As the final seconds of December 31 tick away, conversation stops for the Brindisi midnight toast. In Italy, the type of sparkling wine matters. While French Champagne appears at luxury galas, local pride dictates uncorking Italian sparkling wine.
The choice generally falls between Spumante and Prosecco. Prosecco, produced in the Veneto and Friuli regions via the Charmat tank method, brings light, aromatic, green-apple notes that pair well with casual street drinking. Dry Franciacorta or classic method Metodo Classico Spumante from northern Italy delivers complex brioche notes suited for formal tables. Italian tradition strictly demands that the wine be served dry (Brut) rather than sweet (Dolce) when paired with savory midnight foods.
Superstition governs the toast itself: look directly into the eyes of the person you are clinking glasses with, never cross arms with another pair clinking at the table, and take a sip before setting the glass down. Dipping a ring finger into the spumante and dabbing a drop behind your ear or your companion's ear is an old Roman trick meant to secure good fortune.
