Celebrating on a budget this year? Take a tour of these lesser-known wine regions around the world to discover some delicious and affordable sparkling wines. WIth prices around $10 a bottle, you might want to stock up.
Louis Roederer Brut Premier
Louis Roederer has been crafting premium Champagne since 1776 so they’ve had a long time to get it right. Louis Roederer Brut Premier is the winery’s best-selling wine and one sip will tell you why. It is, in short, amazing. This champagne is made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. It’s light as air with hints of lemon, pear, and toasty brioche. It easily stands up to bottles at more than twice its price. It’s one of the most expensive wines on this list but I never regret splurging on this one.
Gruet Brut
Move over California—New Mexico is the oldest wine-making region in the U.S. Gruet Brut is a great example of a New Mexican sparkler at a wallet-friendly price point. Each glass is acidic and bright with green apple, minerality, a touch of yeast, and a lingering finish. It’s a great wine for anyone who wants to branch out and sample wines from different regions.
J Vineyards Brut Cuvee 20
J Vineyards Brut Cuvee 20 from California’s Russian River Valley engages all your senses. First, you’ll smell toasted almonds, and right on its heels, you’ll get notes of apple, dried cranberry, and ginger snaps. When you sip it, you’ll find creamy hints of lemon meringue pie. The finish is lively. You’d be forgiven for mistaking it for far more expensive wine.
Banfi Rosa Regale
Banfi Rosa Regale sparkling red wine is festive and fun. It looks like a party in a glass. Made from Brachetto grapes, this Italian sparkling wine has notes of raspberry and rose petals. There’s also plenty of acidy to balance out the sugar and prevent it from being overly sweet. It’s perfect served with chocolate or as a dessert all by itself.
Ferrari Brut
Ferrari Brut is a classic method Italian sparkling wine with a wonderful, fresh acidity and a pedigree that goes all the way back to 1902. Crafted from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes, it’s very balanced with a bouquet of apples and wildflowers. It finishes with ripe fruit and the faintest hint of toasted bread. It’s an impressive wine for the money, and much like many of the other wines on this list could easily command a higher price tag.
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose Champagne
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose Champagne is one of the higher-priced wines on this list, but absolutely worth spending a few more dollars on for a special occasion. Moet & Chandon has been been making wine since 1743 and it shows. Made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and a bit of Chardonnay grapes, this is a luscious sparkling wine, unexpectedly bold, with a touch of sweetness and rich, tropical flavors. I always find myself wanting to take smaller and smaller sips in order to prolong the experience.
Underwood The Bubbles Can
Who says good quality sparkling wine can’t come in a can? Underwood is crafted by Union Wine Co. just outside of Portland, OR. These folks have figured out how to do canned wine right. The bubbles are lively with hints of lemon verbena, apples, and white stone fruit. Each can is the equivalent of half a bottle of wine, so it’s perfect for those occasions when you just want to have a glass or two and call it a night. They’re also great for camping trips and barbecues at the park.
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige from California’s Napa Valley is one of the best sparkling wines in its price category. It’s predominately made from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes. The nose is wonderful with fresh fruit, toast, and gingerbread. The bubbles are lively and crisp with a rich, lingering finish that has a way of leaving me longing for my last sip.
Domaine St. Michelle Brut
Domaine St. Michelle Brut from Washington State’s Columbia Valley is a great wine for the money. The bubbles are lively and consistent with notes of citrus and green apple. This is a crisp, very well balanced wine. It’s one of my favorite brunch wines because it works beautifully for Mimosas but it’s still delicious enough to enjoy on its own.
Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG
The DOCG designation is only granted to the highest tier wines in Italy. The Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG is made from Glera grapes sourced from some of the steepest hills in Italy. It’s a lovely straw color with a bouquet of peaches and sweet flowers. When you sip it, you’ll taste hints of pineapple and apple. It’s a fabulous sparkling wine and a great value.
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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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