Welcome to the first installment of this weekly post showcasing a favorite, new, or in some way noteworthy wine, based solely on this girl’s humble opinion. Each week’s selection will detail one or more of the following characteristics: cost, food pairing ideas, smells/tastes like, suggested best occasion for pouring, and any other fun tidbits I can dig up. Happy sipping!

SOTW #1: A Bubbly New Year

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Sparkling Wine (California)

Cost: under $25

Best Occasion: A casual celebration for two that definitely doesn’t warrant the good stuff but still requires some bubbles. You know, like binge watching the latest Netflix series in your pajamas until 9pm east coast New Year’s, clinking glasses with hubby, then happily crawling into bed. Ah, parenthood.

Other Fun Facts:

1. Anyone who’s anyone–well, anyone who’s seen Wayne’s World at least–knows that true Champagne can only come from the Champagne region in France, making every other bubbly just a mere sparkling wine. Not that this matters to me…champs is champs and you can’t ring in the New Year without it.
2. In either case, the traditional method (also known as methode champenoise ) refers to how the bubbles are made. Different methods of production are used to create other fun bubbly drinks like sparkling water and Prosecco.
3. Last but not least, unfortunately the champs is one where you do get what you pay for. The cheaper the bottle, the bigger the hangover. So buyer beware.