New Year's Eve is one of the best (and most popular) holidays for drinking. With all of the parties and events to bring us into a new year, we want to make sure we celebrate it right. For many, that includes having the perfect bottle of champagne to accompany the night. Whether it’s a party for 100 at a penthouse in New York City or a single bottle for two cooped up by the fire in a small town, why not celebrate with the perfect drink? Here are some popular options to celebrate the start of the new year and tips to differentiate real champagne from sparkling wine.

What exactly is champagne?

Before buying the first bottle you see at the liquor store labeled as champagne, it’s a good idea to know what to look for. Many don’t realize that when purchasing a bottle of bubbly, not all champagne is real champagne. There’s a difference between champagne and sparkling wine. It’s important to know that while all champagne is sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine is champagne. Real champagne solely comes from the champagne region in northern France. In the United States, champagne and wine are known as prosecco (Italian sparkling wine), cava (Spanish sparkling wine), and sparkling wine. These drinks use a blend of three grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Champagne Recommendations

Best Value (Low Price): Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut

• Region: Champagne, France
• ABV: 12%
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, Cherry, Apple, Brioche

A bottle of champagne that's good enough to have Marilyn Monroe sip on it as we sip on our Starbucks. “Marilyn was rumored to keep a month’s supply of Piper-Heidsieck in her kitchen to dip into anytime the day lagged, or the rest of the population seemed disappointingly un-Marilyn.” Founded in 1785, the company has consistently been a favorite and made its way from Marie Antoniette to Marlyn Monroe. As of 2020, it was named as the official champagne of the Oscars. For a lower-priced (real) champagne, the value is sure to stay the same.

Buy it at Total Wine for $39.99.

Best for Parties (Mid Price):  Beau Joie Brut Champagne (Special Cuvée)

• Region: Champagne, France
• ABV: 12%
• Tasting Notes: Green Apple, Tangerine, Lemon, Toast

Anyone looking for a great bottle of champagne to bring to a party should look no further. Beau Joie Brut Champagne is 100% recycled copper that also serves the purpose of keeping the champagne cool in the bottle. The beverage itself has a clean, crisp taste that is the perfect balance between sweet and dry with no added sugars. This party champagne is the perfect option to splurge on without having to overspend on a bottle.

Buy it at Drizly for $89.99.

On sale now at Vivino for $39.99 Reg. price ($100).

Best Higher End (Higher Price): Krug Grande Cuvée Brut

• Region: Champagne, France
• ABV: 12%
• Tasting Notes: Baking spices, Apple pastry, Pear tart

With the start of a new year upon us, we can’t help but splurge. Sometimes, that involves purchasing an expensive bottle of champagne. The perfect splurge bottle for an occasion like this is the Krug Grande Cuvée Brut. Created in 1843, Krug Grande Cuvèe Brut is “the fullest expression of Champagne, re-created every year, regardless of annual climate variations.” This fancy champagne combines over 120 wines from over 10 different years of creations, blending different flavors and giving the experience that other competitors don’t. 

Buy it at Total Wine for $199.97.

• Region: Champagne, France
• ABV: 12.5%
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, Aniseed, Spicy notes

Dom Pèrignon-A French classic champagne produces its champagne that has aged for a minimum of seven years to develop its deep flavors and aromas. This particular bottle gives warmth and freshness and has several unique flavors, including white flowers, citrus, stone fruit. Also, the aniseed and crushed mint ingredients, with aromas of spicy, woody, and roasted notes, enhance the flavor of the drink.

Buy it at Vivino for $749.99.

Author :  Jennifer Dutton, Blog Writer, DrinkLyte Co. "Helping Grow CPG Brands Beyond Their Potential"