Picking Out Your Bubbly This New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching and there’s nothing quite like toasting to the New Year with a glass of bubbly.  Read our tips below to choose the best option for you. 

Champagne or Sparkling Wine?

As you browse the shelves, you will see not only Champagne but also Sparkling Wine.  What’s the difference between the two?  Well, not much at all, actually.  All wines that have bubbles are Sparkling Wines, however, not all Sparkling Wines are Champagne.  Sparkling Wine is white wine that has carbon dioxide, making it fizzy and bubbly.

The Champagne we know and love comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France.  Technically, it is the only sparkling wine that may be referred to as Champagne.  Nearly all other wines made in other regions are considered Sparkling Wines.  Therefore, Sparkling Wines tend to carry a lower price tag with them as well. 

What classification of wine should you get?

Whether you choose to go for Champagne or Sparkling Wine, here are the general terms you will see associated with these to help you choose what you prefer:

Extra Brut: This Sparkling Wine or Champagne is not sweet and is dry. 

Brut: This type is not as dry as Extra Brut but still is not a generally sweet one.  This one pairs well with most foods.

Extra Dry: This means that it is medium in dryness and is sweeter than Brut.
 

Sec: This kind of Champagne is slightly sweet and not very dry.

Demi-Sec: This type is fairly sweet and hardly dry.

Doux: If you like sweet, then this is for you!  This is the sweetest kind of Sparkling Wine or Champagne.

You can always ask someone at the store to help you pick out a wine for your evening based on your personal preferences if you need more help.  Enjoy your bubbly and have a Happy New Year!