6 New Year’s Eve-Worthy Bubblies Under $50

Prosecco is champagne’s Italian cousin, the one who swaps brogues for sneakers, and parties like its Saturday every day. Mix this fruity, pale yellow Bisol Crede Prosecco with peach juice (try the canned one from Meidi-ya supermarket) to make some sweet, umami bellini cocktails. Or serve it on its own for that New Year countdown.

Vintage Fine Wines. Tel: 6801-4012, e-mail: team [at] vfwasia.com. www.vfwasia.com.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and his family are the people behind this prosecco. But before you diss this sparkler as another mediocre wine with a celebrity name slapped on it, know this — the Bocelli family were making vino long before Andrea did his Puccini routines on stage. Made in collaboration with prosecco specialist Trevisol, Bocelli’s easy-drinking, extra dry prosecco sings (pun intended) with notes of figs, green apple and peaches.

Straits Cellars. Tel: 9766-2357. www.straitscellars.com.

This is the rosé to bring if you want to impress the wine geek in your group. Chilean wine producer Miguel Torres has revived pais — an obscure, ancient red grape variety — and turned it into this pink, bubbly ambrosia. Rosé is made by infusing the clear juice of red grapes briefly with its skin. Expect hints of cherries, strawberries and cream, along with a delicate, mousse-like texture.

Culina Dempsey. #01-13, 8 Dempsey Rd, S247696, Tel: 6474-7338. www.culina.com.sg.

As one of the pioneers of Spanish sparkling wine production, Freixenet is synonymous with cava. Even if you haven’t tried this, you may have seen it in festive commercials starring the likes of celebs Antonio Banderas and Shakira. We love the gold and black design of the Cordon Negro Gran Selección Stripe bottle, which accentuates the brand’s glamorous image. This number offers a whirl of apple and pear notes. Tote this cool tipple as a conversation starter
at your party.

1855 The Bottle Shop. #01-643 Suntec City Mall Tower 4, S038983, Tel: 6735-1855. www.1855thebottleshop.com.

Award-winning French sommelier Franck Massard bought a vineyard in Priorat, Spain, in 2004 to dabble in winemaking. Today, Massard is regarded as one of Spain’s top wine producers. The Mas Sardana is a refreshing, easy-drinking cava with a zesty, citrusy profile. It’s also low in sugar — which makes it light and crisp enough to pair with delicate seafood.

Vintage Fine Wines. Tel: 6801-4012, e-mail: team [at] vfwasia.com. www.vfwasia.com.

Cult winemaker Jean-Paul Brun, who manages domaine Terres Dorées in Beaujolais, France, is known for making great red wines with a rich depth of flavours. His FRV 100, however, showcases a lighter, playful side of his winemaking style: the sweet sparkling rosé — made from the Gamay grape — is a strawberry fruit strip candy in liquid form. Serve this sparkling Beaujolais with dessert.

Kot Selections. 64 Neil Rd, S088834, Tel: 6635-4770. www.kotselections.com.