Baron Fuente Grande Reserve Brut Champagne – $24.99

This is the real deal, Champagne. Most will know that real Champagne comes only from the designated Champagne region of France. The stuff from California may have bubbles, and it may even say “California Champagne” on the bottle; but just like visiting Paris, Texas isn’t quite the same as visiting Paris, France, drinking Korbel and drinking Veuve Clicquot are two entirely different experiences. It’s been a rough year, and we strongly recommend starting off 2021 the right way with proper Champagne. Baron Fuente is one of the brands we import directly in refrigerated containers from France. As such, it’s only $24.99! That’s more than you’d spend on Cooks, but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than the typical $40-60 you’d expect to pay for real Champagne.

Breganze Prosecco – $9.99

Prosecco, Italy’s best-known sparkler is softer and fruitier than Champagne. Whereas Champagne is carbonated in bottle, and aged to develop complex yeasty aromas, Prosecco is carbonated in tank with the goal of preserving its freshness and natural aromatics. Prosecco is not necessarily sweeter than Champagne, but it’s easy-going nature might make it seem that way. At under $10, this is a perfect buy for those drinking other things throughout the evening. After a glass or two of Bourbon, or a couple of hard seltzers, Prosecco makes for a perfectly refreshing midnight toast.

Jules Larose Sparkling Wine – $6.99

Ok, I get it. We’re just ticking the boxes. You must have sparkling wine, but it’s not usually your thing. Or maybe you care more about the New Year’s morning mimosas anyway. Either way, you don’t want to spend a lot on a bottle of bubbly. No problem, just grab a bottle of Jules Larose for $6.99. This is another of our French imports, and another incredible value. No, it’s not Champagne, but it is pretty tasty. It’s also finished with a real cork. That may seem like a very small thing, but most of the competition at this price is finished with a chunk of plastic. No judgement if you want to ring in the new year with Andre or Verdi, but for just a couple of bucks more, Jules Larose is a significant upgrade.

Breganze Moscato Spumante – $9.99

If dry wine isn’t your thing, try the Breganze Moscato. This is made in more or less the same way as a Prosecco, but uses Moscato grapes, and is decadently sweet. Breganze isn’t in the right part of Italy to make Asti (or what used to be known as Asti Spumante), but the style here is roughly the same. If you’re normally a Moscato drinker, and you want something full sparkling, this is your ideal match.