New Year’s bubbly on the cheap

Ready for a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve?! If you are then I’m jealous — please tell me all about it so I can live vicariously. If you’re not headed out for a night on the town, you’re in good company with yours truly, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little bubbly!

We’re staying in this year because that’s been our norm since having babies, and also poor Marcello is recovering from a tonsillectomy. A fun way to ring in the new year, right? We usually do our countdown and celebrating at 6 o’clock with the kids, which is midnight in Italy. (Skyping and yelling in Italian is involved.) Then we’ll watch all our video clips from 2015 together. See how I make my annual family video here.

Being married to a guy in the wine industry has it’s perks. Even though Marcello’s down for the count this year, he’s still sharing five sparkling picks under $17 with us. (The first is my fave.)

Zardetto Vino Spumante Rosé (Italy)

Elegant and expressive, this rosé presents a long stream of steady bubbles immersed in a lovely raspberry pink color. It has fresh aromas of cherry and red currant with good acidity and a crisp, refreshing finish.

Chandon Brut (Argentina)

A fresh and elegant style of sparkling wine, with a nose centering on citrus, pineapple and white peach aroma with subtle brioche hints, and a palate with great accuracy and length.

Juvé y Camps Rosé Brut Cava (Spain)

This Cava is beautiful, salmon-pink in color. On the nose, the delicate aromas evolve from notes of fresh red apple and strawberries to hints of honey white flowers and toasted almond. On the palate the texture is rich and creamy with a fine perlage.

Zardetto Prosecco Brut (Italy)

Lemon-yellow in color with elegant, refined bubbles that form a hearty white froth. Aromas of white flowers, apricot and herbs create a delicately soft bouquet. The palate is comprised of citrus, orange blossoms and stone fruits. Fresh citrus and floral notes linger on the finish.

Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blanc (France)

Francois Montand Sparkling Brut Blanc de Blancs is a fabulous deal, an affordable bubbly that tastes of freshly baked bread, Golden Delicious apples and Meyer lemons. A glass of this would be a great way to start any meal, and it’s a fine accompaniment for ceviche, salads and sunshine.