The best sparkling wines to bring to a New Year’s Eve party, according to top sommeliers

“One of my favourite grower champagne: Francis Boulard Petraea III. This was first produced in 1997 but stopped briefly ten years later. In 2012, operations restarted. What was a wine made from a blend of grapes is now a 100 per cent pinot noir cuvee, thanks to a recipe change. Expect a wine with many layers, plenty of complexity and concentration yet filled with an immense amount of minerals and freshness. There are notes of brioche, brown butter, sweet spices and hazelnuts coupled with fruits such as apricots and red apples. It is truly an amazing wine to bring to the table.”

“Rosé champagne is my favourite choice. To quote Dom Pérignon when he allegedly tried his first champagne, ‘Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!’ I believe this is the perfect way to ring in the new year with something special. A light, pale, and refreshing choice will perfectly complement the magic of the night.”

“A bottle of Krug never goes wrong, and sabering a bottle of champagne for celebratory purposes is always a fun idea.”

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“There are many great sparkling wines around, but I will always have a soft spot for Champagne Egly-Ouriet because it was the first Champagne I ever tasted. The profile has always left a deep impression on me with its long finish and delicious mouthfeel.”

“The best way to start the new year is with a bottle of champagne! My personal pick is the Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition. This edition reflects the Krug family’s mastery in adapting to the climate challenges of 2016, a hallmark of their innovative winemaking since 1843. What truly sets this bottle apart is its beautiful floral aromas and the creamy marzipan finish, making every sip an indulgent experience. Every time we’ve opened this champagne at dinners, it’s been met with such joy and enthusiasm that it’s become a true symbol of celebration. What better way to ring in the new year than with this exceptional bottle?”

“When it comes to wines for the end of the year, several scenarios come to mind. For a home party with friends, a sparkling wine like prosecco, made in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northern Italy, is often light, fruity, and easy to drink; for a family gathering, a good wine that won’t break the bank points to cava from Spain or Franciacorta from Italy, both made using the same traditional method as champagne; for an intimate dinner with your significant other, vintage champagnes is a thoughtful touch and offers quality over quantity.

“Champagne is the icon of celebration. My choice would be Champagne Drappier. For the uninitiated, Michel Drappier is a pioneering champagne producer excluding the use of sulphite dioxide during both vinification and ageing processes. The grapes used are also organically grown. It is versatile and tastes great, especially alongside roasts and cheeses.”

“For a bottle that stuns, is educational, and yet sophisticated, consider one from the “Special Club”; prestige cuvées that are only produced by any of 24 member Domaines of the Club Tresors de champagne aka Grower houses. An example is Mousse Fils ‘Special Club’ Les Fortes de Terres Brut grand cru; a blanc de noirs, white champagne made with 100 per cent pinot meunier grapes. Supple, yet extravagant, promising positive reactions by the end of the party.”

“Champagne is the only socially acceptable choice. While there are other terrific sparkling wines out there, you won’t want to bring an alternative and try to educate everyone about how strong a contender it is during the New Year’s Eve party—just don’t be that guy.”

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