Toasting with bubbly Champagne on New Year's Eve is the best way to end a year and welcome a new one! Brut and Extra Dry champagne are the popular ones and both have unique notes.

Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine known as the premier sparkling wine and is made from the region of France such as Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Moët and Veuve. It's a naturally “carbonated” wine with bubbles and usually has taken the name specifically from where the wine originated. They say that it can only be called Champagne if the wine is grown, harvested and made officially in the Champagne region in France. Three popular grape varieties that are used to make Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Not all Champagnes, Sparkling wines or MCC  are expensive and it comes in a variety of styles and prices.

Champagne's Four Levels of Sweetness

Brut

This is the most common type of sparkling wine which is dry and contains just a hint of sweetness. In this wine, not all the sugar has been consumed by the yeast, there's a tiny amount of sugar left in the wine. 

Extra-Brut

This is the driest kind of “bubbles”. In this wine, all the sugar has been consumed by the yeast, so there's no hint of sugar left at all.  

Extra Dry

This sparkler is dry, but not as dry as the Brut or Extra-Brut. However, it's not sugary sweet, but it retains a slight sweetness in the wine, sweeter than Brut. Prosecco would be an example.

Demi-sec

These “bubbles” are sweet and there is a dominant amount of sugar left in the wine. This sparkling wine usually pairs well with dessert.

Brut vs Extra Dry

Do you know the difference between Brut and Extra Dry? The difference between these two champagnes is the level of sweetness.

Brut Champagne

1. This is the most common champagne in the world.
2. Brut is a French word which actually means, dry, raw and unrefined. It tastes dry with very low sugar content (1.5% sugar). 
3. It's dry on the palate and sour, however, the aromas and flavors are close to apple, citrus, and pear, and can move to apricot and peach in warmer vintages.
4. Pairs well with butter-drenched seafood, old-style caviar, and salty-flavored fare.

Extra Dry Champagne

1. Extra dry champagne is sweeter and tastes less sour than Brut. Its sugar content is a bit higher (2% sugar).  
2. It's actually considered a beverage. 
3. It's not as dry as Brut - the sugar balances the dryness.

If you want you a fancier holiday celebration, use champagne flutes or wine glasses. And they even look festive with these Swarovski Crystals Wine Glass Charms. These best wine charms are a set of elegant 12 Swarovski Crystal charms that include 6 Jewel Toned crystals and 6 Floral Toned crystals in one beautiful package. Check them out in action here on The Marilyn Denis Show. Trending in Toronto! Entertaining essentials that will take your holiday party to the next level

A bottle of Champagne with Wine Purse Gift Bag is a great hostess gift for your client or BFF this New Year’s Eve. This adorable gift bag is versatile, reusable and makes a wonderful presentation.

The holiday season is here! Are you planning to pick up a bubbly bottle of Champagne for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve? Learn more about Champagne and sparkling wine here. Sparkling wine or champagne has become a part of holiday parties or any special occasions.

Cheers for a bountiful New Year!