Ring in the new year with these bubblies, highly recommended by the South Florida Punch.

Best Bets for the Thin Wallets of 2009:

NV Rondel Pura Raza Brut, $8, Total Wine
90 points from Wine & Spirits, 95 points from me (I served it at my wedding – a., because I am poor, and b., because it’s that good).  You can’t go wrong here – it’s got nuts, it’s got fruit, and it will leave you with enough cash to pay December’s electric bill.

NV Segura Viudas Brut Cava Aria, $11, Total Wine
Delightfully crisp, smooth, and excellent Spanish Cava for the price.

Botter Prosecco Spumante, $12, Total Wine
Flavors of yeast, nuttiness, and creaminess, with fine bubbles.  Absolutely delectable.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, $18, Total Wine
Small bubbles, and a very well-balanced sparkler of excellent quality.  Could be twice the price.


Best Bets if you won the lottery in 2009.  
Or, if you believe whatever you do on New Year’s, you’ll be doing for the year to come:

NV Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, $36, Total Wine
Always a favorite, and can’t say I’ve ever met anyone who felt the price tag wasn’t worth it.  This French Champagne is the perfect way to ring in the new year:  dry, with tiny bubbles, and a long aftertaste.  A truly elegant beverage.

NV Moet et Chandon Nectar Imperial, $43, Total Wine
If you prefer something with a bit of sweetness, this champagne is perfect.  It has class and doesn’t overdo the sugar levels, with a bit of floral essence.  Bubbles are small, and flavors are smooth.

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Rose NV, $50, Cellars Wine & Spirits Warehouse
This Champagne will make you rethink rosés.  A truly perfect blend of fruit, bubbles, and body, with a tiny hint of strawberry is incredibly pleasing.  This Champagne is a very special treat.

J. Lassalle Imperial Preference, Premier Cru, NV, $52, Wolf’s Wine Shop
Heaven in a bottle.  Pale gold with almonds, fresh apples, creaminess, tiny bubbles... it doesn’t get better than this.  Spoil yourself rotten.  YUM!  

Happy 2010 from The South Florida Punch!