New Year's Eve

Celebrating New Year’s Eve can very much depend on whether or not you’ve had a good year; cheering the fact that there have been no major disasters and you’re ended the year on a high, or are glad to see the back of it, looking forward to a better one to follow. Either way, I can always find a reason to raise a glass or two, and if like me, you would rather see your glass half full than half empty, why not let midnight strike with your glass charged something of real quality? Start as you mean to go on is my resolution.

With that in mind, it must of course be champagne; and no better way to indulge than with what is commonly called the ‘king’ of champagnes, Krug. Not the blowsy, showy tipple of celebrities; more a classy, sophisticated, subtle welcome to 2013, with its hand picked grapes, lengthy aging in small oak casks, giving a polished toasty brioche character, a cautious, confident and complex wine. 

As one of the ‘grand marques’ champagnes, Krug has an impeccable pedigree, and rarely disappoints; a champagne with soul. The 1995 vintage recommended here will set you back around £150 a bottle. In its 17^th year and about to come of age, it is still fresh on the palate with lovely tiny bubbles. Now starting to hit its stride, it will be drinking for a long time yet.

Next up, and for a more feminine, but serious take on the evening, Laurent Perrier NV Rose. By comparison a bargain at a mere £40, and considered the benchmark for rose champagnes, always consistent; a champagne with heart. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this is one of the few rosé Champagnes made by a technique called 'saignee', where the red grape skins are left on the wine for up to 3 days, giving it a unique deep salmon pink colour. The wine is fresh, rounded and supple, with a long finish

Not convinced of the outlay, and wanting to support the home market, you could do worse than indulge in a bottle of the Camel Valley vintage of sparkling wine. Winner of countless awards, including a Gold Medal at this year’s International Wine Awards, and named world’s best sparkling wine producer, this vineyard is now as its peak and giving traditional champagnes a real run for their money. At £25 a bottle, and considered our best value sparkler; a champagne with spirit. It is made from an English hybrid vine, Seyval Blanc; a textbook cold climate fizz with a crisp apple and lemon character, and great value to boot.

For a more frivolous approach, suited to those with a sweeter tooth, whilst keeping the budget in check prior to the January bills, I’d suggest a Ritz Fizz cocktail, developed by the Ritz Carlton in 1934 on the repeal of prohibition. 

In a champagne flute pour 25ml. each of Amaretto di Saronno and Blue Curaçao, top up with your sparkling wine of choice, add a dash of lime juice and marvel at the tacky bright green colour that ensues!

I’d be reluctant to dilute the intense and expensive subtleties of a good champagne, so try making this with a good alternative, such as cava, which can be had for under £8 a bottle from any outlet selling wine.

Hate fizz? Finally then, for that memorable moment, ending the year on a high, with the promise of good things to come, I shall be sniffing the complex, spicy, peppery notes that contribute to harmonious elegant finesse of Hennessy Paradis Cognac. A favourite of rappers and hip-hoppers (not necessarily a recommendation), can there be enough superlatives to describe this ultimate assault on the senses? I had the rare privilege of sampling this at the Hennessy headquarters, and with banks now making the move towards easing up on lending, I’m ready to take out the second mortgage. Better be sitting down, as it will knock you out both in price and memorability. Available locally in limited quantities at just £300 a bottle, it’s a mere snip. Trust me and snap it up while you can. At just £10 a shot, better to be sat at home by the fire sipping this than paying the equivalent for a far inferior tipple elsewhere. Wishing you and yours all the very best imbibing that 2013 as to offer. 

 Recommended tipples

Krug 1995 Vintage

Laurent Perrier NV Rosé

Camel Valley

Hennessy Paradis