Buffalo Rising Online

Dec 29th 2007, 9:42am By Christa Glennie Seychew

But you also don’t have to spend a doubloon to enjoy a quality sparkling wine when the clock strikes twelve this New Year’s.

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration and frivolity, ostentation and elegance. What better beverage to enjoy on such an occasion than champagne? Unfortunately, most of us won’t be enjoying a fine bottle of Dom or Cristal. But that doesn’t mean that the only other option is Cook’s (run while you can!).

Prosecco is becoming hotter by the minute; an Italian sparkling wine noted for its smaller bubbles and smooth mouthfeel, it’s often priced very reasonably. I generally prefer it to champagne unless you’re considering a high-end bottle. I called Jim Pepe at Hodge Wine & Liquor, my “go to guy” for all things wine related, for a few recommendations. “Proseccos are really, really popular right now,” he said. “We have some really good bottles that offer a great value.”

First up is the Zardetto ($14.99) with a crisp, dry apple flavor and undertones of clover honey and wildflowers. Next is Zonin ($11.99), which is fruity with a touch of minerality, and lastly Rustico ($15.99), a light-bodied prosecco with echoes of warm bread dough and subtle citrus.

If you’re nervous about trying prosecco for the first time or would prefer a sparkling wine, you can try Bouvet Signature Brut ($12.99), Charles de Fère Blanc de Blanc ($9.99) or a pretty sparkling rosé called Marquis de la Tour ($9.99). All three of these are from France, but please remember that a sparkling wine can only be called “champagne” if the wine is produced in the region of Champagne. If you’d like to impress your guests with one of those without breaking the bank, Jim recommends the A. Charbaut & Fils ($29.99).

Finally, if you’re having a get together, you can stretch the budget by serving a champagne cocktail to your guests. It’s elegant and far less expensive than sticking to straight champagne- especially if you expect your party to stretch past the midnight countdown. Purchase a few nice bottles of prosecco or sparkling wine. Choosing one of the varieties that Jim has suggested will ensure that you won’t be embarrassed should a guest ask for the wine alone without the cocktail.

There are hundreds of recipes all over the net, but below are two of the most tried and true.


The Bellini

This drink was first served in Italy. It's best if you make the puree from fresh fruit, but given the season, you’re likely to be better off purchasing it frozen. White peaches are preferable, but yellow will also work just fine.

1 part peach puree (white is preferable, but yellow will make do) ∙ 3 parts chilled sparkling wine or prosecco ∙ raspberry puree

Place peach puree in the bottom of each glass. Add 2 - 3 drops of raspberry puree and top off with the sparkling wine.


Kir Royale

This French cocktail is particularly colorful and easy to dress up with a cute swizzle stick or other garnish.

1 shot crème de cassis ∙ chilled sparkling wine or prosecco

Pour the crème de cassis into the bottom of the flute and top with chilled sparkling wine.


Hodge Wine & Spirits
463 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 14222
716.884.6670