Last Minute Champagne Guide: Make Your New Year's Party Sparkle

Finding the perfect champagne to ring in the New Year can be an unnecessary source of stress. Would you rather have dry or fruity? What are your guests' preferences? Is there a champagne that will leave you feeling significantly lifted, rather than lifting a significant wad from your wallet? Fear not, oenophiles! Patch has you covered on all things sparkling and toasted.

Before you buy, a little history: champagne is created exclusively in the Champagne region in France. The beverage first earned acclaim and renown due to its association with the anointment of French kings. While true champagne is only produced by the French, wineries around the world produce many other types of sparkling wine.

Champagne and sparkling wine choices are endless, and in this economy, it's difficult to drop a lot of money on a bottle. We at Patch did our best to keep our list varied and price conscious. Click through the slideshow for our choices. For convenience, the captions are chronicled below.

• For a twist on convention, try Chandon Rose, available for $19.99 at Brian's Discount Liquors, 1700 E 2nd St in Scotch Plains. The pink sparkling wine blends several fruit flavors, such as watermelon and strawberry, for a bold and creamy taste.
•  in Cranford recommends Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine. The dry wine is enjoyed in Italy for every occasion and, according to a 2008 New York Times report, has grown sharply in popularity due of its great taste and low price.
•  in Garwood vouches for Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, on sale for $49.99. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is a premium French champagne.
• In Westfield,  suggests Christian Etienne for $35.00. Christian Etienne is a "growers" champagne, referring to independent growers who do not sell their grapes to larger houses, but still produces their own champagnes. 
•  has a selection as vast as it is multifarious. It recommends Chateau Frank, a relatively-local sparkling wine produced in the Fingerlakes in upstate New York. 

•  suggests Moet et Chandon Champagne, one of the world's largest champagne houses. The house holds a royal warrant to supply to Queen Elizabeth II, so it's more than qualified to class up your holiday gathering.