Ringing in a sparkling New Year

I've come to really enjoy sparkling wines and champagne in the past two years. I'm so glad that I have an excuse this weekend to have a glass or two. Gotta toast to the end of 2011 and hope for a much more prosperous 2012. Side note: Please drink responsibly. There's a Tipsy Tow available if you overdo it. Calling for a cab or walking home, if possible, are good options, too.

This year, we're straying from Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label NV ($36-$50). It's been our standard champagne for special occasions. I still enjoy this champagne very much for its creamy, apple and citrus taste. But today I had the chance to sample a couple new ones at Total Wine. We came away with two new sparklers to celebrate. One is reasonable ($15); the other moderate ($35).

Santi Nello Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco ($15-$16). Light and crisp, with citrus notes. Decent for the price.

Champagne De Margerie Grand Cru Brut ($35-$40). Notes of berry, as it's made primarily with pinot noir.

Sharing some of my favorite sparkling drinks and some that were mentioned recently by experts. Mine:

Sofia Blanc de Blancs ($15-$20). A coworker introduced me to this one, and I love it especially for the price. It is indeed fruity and refreshing, as noted in the product promotion. Hints of apple and pear. And it's in a pretty pink cellophane wrap.

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV($30-$45). I tried it just because the gift set looked pretty at Costco. I found it crisp and refreshing. I recall apple and citrus notes.

LaMarca Prosecco DOC ($12-$16). Also crisp, and a bit sweet, but not too sweet. Notes of apple and grapefruit, with lemony finish.

Some expert suggestions, which I've not tried:

From Mark Tarbell's column on holiday gifts in The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com: GH Mumm "Cordon Rouge" NV, Reims, Champagne, France ($30-$38). 88 point.

From Mark Tarbell's column on holiday drinks in The Arizona Republic/azcentral.com: Mionetto Prosecco D.O.C. Brut, Treviso, Italy ($11-$13): 87 points.

From The Today Show segment on picking holiday wines: Flor Prosecco, Italy ($15).

BTW, prices noted are ones I've seen in stores or online.

Cheers!