There is nothing like popping a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. But as an academic drinker, there are a couple more reasons why I enjoy Champagne so much. People don’t think of champagne as a wine, but it is and it comes from the region of Champagne, and it’s gone through several transformations since its origin. Here are the latest champagne collaborations that I am so excited to try this New Year.

1. Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose Designed by Ambush

The Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose Designed by AMBUSH. This wine marks the first time in 152 years that the champagne house has partnered to redesign the label of their classic imperial wine. The choice to work with AMBUSH and Yoon was driven by mutual values of pioneering spirit and craftsmanship.

The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay with a portion of back vintage wines blended in. In the glass, the wine is complex and well structured with notes of apple, strawberries, raspberry, and pomegranate with a touch of vanilla and brown sugar and hints of mint. On the palate, you will find this wine is smooth and rich with a refreshing and succulent finish.

2. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012

Now let’s get into some vintage wine with the Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012, Creators Edition with Yayoi Kusama, the amazing Japanese contemporary artist, you might be familiar with here Infinity Mirror Room at the AGO.

Vintage Champagne means that all the grapes used to make this wine are from the same year. So there is no reserve wine in this bottle. The wine is a blend of majority Pinot noir with a touch of Chardonnay, and the La Grande Dame wine was always made as a tribute to the widow Clicquot so it is great to see the partnership with Yayoi Kusama another trailblazing woman.

In the glass you are probably getting notes of Jasmine, honeysuckle, apple, pear, peach, all complemented by almond, dried fruits and nutty notes. On the palate, this is a wine with a silky texture, elegance, and a lot of character, very vibrant!

3. Dom Pérignon Lady Gaga Creators Edition Brut Champagne 2010

Finally, we have our oldest wine of the day the Dom Pérignon Lady Gaga Creators Edition Brut Champagne 2010. Dom Pérignon only makes vintage wine and the Champagne house has been inspired by so many. Lady Gaga inspired creativity, freedom and power which is what sparked this redesign collaboration.

There are beautiful aromas of green mango, melon, tart pineapple, orange zest, and floral notes of jasmine and lilac. On the palate, this wine is full and deep with a generous feel and a charismatic finish.