A New Year’s Eve Champagne Countdown
WestHouse’s resident wine connoisseur Peter Ramondi shares his favorite bottles of bubbly to drink from early in the evening till the big moment at midnight.
Clockwise from top left:
The warm-up: Hudson Sparkle cocktail
Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, Pama pomegranate liqueur, Grey Goose Noir and a black cherry garnish.
“This is the drink to start the party. This was a hit at our opening party for the Den, but mind your consumption—it’s a creeper.”
The dinner date: Beau Joie Brut Special Cuvee
“This champagne uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes exclusively from Epernay, where some of the finest grapes in the world come from. There are no added sugars, so it is dry and tart. The beautiful copper packaging, inspired by medieval armor, keeps the champagne colder, eliminating the need for an ice bucket. I like to pair the Beau Joie with crudité and cured meats, as well as steak, shellfish and fine cheeses.”
The clock strikes twelve: Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 2007
“This is one of the finest vintage Champagnes. It is full bodied and has notes of almond milk. I love the original 1902 bottle design, with anemone flowers. You should drink this one at the stroke of midnight on NYE.”
The wee hours: Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Rosé 2002
“An intense, rich combination of red fruit and citrus zest, the Roederer rosé is an exceptional bottle that should be shared with a very special someone, or just with yourself. There are notes of Tarte Tatin—oven-baked apples and caramel. It’s marvelous.”