5 Best Party Wines for New Years' Eve

New Years' Eve is a massive time for celebration. You've just gone through another year, you persevered over the challenges you've faced, and you can look back on the successes you've had as well.

The best thing about this time is that it also gives you a special period to look forward to and gear up for the new year. There is a unified power that comes with New Year's Day, which makes it the world's most celebrated holiday.

Of course, what kind of holiday celebration goes without a bit of plonk to pop things off? Make the most of your merriment by using the best new year’s wines for the big eve.

Champagne

Champagne is the perfect way to kick off your new year's eve. It represents celebration in general, and there is no better way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another than with some bubbly.

Champagne is especially great just before midnight, and there are few moments quite as iconic and memorable as that time when you pop open that bottle of champagne and let it fizzle. The citrusy notes of good quality champagne make it perfect on its own or paired with some food, and it truly marks a party!

Cava

Cava is a Spanish sparkler that is perfect for popping either for pre-New Year dinner or right before midnight. Compared to champagne, cava tends to be less fruity and has more natural pairings with pasta, cheese, and spices.

It's a great choice to add some zest and really represent the sparkling feeling that everyone has when counting down to another year. It's perfectly suited for a party because of its complex mix that feels just flexible enough to play around with.

Sekt

Sekt is German sparkling wine. There's a belief that Germans consume only the best in the world, so it would be hard not to trust them with making something delectable and just bubbly enough to give you a good time.

The big clincher here is that it tends to be less alcoholic than champagne, so it's perfect if you want to serve more drinks without getting everyone quite as inebriated. The lower alcohol content doesn't come at the expense of flavour, either, so you will still be able to enjoy its notes to the full extent.

Prosecco

Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Italy that is made using Glera grapes primarily. This is one of the most popular options out there, not simply because of hype but because it makes for truly easy drinking.

It's not one of those drinks that comes off like an acquired taste, and it's very accessible. You'd be hard-pressed to find any liquor store or even grocery that doesn't have any prosecco on offer.

Though it's different depending on the source, you can generally expect prosecco to be a bit sweeter, less acidic, and perfect for any party.

Cabernet

Last but certainly not least, you can enjoy the artistry in Australian wines by whipping out a bottle of Cabernet. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape wine variety in the world and one of the most popularly crushed in Oz.

Who says you only have to stick to bubblies for the new year? You'll find that some of the most popular wine brands in the country boast a really delicious and sharp red. Cabernet's fruitiness and elegance that get better with age make it a great addition to any party.

The perfect way to end the night with a bang and put out the fire is by drinking and having a toast with the friends and family you care about.

What to Pair With Your Wine

So, you've got your selection of new year’s wine to offer guests. The question now lies in how you can perfectly pair it up with the food you're offering. There is no single menu that works for every single drink out there, so it's best to remember some tips when it comes to picking your wine pairings.

Consider Acidity When Picking Your Menu

You don't want things to feel too acidic to the point that it tastes bad and upset the stomach. A good rule is to ensure that your wine is always more acidic than your food.

Spicy Notes Work Well with Spicy Food

You might think that it's better to dampen out the spicier notes of your wine by using a more neutral food, but you bring out the best flavour if you pair spicy food with a spicy wine. It's very complementary and has a rich and bold taste that doesn't feel too heavy.

Balance Out the Intensity and Sweetness

When you pick your menu, you should always keep in mind the balance you'll need to maintain. You want a flavour profile that matches and creates an intensity that doesn't feel too overwhelming. Sometimes, you can create a good contrast if you mix up the meats and desserts you offer.

White Is Light, and Red Is Intense

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that white wines pair best with light meats like poultry and fish. Seafood is a good option to pair with bubbly as long as you don't go too intense on the batter. On the other hand, red wines are great with red meat. The strong flavours pair well without seeming combative and off.

Celebrating With Wine

Once you've settled on your wine pairing, it's time to enjoy the party. However you're celebrating, whether it's a big New Year's Eve celebration or just a more intimate get together with the family, there is something special about being around people you care about. A good wine can help bring out the good vibes and set the mood!

In general, you want to make sure that you keep your wine properly chilled and ready to serve. Don't get too preoccupied with the right glasses and looking proper when you serve it, though. Even though you want to think about the proper process for things, it's all about celebrating and spending time together for this momentous holiday.

Conclusion

With a fantastic selection of Australian wines and a great atmosphere, you can't go wrong with your new year's eve party. So, get your selection ready and enjoy as you toast to another year of love and life!

Millon Wines is a family-owned winery with a great selection of Australian wine brands. Check out our great collection of artisan and boutique wines.