Counting down with a cheap bottle of champagne is a crummy way to start the new year.
But face it, all too many of us are in a cold duck rut, leaving the decision about what beverage will ring in 2010 to someone merely regifting something from last year.
Luckily, The Greene Grape in Fort Greene offers a way out. On Dec. 29 and 30, the Fulton Street wine shop will offer a tasting of 11 bottles, showcasing a handful of offerings priced at under $22, plus some high-end sparklers.
In a preview champagne tasting, manager Michael Robertson showed off a 2002 Henri Goutorbe that comes directly from the growers. It’s a bit spendy at $50, but it had a sweet fruity finish and was, as we found out, quite drinkable.
“With small vintners, it just tastes better,” said Robertson (pictured).
The 11 bubblies will include genuine Champagne from France, plus sparkling wines from the United States and Spain.
After the tasting, at least you’ve solved the annual problem of how to bring some class to the least-classy night of the year.
Wine tasting at the Greene Grape [765 Fulton St. between Portland Avenue and Oxford Street, (718) 797-9463], Dec. 29 and 30, 5-7 pm. For info, visit brooklyn.greenegrape.com.
