Sparkling white wines have long been the standby for New Years Eve gatherings.  Typically, party goers will pick up a bottle or two, or perhaps even a case of some $4 per bottle lighter fluid that 1) doesn’t taste very good, and 2) will surely leave anyone who consumes it with a splitting headache the following morning.  Then it’s forgotten for the majority of the year to come, as memories of the last experience are often unpleasant at best.

Real Champagne is from the Champagne region of France; a colder region about 100 miles east of Paris.  The cool temperatures serve to produce high levels of acidity in the resulting grape which is ideal for sparkling wine.  EU law and the laws of most countries reserve the term “Champagne” exclusively for wines that come from this region, but that doesn’t mean sparkling wines from other countries can’t be good and affordable at the same time.

Patrick Watson is the owner of Brooklyn Wine Exchange on Court Street in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.  BWE is the newest addition to their family of local businesses which also include of Smith & Vine wine shop, Stinky bklyn cheese shop, and The Jake Walk wine bar & restaurant.  According to Patrick, the most common misperception with Sparkling wines in general is that we should only have them on Valentine’s Day and New Years Eve when in fact they make amazing food wines for every day purposes. “They pair with fruit salads to lamb chops and everything in between.”

Patrick recommends five outstanding sparkling wines for this New Years Eve, or anytime, most of which are under the $30 price point.

Castellroig “Brut” Cava NV Penedes, Spain (100% Macabeo grapes) $14
“By far one of the best Cava’s imported to the states. Frothy, festive, with excellent minerality and a crisp dry finish.”

Rene Mosse “Moussamoussettes ROSE” NV Loire Valley, France (100% Gamay grapes) $23
“Notes of strawberry and sour big cherries with a velvety texture. One of the most satiating glasses of wine ever!”

Bruder Dr. Becker “Scheurebe Extra-Trocken” 2007 Rheinhessen, Germany (100% Scheurebe grapes) $20
“Stone and pit fruits aromatics of Peach and Nectarines. Very dry and clean. Probably the best Sushi wine out there!”

Guy Larmandier “1er Cru Vertus” NV Champagne, France (Blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes) $47
“Small grower Champagne = smaller production and exceptional focus. Cheaper than Vooooove and ten times the quality. Dry, toasty and delicious.”

Duc de Romet “Brut Prestige” NV Champagne, France (blend Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay) $30
“Fantastic, classic and textbook Champagne. Slight yeasty and bright citric fruits with an exceptional balance and complexity. Grab some glasses and pop the cork!!!”

If Champagne punch or a classic Champagne Cocktail is your thing, Patrick recommends using the Castellroig Cava.

For punch place ice in a large punch bowl.  Add 4 fl oz brandy, 4 fl oz hazelnut liquor, 4 fl oz triple sec, 3 bottles of the Castellroig Cava, and 20 fl oz of club soda.  Stir briefly.  Slice up 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 1 apple for garnish, and float on top.  Serve in punch cups with a slice of any garnish in each cup.

For a classic Champagne Cocktail place 1 sugar cube and 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters into a Champagne flute.  Add 5 fl oz of Castellroig Cava sparkling wine.  Add 1 lemon twist for garnish.
And while you’re at it, pick up an extra bottle for some hair-of-the-dog Mimosas the next morning.  Mix 1 tbs triple sec, 2 tbs fresh orange juice, and 4 fl oz Castellroig Cava sparkling wine in a Champagne flute.  Stir.  Add an orange wheel for garnish.

Brooklyn Wine Exchange
138 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-855-WINE (9463)
www.brooklynwineexchange.com
Cocktail and punch recipes from The Bar Guide by Williams-Sonoma.