With all the red wine that I drink between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I find that I am left a bit palate fatigued by the time the New Year rolls around. How timely it is that the worldwide tradition of popping open a bottle of bubbly happens just when I need a change of wine style. Sparkling wine itself tends to be high in acid–and when taking into account the effervescent qualities as well, it becomes a serious tonic for the tired palate.

So what do I choose for the New Year of 2020? There are so many variations of this style of wine that there is a different kind for any mood I happen to be in. This year I decided to cast a wide net and cover quite an arrangement of them.

Value: La Granja NV Brut Cava

Let’s start with something that won’t break the bank but delivers the classic profile of a great sparkling wine. La Granja is a non-vintage (NV) Brut Cava that I picked up for about $7 at Trader Joe’s. One of Cava’s best strengths is value and this wine is no exception. It was made with a base wine of Xarello and Parellada which are grapes that are traditionally used in the production of Cava. As it is Cava, it was by Spanish law made in the traditional method with secondary fermentation done in the bottle.

Appearance: Pale lemon in color with good mousse and fine bubbles in the glass.

Nose: There are medium aromas of apple, pear, and citrus fruits. I also get a light aroma of bread as well.

Palate: Palate definitely confirms the nose here. It is dry. High acid. Low alcohol. Body is medium with medium flavors of apple and pear. There is also a light flavor of bread dough running through this from the lees contact. The finish is medium in length.

Conclusion: Overall a good wine. It is very clean and refreshing. Given the price point it is a steal.

Refreshing and Fruity: Zardetto “Z” NV Brut Prosecco DOC

If you want something a bit more bright and fruity, try this killer Prosecco at $12-14. Zardetto is a modern Italian winery only 40 years in age. Perennially they keep making one of the freshest examples of Prosecco out there. I have vivid and fond memories of this Prosecco when I tasted it back in 2009 while I was working in a wine shop. Made of 100% Glera, it does not disappoint 10 years later…

Appearance: Pale lemon in color with fine bubbles in the glass.

Nose: Light aromas of citrus and white flowers. Surprisingly airy.

Palate: Dry. High acid. Medium bodied. There are pronounced flavors of ripe lemons and oranges here. Finish is medium in length.

Conclusion: This is a very good wine. I was enamored with the purity of the citrus fruit in tasting it and wished I had picked up a half-case of this rather than just one bottle.

Indulgent: Veuve-Cliquot NV Brut Champagne

Something on the more classic and serious side of sparkling wine is Champagne. It commands high prices due to its fame and reputation. However, you will be rewarded with a dance of the senses if you seek it out. Veuve-Cliquot is my favorite example of you get what you pay for at about $55-70. It is probably one of the world’s most recognized champagnes.

Appearance: Pale lemon in color with fine bubbles in the glass.

Nose: Pronounced aromas of pastry and biscuit. Medium aromas of pear, apple, and grapefruit.

Palate: Dry. High acid. Medium alcohol. There are pronounced flavors of apple, pear, and gooseberry. It follows with medium flavors of yogurt and pastry. The finish is long and persistent.

Conclusion: This is a very good wine. It is incredibly balanced and smooth. The play between the fruit and the lees influence made this an incredible wine to sip on all evening.

Fun and Lightly Sweet: Wiens NV Amour De L’Orange

Want something fun but also need to please a large group of people? Try this fantastic sparkling wine for $28 (sometimes 6 for $99) from Wiens Family Cellars. It is 100% Chardonnay based. Made in the tank method (charmat) just like Prosecco. To get that light orange flavor, a bit of essence of orange is added to the wine.

Appearance: Pale gold in color with medium to fine bubbles in the glass.

Nose: Light aromas of orange and vanilla.

Palate: Medium sweetness. Medium acidity. Low alcohol. Light bodied. There are medium flavors of coconut and orange that grace the palate.

Conclusion: This is a good wine. The way I describe this wine is that it is the best mimosa you’ve ever had, but without the orange juice. It amazes me time after time how this wine appeals to such a broad audience of both red wine drinkers and people who have never had wine and thus remains a staple for serving at parties or giving as gifts.