Little know fact. Using the word "champagne" on a wine bottle is forbidden by law unless the grapes used are actually from the Champagne region in France and, of course, go through a secondary fermentation in the bottle that produces those bubbles that we love. Although US wine producers use the méthode traditionelle or traditional method, the same method authentic champagne producers use, we recognize them here as sparkling wines. Luckily for us, there are tons of delicious American-made choices available on the market and they are all very affordable. Read on to find out how to serve sparkling wine, what to pair it with and some recommendations on what to buy for your New Year's Eve bash.

How to Serve

The ideal temperature to serve sparkling wine is 45°F. There are two ways to go about this. First, you can simply chill the bottle(s) in the fridge for 3-4 hours. You can also fill an ice bucket with half ice and half cold water and leave the bottle in there for 30 minutes before opening it. Carefully pop the bottle open and pour into flutes. 

What to Eat 

Like any wine, there are ideal food pairings that go with the unique flavor profile of sparkling wine. Top toasted baguette slices with a mixture of mushrooms (variety of your choice), chopped rosemary, chopped flat-leaf parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. You can also try a hunk of manchego cheese with a drizzle of good quality honey or a thinly sliced piece of ham to get you through the night. And for a sweet touch, dip apples and bananas in melted chocolate. 

What to buy

Mumm Napa's Brut Prestige is always a crowd-pleaser. The winery's signature sparkling wine has notes of melon, spice and toasty vanilla with a crisp finish. $20 wine.com

What's better than sparkling wine? Pink sparkling wine! Roederer Estate's Brut Rosé has hints of cherries and red berries. $24 wine.com 

For a light-tasting sparkling wine, opt for Korbel Brut. The best part... It comes in a large 3 liter bottle guaranteed to make your party rock. $14 for 750 ml. wine.com

Still want to go the authentic route? Consider a bottle of Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame. This champagne was created in 1972 to celebrate the house's bicentennial. $115 wine.com

Want to have your champagne toast at a glam New Year's Eve party? Check out New York's hottest parties. 

Alina Tarkhanian is the First Course editor.