New Year's Eve: How to spark with the right bubbles

Finally we are approaching the end of this awful year!

And we need the right bubbles to welcome the New Year with joy and hope.

So... below a list of our favourite Sparkling Wines to drink on New Year's Eve.

Champagne:

1. Dom Perignon

A classic, perfect in every occasion. Dom Perignon is always a blend of pinot noir e chardonnay, vintage only (all the grapes come from the same harvest). For example the 1961 vintage was served during the wedding of Carlo and Diana Spencer.

2. Bollinger

It's still recognised as the Champagne of 007! A robust Champagne result of a higher percentage of Pinot noir in the blend, vinificated in barrels and aged for a long period in the cellar.

3. Krug

A Champagne born from a German immigrant, Johann-Joseph Krug, moved in France to establish is own Maison. Krug Champagne is different from others for its wide aroma result of the rich blend of 140 wines coming from 13 different harvests.

Italian Sparkling Wine:

1. Cuvée Anna Maria Clementi - Ca' del Bosco 2007

The history of Ca 'del Bosco winery began in the mid sixties, when Annamaria Clementi Zanella bought in Erbusco, in Franciacorta (North Italy) a small country house, called "Ca' del bosc". Today, Ca 'del Bosco has become a symbol of Franciacorta. This Sparkling wine is a blend of the best 28 basic wines and it aged for more than 8 years in the cellar.

2. Ugo Vezzoli Saten

The Satèn Sparkling wine is a type of Classic Method produced only in Franciacorta. The more elegant, fine and persistent bubble. The name "Saten" remember the creamy and soft taste of this wine, similar to silk. A symbol for Franciacorta winemakers.

3. Asti Spumante

A classic in every Italian family during Christmas time. Often paired with panettone. A simple sparkling wine but able to satisfy everyone for its pleasant sweetness. 100% moscato grapes.

Remember: There are different types of Classic Method Sparkling Wines according to the percentage of sugar added at the end of the process.

Brut Nature/Pas Dosè: no added sugar

Extra Brut: the residual sugar is between 3 - 6 g/l

Brut: the residual sugar is between 6 - 12 g/l

Extra Dry: the residual sugar is between 12 - 17 g/l

Dry: the residual sugar is between 17 - 32 g/l

Demi Sec: the residual sugar is between 32 - 50 g/l

Doux: the residual sugar is more than 50 g/l

Tips for pairing: choose a Champagne Extra Brut or Brut for aperitivo; choose a Demi-Sec or Doux Champagne for the dessert; A Pas Dosè Champagne can be easily paired with different food preparation (also Pizza!)

Cin Cin!