Ringing in the New Year....

New Year's Eve is a holiday people have mixed emotions on: 

a) it's overrated, and a glorified holiday.  I'm staying in, and don't want to spend a dime!

b)  I'm hoping someone will have a house party.  I want to celebrate the New Year, but don't want to spend the big bucks

c) "I wanna go big!  $200 a ticket at the Drake...no prob.  It'll be an awesome event"

In my early 20s, my friends and I were in group (c).  We'd figure out which bar was having the best party, and pay our $100..hoping to get our money's worth in booze.  The realization is that $100 gave us major headaches the next day (well liquor, and soda.  not a great combo!)

As we grew into our late 20s, we decided the house party route.  I took the initiative and threw a party a couple years in a row.  I invited friends to bring a nice bottle of booze, or champagne, while I supplied the mixers, the beer, and the wine.  We figured people were able to enjoy themselves in the company of good friends, and good liquor...for about $25 a head! 

Champagne is always a crowd pleaser, but I'm not a fan of showing up with Moet Whitestar or Veuve Clicquot.  There are TOO many great bottles of sparkling to choose from.  A couple of my favorites include:



  Ferrari Brut NV (Trentino, IT) - 100% Chardonnay

• I'm a fan of this wine, because Italy has some amazing sparklers (Prosecco, being another).  Ferrari is the king of this region!  This wine will not disappoint!
• Price: $25-$30.00/bottle
  

Henriot Souverain NV - (Champange, France) - 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay

• Pound for pound, this will beat Veuve Clicquot anyday of the week.  I fell in love with this wine a few years back.  If you haven't tried it, pick up a bottle
• Price: $35-$40.00/bottle
  

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose (Champagne, FR) - Blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay

• Rose's are still hot, and this one might take the cake.  I received this as a gift back in 2005, and became a huge fan!  If you're a Cristal Rose drinker, save some dough, and try this bottle.
  
• Price: $100.00/bottle. 

Gosset Brut Excellence (Champagne, FR) - 45% Pinot Noir; 36% Chardonnay; 19% Pinot Meunier

• The oldest wine house in the champagne region.  Gosset has been making wine since 1584 in the Ay region.  This will outshine Whitestar in any tasting!
  
• Price: $35.00/bottle 
  

If these wines aren't available at your local shop, ask the staff what they like.  I sometimes feel that bringing a Korbel, or Moet to a party is like bringing Coca Cola.  Everyone's had it, they like it, but it doesn't bring any curiosity to the table.  Be unique, do your homework, and bring something that the party will be talking about all night!


Cheers!  Have a safe and happy New Years!