Ring in the New Year With Bubbles

[i]Noche Vieja[/i] is a night to celebrate with family and friends, and nothing says “Cheers” like a glass of cold bubbly. While [b]Champagne [/b]often tops our list, we are also fans of more affordable but still delicious [b]Prosecco[/b] from Italy and [b]Cava [/b]from Spain. The finest Italian sparklers are made in the [i]metodo classico, [/i]while the best bubbles from Spain are produced using the [i]métode tradicional[/i], both of which mean they are made the same way Champagne is made—with a second fermentation inside the bottle. That’s where those fun little bubbles that tickle the tongue come from. Here are a few of our favorites. [b]Cava[/b]: Spain’s sparkler is made from three main grapes, Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-ho, but can also be made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a couple of other varieties. It’s ideal on its own for a holiday toast and also goes well with seafood dishes and[i] jamon Iberico[/i]. [b][url=http://www.albetinoya.cat/eng/]Albet I Noya [/url]Cava Brut Reserva: [/b]Grown using organic and biodynamic practices, the grapes used in this restrained and delicate Cava are equal proportions of Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo, and Chardonnay. Tiny bubbles and flavors of almond and buttered toast are a delight to your taste buds. [b][url=http://www.giroribot.es/en/cava-sub/8]Paul Cheneau [/url]Lady of Spain Cava Brut [/b](left): Don’t be fooled by Lady of Spain’s festive bottle featuring a fan-waving [i]senorita[/i] in primary colors. This is a serious Cava at a party-ready price. Flavors of lemon, apple, and baking bread will keep the crowd happy from the ball drop to breakfast. [b][url=http://www.codorniu.com/]Anna De Codorniu[/url] Brut Rosé: [/b]Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this pink sparkler has delicious flavors of strawberry, cherry, and Granny Smith apple. Sparkling wine is always fun at a [i]fiesta[/i], but throw in a little pink and you’ve taken it to a whole new level. [i]Next up, Prosecco…[/i] [pagebreak] [b]Prosecco[/b]: Hailing from the area around Treviso in Italy, Prosecco is often made in the Charmat method, meaning the secondary fermentation takes place in a large tank rather than bottle. The grape used to make Prosecco used to be called Prosecco, but is now known as Glera. [b][url=http://www.cavitcollection.com/html/collection_main.asp]Lunetta[/url] Prosecco [/b](left)[b]: [/b]Lunetta offers great bang for the buck! It comes in a pretty bottle graced by a bright half-moon on the label, and crisp flavors of stone fruits and pear with just the right touch of fizz. [b][url=http://www.mionettousa.com/prosecco-brut.php]Mionetto[/url] Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut: [/b]Nothing says “Celebrate” like a big bottle, and Mionetto’s magnum (1.5 liter bottle) has your back if you want to party big-time. It also comes in personal-sized 187 ml bottle, perfect for drinking straight out of the bottle. (Really!) Either way—or with the regular sized bottle—your friends will enjoy the persistent bubbles and fresh flavor. [b][url=http://www.villasandi.it/?setlanguage=en_US]Villa Sandi [/url]Prosecco DOC Brut Il Fresco [/b](right): Zesty fruit flavors backed by hints of almond plus persistent fine perlage add up to a Prosecco that will keep a smile on the face of all of your guests—and keep them coming back for a refill. [i]Next up, Champagne..[/i] [pagebreak] [b]Champagne[/b]: Champagne [i]only[/i] comes from the Champagne region of France—anything else is sparkling wine! Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. [b][url=http://www.laurent-perrier.com/]Laurent-Perrier [/url][/b]Ultra Brut Champagne (left): This Champagne is made without the addition of any sugar, which will delight those who love their wine extra-dry. Made of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir, the Ultra Brut offers clean fruit flavors with a refreshing vein of minerality. [b]Champagne [url=http://www.lafite.com/eng]Barons de Rothschild [/url]Brut: [/b]Definitely a splurge, but worth it if you’re spending New Year’s Eve with someone special. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, this Champagne has complex flavors of peach and jasmine with a touch of toasted mocha. [b][url=http://www.champagne-gosset.com/legal/verify]Gosset Champagne[/url][/b] [b]Brut Excellence[/b] (right): The oldest wine house in Champagne, Gosset was founded in 1584. In addition to tradition and history, Gosset Brut Excellence, a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 19% Pinot Meunier, features delicate flavors of summer stone fruits, light flowers, and spice.