spumante suggestions:

Bellenda San Fermo Brut 2006: "While this shows the fruity, frothy characteristics typical of Prosecco, it is also dry and wonderfully mineral-laden."

Col Vetoraz Brut: "A memorable, substantial Prosecco full of juicy pear and almond flavors lined by minerals."

Rebuli Extra Dry: "Delicious, mouth-coating spicy tropical and pear flavors."