3 wines to help you ring in the New Year in style

One of the best ways to usher in the New Year is with a bang or a pop, of champagne, that is.

Butchoosing the right bubbly for the occasion can be a difficult task.

And while sparkling wine is tradition, other options like a rich, bold red or a bright, festive cocktail can also be great winter picks.

Calgary sommelier LaurieMacKaysharedthree drink ideaswith the Calgary Homestretch on Thursday to helpkick off 2018 in style.

GlamProsecco

"The Glam with it's jazzy, silver label, is a perfect fit,"MacKaytold the Homestretch.

"I don't think they could've designed a better looking bottle for New Year's."

Proseccocomes from Veneto, a region of northern Italy. It's made from a white grape native to that region and then fermented twice in pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles.

MacKay saidthis prosecco is a light, straw colour, with tasting notes of pear, honeydew melon and lemon zest.

She addedthat it's not only half the price of entry-level champagnes, but it's also not as dry.

AperolSpritz

"There's nothing quite like a sparkling wine cocktail for ringing in the New Year with pizzazz," MacKay says, it's an opportunity to showcase your mixologist talents for the holiday.

The drink is made with two-parts prosecco, two parts Aperol, a few ice cubes, a splash of soda and garnished with an orange slice. Calling it"super easy," MacKaysuggests"you can have a glass of bubbles, then use the rest of the bottle for making cocktails."

It has flavours of orange, herbs and just a dash of vanilla.

Aperol, like Campari, is an aperitif which is meant to start a meal and stimulate the appetite, MacKay said. They're dry and slightly bitter, as well as lower in alcohol as to not dull the taste buds.

Aperitifs are not to be confused with digestifs, which finish a meal, and have a bit of sweetness and a higher alcohol content like port, sherry or cognac.

CulminaR&D

A rich, bold red is perfect for a cold day and this one certainly fits the bill.

"Everything lines up with this wine great terroir, excellent winemaker and an owner with the motto 'life is about continuing and doing what you love'... his motto makes a great New Year's resolution," MacKay said.

The name is a double-entendre that stands for both "research and development" and "Ron and Don Triggs," Canadian brothers and wine icons.

The R&D is a blend of 80 per cent Merlot, 10 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 per cent Cabernet Franc.

"It has really good bones, meaning tannin structure," MacKay said.

Oenophiles will notice tasting notes of plum, raspberry and vanilla.

All three wines can be found at your local store by searchingLiquor Connect a website that helps you find where to buy wine near your location.

With files from the Calgary Homestretch