With the arrival of Christmas and New Year, we are all on the lookout for the best products for our dinners, and drinks are a must, so here we recommend 3 great and affordable sparkling wines for toasting. Cheers! 

However, before you go shopping, it's important to consider certain things when choosing a good sparkling wine for your Christmas or New Year dinner. Don’t miss these 3 options! 

How to choose a sparkling wine? 

We know that many wine connoisseurs prefer a pinot noir and chardonnay, but the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine. Before you buy a bottle, we recommend considering the following factors: 

1. Define your budget 
Christmas and New Year dinners are very special occasions, but they also represent a significant financial expense. To avoid going over budget, define how much you want to spend on a sparkling wine and choose an option within that price range.  

2. What do you like? 
If you've had wine before, you probably have an idea of what you like: dry wines, sweet wines, blends, or even certain types of grapes. Opt for flavor profiles you already know and then try new options to discover your favorite wine.  

3. Serve it cold!  
Remember that sparkling wine should be served at a temperature between 6 °C and 8 °C, but this will depend on the type of wine. Another important point is that you should chill the bottle in the refrigerator hours beforehand. Don’t forget! 

4. Traditional method 
When buying sparkling wine, look for bottles that say traditional method or champenoise, as this means the way it was made is the same as champagne. 

In this case, the wine is fermented in both the barrel and the bottle, so you will get better quality at a lower price.  

5. Pair with delicious snacks 

If you want to pair your sparkling wine with different fruits, cheeses, and snacks, we recommend options like: 

• Alfredo spaghetti 
• Oysters 
• Brie cheese 
• Camembert cheese 
• Goat cheese 
• Gouda cheese 
• Parmesan cheese 
• Lobster 
• Fish 
• Fried chicken 
• Risotto 
• Sushi 

Remember that, although experts recommend pairing sparkling wine with these ingredients, you can create your own combinations and pair it with chocolate, berries, grapes, bread, dips, or whatever you have on hand.  

Read more: 3 benefits of having a glass of wine

3 great and affordable sparkling wines 

Is the Christmas or New Year dinner at your house? Don’t worry, here we recommend 3 great and affordable sparkling wines to pair with your turkey or loin or to toast at midnight. Are you ready to try them? 

Asti spumante 

According to experts, Asti is an Italian sparkling wine that is not only delicious but also offers excellent value for money.  

It is characterized by a fruity and refreshing flavor, but it is also sweet. The best part is that it has a low alcohol percentage, making it ideal for a Christmas toast.  

Feel free to try this Italian sparkling wine, as a bottle costs less than $300, and it's even cheaper if you buy the case. Here are 3 options for all budgets. 

• Asti Capetta Sparkling White Wine: the case contains 6 bottles of 750 ml, so each one costs $159.83. 
• Asti D.O.C.G Giacobazzi White Wine: this wine bottle is on sale for $138.11. 
• Bolla Asti Sparkling Wine: the 750 ml bottle costs $261.75. 

Prosecco 

Like Asti, Prosecco is also an Italian sparkling wine. It is known for its refreshing taste but is much less sweet than other sparkling wines. The best part? Despite its low price, this sparkling wine has a Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin, which ensures its quality and flavor. 

Keep in mind that there are different types of Prosecco, and some are drier than others, so choose a sweet or dry one depending on your taste.  

• Kirkland Signature Prosecco: if you have many guests, it’s worth buying this case with 6 bottles of 750 ml, as each will cost you $183.16. 
• Sperone Prosecco Sparkling White Wine: take advantage of the discount and buy this sparkling wine for just $221.25. 
• Mionetto Prosecco Orange Label Sparkling Wine: this is another good option for toasting. It is priced at $330 per bottle.  

Lambrusco 

If you prefer red wine, then Lambrusco is your best option to close the year on a high note. This sparkling wine is characterized by its fruity aroma, refreshing taste, and also being very affordable. 

Like the other great and affordable sparkling wines we’ve recommended, Lambrusco is also Italian. It is very popular for its lightness, its red fruit flavor, and its mildly sweet taste.  

• Riunite Lambrusco Red Sparkling Wine: this package of 6 bottles is a bargain, as each one ends up costing $119.83. Take advantage of the discount! 
• Riunite Lambrusco Red Wine: if you only want one bottle, it costs $159 on Amazon. 
• Lunato Lambrusco Red Sparkling Wine: try this delicious sparkling wine for just $164.99 per bottle. 

Now that you have 3 options for great and affordable sparkling wines for Christmas, New Year, or even for a special occasion, don’t hesitate to try one of them, as we are sure they will be a hit on any occasion. 

Read more: Basic guide to choosing a table wine

3 cocktails with sparkling wine

As if that weren't enough, remember that sparkling wines are perfect for making different cocktails. Here are 3 options! 

1. Mimosa
This classic cocktail is perfect for a brunch or family gathering. It’s made with sparkling wine and orange juice. You can add some berries to balance the flavors!  

2. Bellini 
This cocktail has an irresistible flavor, as the touch of peach juice adds a special sweetness. Make it with Prosecco!  

3. Red spritz 
If you have a bottle of Lambrusco in your cellar, don’t hesitate to make this red spritz, a cocktail that combines the fizziness of the wine with the flavor of red fruits and a touch of Aperol.  

Now you know, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a good drink, as kiwilimón gives you these 3 options for great and affordable sparkling wines to toast with your loved ones. Cheers!

You can also read: Your basic guide to understanding white wine