Ashley Vittori, co-owner of the Hinsdale Wine Shop, said the store carries more than 40 varieties of sparkling beverages this time of year, but they don't last long. "As fast as we get it is as fast as it goes right now," she said. (Jim Slonoff photo)
What champagne is best for New Year's Eve?
Long before France had a name, the grapes grown in this part of the world were used to create a sparkling beverage associated with celebration, special occasions, and even royalty. Although all true champagnes are made in the Champagne region of France with locally grown grapes, not all champagnes are alike.
Ashley Vittori, co-owner of the Hinsdale Wine Shop at 12 E. Hinsdale Ave., said flavor, color and mouth feel can vary greatly when it comes to champagne. She combed through the shop's collection of champagnes to find three that will add a delicious touch to New Year's Eve - or any special occasion.
At $44.99 a bottle, NV Chateau De Bligny carries the lowest price point of the recommended champagnes.
"That will make it appealing to everyone," she said.
With a yellow hue, NV Chateau De Bligny carries autumnal notes and flavors of stone fruits, including nectarine.
"It has a spicy aroma," Vittori said.
Made with a 50/50 mix of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, it earned 94 Points from acclaimed wine critic James Suckling.
Vittori said the NV Chateau De Bligny is suitable to enjoy on its own or as the star of a cocktail.
A bit higher on the price scale is Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, selling for $124.99 per bottle. The flavor of this champagne is described as bright and refreshing, with notes of lemon, pear and passion fruit.
Vittori said the Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is especially good with fish, or of course, as a midnight toast.
"I've personally had this one on vacation and on New Year's," she said.
This champagne, which earned 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, is as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
"It's got some beautiful packaging," she said, making it a great gift.
At $259.99 per bottle, Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle comes in with the highest price point and the highest rating, earning 100 points and the title of 2023 wine of the year from James Suckling.
"If you love champagne, this is it," Vittori said. "When a champagne wins a wine award, you know you have something amazing."
The flavors in this champagne include ginger, pie crust, nutmeg and salted caramel.
"It's like the most amazing toasted bread you've ever had," Vittori said.
Like so many good things, this one won't be around for long, Vittori said. A majority of the grapes used to create this champagne are from 2012, which is considered a great vintage.
"It's never coming back," she said.
Lesser-priced options also are available, including sparkling wines, bruts, and proseccos.
Customers who come to the shop for advice on choosing any sort of libation can be assured the person answering their questions knows what they're talking about. The staff samples everything they sell.
"That's the part that makes us different from our competitors," Vittori said.
- by Sandy Illian Bosch
