New Year's Wine

[Spazz]

My fiance and I will be ringing in the New Year's at a romantic B&B. [img]http://38.118.142.245/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] I'm new to the whole wine thing and am looking for an excellent wine to ring in the New Year with. Perhaps something a bit sweet and not too strong? Also, I know this may sound a bit naive, but what is the main difference b/w sparkling wine and champagne?

[Innkeeper]

Hi Spazz, and welcome to the Wine Board. Based on your last question, you are on the right track. Bubbly is essential for New Year's Eve. Champagne is from Champagne, and all other bubblies are sparkling wine. In sparkling wine speak Extra Dry means off dry or a little sweet. Recommend you get a bottle of Extra Dry according to your means. A Spanish Cava would work fine, but an actual Champagne would be splendid.

[Thomas]

For sparkling wine "a bit sweet and not too strong," I recommend Asti Spumante (Italian) or Clairette de Die (French). Neither is high in alcohol, and each is on the sweet side.