10 Best Bubblies for the New Year

10 Best Bubblies for the New Year

From:
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/natalie_maclean/index.html

As the countdown continues to the holidays, just thought I'd share with you my 10 favorite bubblies to celebrate the New Year. I'd love to know what your favorite sparkling wine is and anything memorable about drinking it for the first time.

2007 Santa Margherita Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Brut Veneto, Italy: A sparkler with nice, light effervescence. Refreshing aromas of limes and green apples present. Pair with: appetizers, pancetta-wrapped shrimp, roasted asparagus. 11% alcohol XD (extra dry) $18.95 Score: 88/100.

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Brut California: Bursting with ripe pear fruit and toasty goodness. Drink as an aperitif or with fish dishes and oysters. Sugar Content: D Score: 90/100.

Roederer Estate 25th Anniversary Brut Sparkling Wine Anderson Valley, California: Fantastic value! Toasty goodness of peaches, pears and green apples. 12% D $29.95 Score: 90/100.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne A.C., France: A muscular, full-bodied bubbly. Also available in 375 mL $47.95). 12% XD $84.95 Score: 92/100.

1999 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Champagne AC, France, Champagne: Lovely! Fresh, toasty notes with hints of green apples. One of the prettiest bottle designs for bubbly. XD $129.95 Score: 90/100.

Taittinger Champagne Brut AC, Champagne, France: Crisp aromas of green apples, citrus and toast. A lasting finish. Pair with: shellfish, seafood, fried foods or drink as an aperitif. $54.95 Score: 91/100.

Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne AC, Champagne, France: Toasty notes of baked bread and green apples. A full-bodied bubbly. 12% XD 750 mL $69.20 Score: 91/100.

More bubbly picks ...

Cloudy Bay Pelorus Brut Marlborough, South Island: Great value. Very dry and toasty. (D) $32.95 Score: 89/100.

Lanson Rose Brut Non-Vintage Reims, France: The Lanson Rose Label is a blend of three champagne grape varieties: 32% chardonnay, 53% pinot noir, 15% pinot meunier. They are vinified in the traditional manner, small amount of quantity of pinot noir is vinified as red wine which gives the champagne its light salmon color. There are aromas of roses, raspberries on the nose. Pair with: white meat, fish. 12% D $48.95 Score: 90/100.

Cristal Brut Champagne, France: If you want to blow the budget, there's no better way than with this premium bottle. Aromas of green apples, hazelnuts and toasty goodness. 12% XD $264.95 Score: 97/100.

This list needs a good cava from Spain: got one to recommend?