New Year's Eve, an engagement, a promotion, a Tuesday that deserves it. When it's time to pop a cork, most people grab whatever sparkling wine is on the end cap. Here's how to choose with confidence.
Champagne
From: the Champagne region of France. Only wine from there can legally be called Champagne.
Made how: the traditional method, with the second fermentation (the one that makes bubbles) happening in the bottle you buy. That gives fine bubbles and toasty, bready, nutty notes.
Grapes: mostly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Price: usually $40 and up.
Pour it when: the moment is big, or with salty, fried or rich food. Champagne and potato chips is a real sommelier secret.
Prosecco
From: northeast Italy.
Made how: the tank method, with the second fermentation in a big pressurized tank. That keeps it fresh and fruity, with softer, frothier bubbles.
Grape: Glera.
Taste: green apple, pear and white flowers; often a touch of sweetness.
Price: usually $12 to $25.
Pour it when: brunch, mimosas, Aperol spritzes, big parties and anyone who "doesn't like wine."
Michael's pick: Bisol "Jeio" Prosecco Brut.
Cava
From: Spain, mostly Catalonia.
Made how: the same traditional method as Champagne.
Grapes: usually Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada.
Taste: crisp, citrusy and dry, with a little of that toasty Champagne character.
Price: often $10 to $20, which makes it one of the best values in wine.
Pour it when: you want Champagne style on a Prosecco budget, or with tapas, seafood and anything fried.
Michael's pick: Avinyó Cava Brut Reserva.
Quick cheat sheet
Champagne: France. Toasty, fine bubbles. $40 and up. Best for big moments.
Prosecco: Italy. Fruity, soft bubbles. $12 to $25. Best for parties and brunch.
Cava: Spain. Crisp, dry and toasty. $10 to $20. Best for value and food.
Decoding the label
Sweetness levels are confusing on purpose. From driest to sweetest: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Dry, Demi-Sec. Yes, "Extra Dry" is sweeter than "Brut."
Want a show with your bubbly?
If you've ever seen Michael saber a bottle of Champagne at a Bottles Nation event, you know he takes bubbles seriously. It's a signature moment at our parties, and the perfect way to kick off a holiday party or New Year's celebration at home.
More sparkling picks are in the Celebration Sparkling guide on Sommelier on Demand.
Booking holiday parties now. December dates fill fast. Bring Michael to your office holiday party, host an in-home tasting in Metro Detroit or Chicago, or ship virtual kits to a remote team.
