The Ephemeric

New Years eve is fast approaching, and with it comes all kinds of dilemmae on how best to celebrate, what suitably flamboyant outfit to wear and with whom you wish to share that all important kiss when the clock strikes midnight. Well, while I can help you with all those problems, today I'm going to tell you all about champagne.



Picking the perfect champagne can be an art form, one that is only honed by years of experience and good taste. Here I will take care of the hard part, and suggest some excellent celebrative champagnes with which you can ring in the happy new year.


5. Prévoteau-Perrier Adrienne

The finest bubbles in Épernay go into this bottle from little known champagne factory Prévoteau-Perrier, named for the owner's infatuation with actress Adrienne Lecouvreur. Easy drinking and festive, this champagne is perfect for connoisseurs and lightweights alike and at the same time highly economical compared to bottles of a similar quality.

Rating on the Debs-Seal-of-Champagne-Approval:



4. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998

Veuve Clicquot often seem to be a champagne label that's more about name brand recognition than actual quality, and it shows on most of their basic bruts. However, the Grand Dame is immune from this affliction and turns out to be one of the tastiest champagnes you will find anywhere. A taste of chardonnay and complex hints of fruity overtones make this into a champagne that may be on the pricey side but certainly worth the expenditure.

Rating on the Debs-Seal-of-Champagne-Approval:



3. Billecart Salmon Blanc de Blanc

Billecart Salmon has long been the connoisseur's choice of champagne in terms of quality, and nothing says elegance and finesse like their excellent blanc de blanc. At 100% chardonnay, this vin is clean and subtle while ranking up their with any vintage, and should you be lucky enough to get your hands on a vintage blanc de blanc 1998... well then you have a very happy new years on your hands.

Rating on the Debs-Seal-of-Champagne-Approval:



2. Alfred Gratien Champagne Brut Millésimé 1998

Not as decadent, perhaps, as some of the other champagnes on this list, but you will rarely find a better tasting bottle than this. A distinct and heavenly aroma of honey and exquisite flavour makes this simply one of the finest champagnes on the market

Rating on the Debs-Seal-of-Champagne-Approval:



1. Billecart-Salmon Elizabeth Rose

It's already been mentioned that Billecart-Salmon is the tipple of choice for the champagne cognoscenti, but even by that measure nothing screams "opulence" like a bottle of the Elizabeth vintage. Rich, refined, and yet everything is simply right with this champagne, Elizabeth remains the finest of celebratory bubbly for all the biggest occasions and new years.

Rating on the Debs-Seal-of-Champagne-Approval: