Fizz Ed

A last-minute guide to New Year's Eve bubbly.

Welcoming the new year with a flute of bubbly should be fun, not stressful. Though any true Champagne worth drinking will generally cost at least $40, non-vintage versions, aka blends of several years' products, offer a much better value. In addition, other sparkling white wines — Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava and Alsatian Cremant, to name three — offer good taste at friendlier prices. Here's a plan for every situation.

If you have a car: Citrusy and great with hard-to-pair foods like sushi and spicy Indian, 2007 Domaine Barmès-Buecher Cremant d'Alsace ($18) is the most elegant sparkler that can be had for less than $20 in the tri-state area. Available at Moore Brothers (7200 North Park Drive, Pennsauken, N.J., 856-317-1177, moorebrothers.com); check their Web site for driving directions.

If only Champagne will do: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes grown in the chalky soils of Champagne, France, make up the only liquid that can bear that legally protected name. Prices are similarly elite, but there are some deals out there. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV ($29.99) is well-priced but still displays the toast and hazelnuts that define the style, as well as crisp dry apple. The prestigious Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label NV ($36.17) has a long-lasting mousse (bubbles) and lively character. Available at Total Wine & More (The Plaza at Cherry Hill, 2100 Route 38, Cherry Hill, N.J., 856-667-7100).

If you have an hour: Pierre Sparr Cremant d'Alsace Rose NV ($19.99, PLCB No. 020738) spends some time resting on the skins of Pinot Noir grapes to produce its blushing hue. A bouquet of strawberries intensifies on the tongue before raspberry joins the soiree. Pick this up at PA Wine & Spirits Premium Collection stores; you can check who has it in stock by searching its code number at lcb.state.pa.us.

If you don't eat animals: Cava, Spain's fizzy wine, is traditionally derived from Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes and is meant to be drunk young. Crisp and dry, Albet i Noya Petit Cava Penedes NV ($17.99, PLCB No. 024905) is vinified from organic grapes and is suitable for vegans; the wine is clarified without isinglass (from fish) or albumen (from eggs). These bottles are also available at Premium Collection stores.

If you have five minutes and $15: If the party is imminent, Zardetto Prosecco Brut Sparkling ($13.99, PLCB No. 006871) is cheap, frothy and available at dozens of state stores. The Prosecco offers apples, honey and wildflowers in the glass, but is bone-dry through and through. Quite a deal.

(felicia.dambrosio@citypaper.net)