New Year’s Eve has a special place in many of our hearts. It’s a time of hope, anticipation, and celebration, and sparkling wine is the perfect accompaniment. It elevates any gathering and, when paired with delicious, easy-to-prepare appetizers, makes the occasion even more festive.
If you’re looking to keep things simple but elegant, consider two great Italian ingredients. Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and Prosciutto di Parma DOP. Available at Pusateri’s Fine Foods, these ingredients are full of flavour, of the highest quality, and take your appetizers to gourmet levels with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into sparkling wine selections and the perfect pairings.
Understanding Sparkling Wine Before You Start Pairing
Sparkling wine is not all the same. Different types have different levels of sweetness, acidity, and flavour. Some taste fruity. Some taste toasty. Some are simple and light, while others are rich and full.
Here are common types of sparkling wine you might enjoy for New Year’s Eve.
Types of Sparkling Wines
Champagne
Made in France. Tastes bright and crisp with hints of bread or brioche.
Prosecco
Made in Italy. Light, fruity, and very easy to drink.
Cava
Made in Spain. Dry, fresh, and usually excellent value.
Franciacorta
Made in Italy. Rich, creamy, and made using the same method as Champagne.
Sparkling Rosé
Pink, fruity, and great with many types of appetizers.
Trentodoc
Made in the mountains of Trentino, Italy. Very fresh, clean, and elegant. The acidity is bright, which makes it great with salty or rich foods.
Flavour Elements That Matter
- Sweetness levels such as Brut, Extra Brut, Dry, or Demi Sec
- Acidity, which helps cut through richer foods
- Bubble texture
- Fruity flavours and toasty notes, depending on the style
Why Sparkling Wine Works Well with Parmigiano and Prosciutto
Sparkling wine has bubbles and acidity that cleanse your palate. Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and Prosciutto di Parma DOP are salty and rich. These ingredients pair very well because they offset each other. The wine tastes crisper and fresher, and the food tastes richer and more complex. It's a simple combination that tastes very fancy.
The Best Pairings With Parmigiano and Prosciutto
These pairings show exactly how sparkling wine can lift the flavours of these delicious Italian foods.
Parmigiano Reggiano DOP with Brut Champagne
Parmigiano Reggiano DOP has a nutty flavour and firm texture. You might notice tiny crystals on a bite for a gentle crunch. Champagne has bright bubbles and a clean finish. They are a match made in heaven.
Why this works:
- The acidity in Champagne balances the salty flavour of the cheese
- The bubbles highlight the crunchy texture
- The toasty aroma of Champagne blends with the deep savoury taste of Parmigiano
Serve it with:
- Rustic chunks of Parmigiano
- Truffle honey
- Aged balsamic
- Crackers or bread
Prosciutto di Parma DOP with Prosecco or Sparkling Rosé
Prosciutto di Parma DOP is soft, sweet and mild, almost melting in the mouth. Prosecco is fruity and gentle, while sparkling rosé offers berry notes. Together, they enhance the sweetness and velvety softness of the prosciutto.
Serve it with:
- Slices of melon or pear
- Creamy burrata on crostini
- Grissini breadsticks
Parmigiano Reggiano DOP with Trentodoc
Trentodoc sparkling wines are clean, bright, and full of minerality. They come from high mountain vineyards, which gives them freshness and energy.
Why this works:
- The crisp acidity highlights the nutty flavour of Parmigiano
- The small bubbles match the texture of the cheese
- The mountain freshness adds balance to richer bites
Serve it with:
- Parmigiano shards
- Walnuts
- Dried apricots or dried apple slices
Prosciutto di Parma DOP with Franciacorta
Franciacorta is creamy and rich. It pairs beautifully with silky Prosciutto di Parma DOP.
Serve it with:
- Warm crostini
- A small drizzle of olive oil
- Thin slices of fresh fig or pear
Easy Appetizers Using Pusateri’s Fine Foods Ingredients
These ideas are simple, quick to make, and look beautiful on a New Year’s Eve table.
1. Parmigiano Reggiano Board with Champagne
Place chunks of Parmigiano on a large board. Add olives, fig jam, truffle honey, and crackers. Serve with chilled Champagne.
2. Prosciutto and Burrata Crostini with Sparkling Rosé
Toast slices of baguette. Add burrata and top with Prosciutto di Parma. Finish with balsamic glaze.
3. Parmigiano Crisps with Cava
Bake small piles of grated Parmigiano until crisp. Serve with pepper jelly or whipped ricotta.
4. Prosciutto Wrapped Prawns with Franciacorta
Wrap prawns with thin slices of Prosciutto di Parma. Cook until lightly golden. Add lemon zest before serving.
5. Truffle Parmigiano Popcorn with Prosecco
Mix popcorn with truffle oil, grated Parmigiano, and sea salt. It is simple and always a hit.
6. Alpine Parmigiano Shards with Trentodoc
Serve Parmigiano with walnuts, honey, and dried fruit for an easy mountain-inspired pairing.
How to Set Up a Sparkling Wine and Appetizer Station
This is a fun and easy way to make your home feel like a high-end party.
- Pick three or four types of sparkling wine, including Trentodoc
- Set out cheese and meat at room temperature
- Use nice boards like marble or wood
- Add small cards that tell guests which wine pairs with which appetizer
- Use flutes for more bubbles or white wine glasses for better aroma
Tips for the Best New Year’s Eve Pairings
- Keep appetizer sizes small and neat
- Match lighter food with lighter wine
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Offer one vegetarian choice
- Avoid very spicy foods with dry sparkling wine
FAQs
What makes Trentodoc different from Prosecco?
Trentodoc is made using the same traditional method as Champagne, while Prosecco uses a tank method. Trentodoc tastes more complex and creamy.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano DOP different from regular Parmesan?
Yes. DOP Parmigiano is a Made in Italy product, authentically and traditionally made following strict rules, it has a stronger flavour, better texture, and is of higher quality.
How long can Prosciutto di Parma sit out?
It can be out for about two to three hours if kept cool and covered.
Can sparkling wine work with spicy foods?
Only if you choose a sweeter style, such as Demi Sec.
What are good budget-friendly sparkling wines?
Cava and Prosecco are great choices and still taste festive.
Final Thoughts
Great food and bubbles make New Year’s Eve sparkle. With Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and Prosciutto di Parma DOP from Pusateri’s Fine Foods, easy appetizers become restaurant-worthy. Match them with the perfect sparkling wine and the flavours elevate.
Simple, fun and best of all, they’re the perfect way to celebrate the new year with friends and family. Cheers to a bright and sparkling new year!
How to Pair Sparkling Wine with Appetizers for a Perfect New Year’s Eve Party