Sparkling wine is what it is called, and it carries a different label depending on where it is from. From the prestigious appellation of Champagne France, it is called of course … Champagne. In Spain it is called Cava, in Italy it is called Prosecco or Asti and just about everywhere else it is called or should be called “Sparkling Wine”.
Although sparkling wine is great anytime of year, it is now, at the end of each year that a majority of folks whether they drink wine or not go out and purchase a bottle of bubbles to bring in the new year. This is where I come in… To try and help you find the best deal on a bottle of sparkling wine that won’t bust the budget and you will enjoy.
To start with, more then likely it will be hard for you to find a cheap sparkling wine from Champagne. They demand a higher price not only because of pedigree. The terroir of Champagne and the quality of the fruit, lends itself to some of the finest sparkling wine you will put your lips to. That being said, there are some out there that are considered values.
One of my favorites that is considered cheap by Champagne standards is Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV (non-vintage). Creamy on the palate with elegant bubbles and delicious apple notes with hints of bread dough. You can find it in most stores for around thirty bucks which is a steal for the quality.
However. one of the directions I would like to aim you towards is Cava, sparkling wine from Spain. There are a boatload of good deals out there and the quality is usually better then the price tag might indicate. Here are just a couple of suggestions that I believe you will both enjoy, and it will save you some hard earned cash.
Torre Oria Cava … $8.99 Wonderful flavors of Lime and sweet lemons with small bubbles and a pleasing finish.
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva … $7.99 It’s hard to beat this one for quality to price. Everyone that I have ever recommended this Cava to has come back to the store for more.
Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut or Extra Dry … $6.99 It is hard to choose between the Segura and this. Both deliver a lot of sparkling wine for the stupid price. If you like them just a hair sweeter, you can go with the extra dry.
Next on my list of great values in sparkling wine is Prosecco. This sparkling wine from Italy has become wildly popular over the last four years. In most cases the prices stay in the sub fifteen dollar range, and at that price they deliver. The one I personally like the most, and rolls in at a modest fifteen bucks is Bisol Jeio Prosecco. It is clean and fruity yet dry on the finish. Like a fruity Evian with bubbles. I believe that if you poured this at your party there would be zero complaints.
There you have it, an uncomplicated, inexpensive shopping list for bubbles to bring in the new year. I know from being in retail for so long that just about everyone waits until the last moment to purchase their sparkling wine for the New Years celebration. With that in mind I felt no pressure to publish this earlier. Happy shopping and I hope the best for all of you in 2012. *Clink* Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
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