5 Great Bottles of bubbly to toast 2009

Looking for the perfect bottle of bubbly to ring in 2009? Andy Merten, manager at Haskell's Wine & Spirits, recommends five great bottles (all on sale right now!) to celebrate the new year.

1. Centenaire Brut ($9.99)
This is Haskell's best selling sparkling wine. Fresh, crisp and vibrant with a nice finish. Perfect for a midnight toast or the next morning's mimosas...

2. Louis Bouillot Brut & Brut Rose ($11.99)
These cremants come from the Burgundy region of France. Merten says they're as close to genuine Champagne as you can find in this price range. He also notes that the rose stood up to much more expensive bottles in a recent staff tasting.

3. Schloss Nicholas ($8.99)
This German bubbly is perfect for those who crave a hint of sweetness, but still want something fresh and balanced.

4. Cristalino Cava ($6.99)
The popularity of Spanish Cava is booming, and this wine has a lot to do with it. Beautiful citrus and green apple fruit, all for a price that's worth celebrating.

5. Veuve Clicquot Brut non vintage ($44.99)
Perhaps the benchmark for non vintage Champagne, Veuve Clicquot is well rounded with apples and almonds on the palate. Clicquot often isn't purchased for what's on the inside the bottle, but rather the prestige carried by the name.

Raise a glass, pop a cork, and toast to 2009!

Haskell's is open M-Th: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., F: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sat: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be open New Year's Eve 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed New Year's Day. Haskell's is located at 81 South 9th Street and can be reached by phone at 612.333.2434.