
If you do decide on Champagne, you also need to decide if you want a bone dry version, or a super-sweet version. The sweetness is measured by the amount of left over (residual) sugar in the wine that is not fermented into alcohol. The levels of sweetness of Champagne are below:
- Brut Nature (or Extra Brut): Bone dry (0-0.5% residual sugars). You won't find many of these, and this level of dryness is probably more intense than you are used to drinking.
- Brut: Dry (0.5-1.5% residual sugars). If you are looking for the equivalent of a dry white wine this is the level you want. The bit of sweetness adds balance to the wine, but it won't taste sweet.
- Sec: "Sec" in French means dry, but at this level you will start to taste some sweetness in the wine. A great choice if your guests like a bit of sweetness, or if your toast is at the end of a meal. (1.5-3.5% residual sugars).
- Demi Sec: "Semi-Dry" Champagne gets even sweeter, and broaches into dessert wine territory. 3.5-5.0% residual sugars
- Doux: Sweet! (above 5.0% residual sugars). These will also be very hard to find and are equivalent to a syrupy sweet dessert wine. Not the choice for your New Year's toast!
So... lot's of styles of sparkling wine from different countries means lots of choices - and your local wine shop staff can help you navigate the choices and find you a great one (or two) for the amount you are wanting to spend.
Enjoy!
Have a safe and Happy New Year!