Super Eco

Photo credit: SXC

Ringing in the New Year tonight? Toasting with a little bubbly? Why not go natural with your bubbles as well? Organic sparkling wines and Champagnes are easier to find than ever, but many producers making the bubbly use organic practices yet don't bother with the certification. In fact, there are plenty of delicious sparkling wines that are affordable, locally-produced by real humans on small-scale wineries without the use of chemicals. Here's five natural sparklers, all priced under $30 and available nationwide.

Dom. de Montbourgeau Cremant du Jura $21.99. Grown near the caves at Lascaux, the ones filled with awesome cave paintings. How can you resist that? Go if you ever have the chance. It's worth it. I'll bring the wine.

Gruet Blanc de Noirs, Methode Champenoise $13.75. Grown in New Mexico. Didn't know they made wine there, did you?

Hardy's Sparkling Shiraz $21.99 From Australia, mate. Sparkling red? Why not? Like adding club soda to your Koolaid, right? Yum.

Foreau Vouvray Brut $26.99 Another area of France I've been to, so I'm biased. The Vouvray region is underappreciated and close to all the chateaux along the Loire. Impressive, non?

François Pinon Vouvray Petillant Brut $20.99. What can I say? I like Vouvray. You will too.

Happy new year.