Six of the Best Champagne Brands to Bring in the New Year

Don Ho made the song, “Tiny Bubbles” popular more than 50 years ago – in 1966. As we get ready to bring in another new year, let’s look at some tiny bubbles worth popping the cork on—some of the best Champagne brands to bring in the New Year.

First, what’s the difference between sparkling wine and Champagne? Like all things great, that question comes with a complex history, but the bottom line is that true “Champagne” only comes from Champagne, France.

There are many wonderful Champagnes, including the king of them all, Dom Perignon, named after a French monk who made important contributions to sparkling wine. Dom Perignon is perhaps the most famous Champagne in the whole world, and simply popping a bottle is guaranteed to make any occasion extra special. However, we realize it comes with a hefty price tag, so here are six more great Champagne brands that will brighten your New Year without breaking the bank. 

Louis Roederer Cristal – producing the world's great Champagnes since 1776. This non-vintage champagne is a star. Very fine bubbles, refreshing, rich, some call it the champagne industry’s standard-bearer. From the same folks who produce Premier.

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut – this iconic yellow-label champagne is popular for a good reason. Bring this to the table and be forever admired. 

Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut – the consistently high-rated Champagne offers notes of candied coconut and rhubarb. 

G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge –  Distinctively fresh, full-bodied champagne with impeccable consistency of taste.

Piper Heidsieck Brut – Bright, crisp with notes of citrus fruits, pear, and Granny Smith apples. 

Moet & Chandon Imperial – White Star is a balanced blend of three wine varieties, revealing a harmonious succession of sensations, a soft maturity, and elegant lines. Boasts a soft and mature aroma of white fruits, like peaches and pears, and hints of nuts.

BONUS: Six Sparkling Wines and Cava Alternatives

Roederer Estate 'L'Ermitage' Brut – Tiny bubbles are exactly what you get with this exquisite offering from Roederer’s California vineyards. 

Scharffenberger Blanc de Blancs – This Mendocino County sparkling wine inhibits maximum finesse, lightness, and elegance.

Schramsberg 'Mirabelle' Brut – For under $30, you can bring this young bring bubbly to any gathering and be confident it’s going to go with most foods and every toast. 

Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noir – With it’s peppery notes, this California sparkling wines goes well with rich and spicy foods, and fruit-based desserts.

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut– A crisp, clean, and well-balanced. The dosage is very dry, but the acidity is lower than most champagnes for a softer, smoother flavor.

Freixenet 'Cordon Negro' Extra Dry – This sparkling wine is for those that like it dry, but not too dry. It has an earthy, fruity flavor on the palate culminating in a long, flavorful, and smooth finish.

All those sparkling wines, and we never even got to Prosecco. Don’t worry. We’ll look at more sparkling favorites soon. In the meantime, check out our full Champagne Guide.

Founded in 1934, Haskell’s has championed fine wines for over 80 years. We have 13 wine stores in Minnesota, two delis and one restaurant. As one of the top wine shops in North America, Haskell’s is known for legendary service and one of the finest collections of wine, beer and spirits. Led by Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell, and the Farrell family, Haskell’s continues to be at the forefront of the wine scene throughout the world. Haskell’s also can ship wine, beer & spirits all throughout the world, the U.S. and we deliver locally.