Behind the Line: Melissa Trimmer

Topic: Help for Home Cooks/Bartenders

Holiday Wines and Beverages

You're heading to a New Year's party, and you've been charged with bringing something fizzy. What to bring? What are your tips for the best BYO sparkling wines for a New Year's party?

Melissa Trimmer
Pastry Chef
Le Cordon Bleu Chicago, Pastry Chef Instructor
Chicago, Illinois

I really like Gruet, it’s got a fantastic price point, is domestic, and tastes really good!

Answers from other users

Jay Schroeder
Mixologist
Red Door
Chicago, Il

I'd bring segura viudas, it retails for about $7 a bottle, and it's pretty darn good cava.

Last updated: Dec 22 2012

Paul Fehribach
Executive Chef/Owner
Big Jones
Chicago, IL

There are some great values in Cremants based in the Loire particularly, and there are some great sparkling gruners from Austria and rieslings from Germany that won’t hit the budget too hard. If yo... more »

Last updated: Apr 8 2013

Steve McDonagh
Owner
Hearty
Chicago, IL

Not to be boring but my honest answer is rather old school. Veuve Yellow Label. I love everything about it, from the packaging to the bubbles.

Last updated: Dec 30 2011

Josh Galliano
The Libertine
Clayton, MO

I guess my first tip would be to figure out a budget for the amount of people that you are buying sparkling wine for. This could help direct you in the type of sparkling that you are shooting for,... more »

Last updated: Dec 27 2011

Nathan Sears
Executive Chef/Owner
The Radler and D.A.S.
Chicago, IL

Bring some txakoli. It's light and a great appetizer wine. Plus it will impress your friends. That or just get something expensive.