NYE (and other celebratory!) Alternatives to Champagne
Yes, Champagne is a classic choice when it comes to celebrating, well, anything!
But maybe you’re looking to be kinder to your wallet this year, or you’re just wanting to try something new.
December 31st is just about here..
Yes, Champagne is a classic choice when it comes to celebrating, well, anything!
But maybe you’re looking to be kinder to your wallet this year, or you’re just wanting to try something new. Either way, we’ve got some cracking alternatives to Champagne for you to bring in the new year with.
Aussie Sparkling
Of course we had to start with the Aussies! There’s some outstanding Australian Sparkling coming out of Tasmania. Made with the traditional Champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier, they are practically everything we love about Champagne except it’s not made there. Other fabulous Aussie bubbles include Blanc De Noirs (made just from Pinot Noir grapes) and Blanc de Blancs (made just from Chardonnay grapes). As a general rule of thumb, if an Aussie sparkling comes from a cool climate region and uses a combo of all of the Champagne grapes, you know you’re onto a winner. And these bottles will be a fraction of the price!
Crémant
Crémant is essentially Champagne without the label! It’s sparkling wine made in France using the traditional method - but as it’s made outside of Champagne, it cannot be called that. Crémant de Loire and Crémant de Limoux are amongst the best and well known, and they really do rival those famous Champagnes. With beautifully subtle apple notes, a creamy texture and an energetic fizz, these are excellent examples of bubbles with finesse and elegance, perfect for a special occasion. It is also common to see Rosé Crémant, which offers more strawberry and red fruit notes similar to those found in Rosé Champagne.
Cava
Spain’s answer to Champers, Cava is also made using the traditional method. However, its grapes are different. Cava comprises 3 grapes native to Catalonia (the appellation where Cava is predominantly produced) - Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello. This is a very good alternative to Champagne because the flavour profile of Cava is quite similar - crisp apple and toasty nuts, with a fine bead and tempting aromas. Usually they are nice and dry too, making them an excellent choice as an aperitif.
Prosecco
This is a no brainer - especially for those who like their bubbles a little fruitier! Prosecco is made in Australia, but we recommend going for the Italian drops to get the best examples. Any bottle that has Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG on the label is going to be your pick. It’s generally considered the most prestigious region for growing the Glera grape, which is what Prosecco is traditionally made from. It’s in the northernmost part of Italy, so you can expect crisp, clean flavours and a fun, fruit-filled experience. Again, most examples of Prosecco (no matter where they come from) will be much easier on your wallet than Champagne.
Sekt
You might think Germany’s answer to sparkling wine is a bit of a wildcard… but trust us, you’ll want to swim in Sekt by the time you’ve finished reading this! In the past, not a lot of Sekt was exported from Germany, because it wasn’t that good. Like a lot of sparkling wine, there are different classifications for Sekt, and most of it is made using the tank method, just like Prosecco. However, the top classification is Winzersekt, and it’s most commonly made with the Riesling varietal, although it’s possible to find them produced with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and even Pinot Noir (as rosé).Tip: Sekt is also made in Austria, with different classifications and rules. A bottle from either country will see you smiling when you pop it for a special occasion.So, there you have it. Dig a little deeper in the Sparkling section and grab a bottle of one of the above for your next party. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll have a conversation starter, that’s for sure.