November 28, 2024 at 12:36 AM PST
Delicious and affordable? Yes, please!
Despite what most people believe, sparkling wine is a diverse category with lots of variation. At the top of the list, you have Champagne—a delicious toasty beverage that screams celebration. Then there’s prosecco hailing from Italy with a softer effervescence and fruitier palate and cava from Spain that’s dry and crisp. But there are lots of producers outside of those major wine regions, crafting elegant sparklers with just as flavorful aromas. Even better? Most of them come with affordable price tags, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice a luxurious bottle of bubbles for your wallet. Just take a look at the list below to see what we mean. From dessert-style demi-secs to creamy crémants, there are lots of bottles to choose from. Keep reading to find a new favorite, or two, and stock up for holidays, special occasions, or casual sipping.
Gruet is one of the hidden gems of sparkling wine. Hailing from New Mexico, the wines tend to have bright and crisp flavors — think green apple and citrus fruits—but they also make wonderful sparklers. They're not toasty like Champagne, but the bubbles are just as soft since the wine is made in the traditional method. This brut showcases the bright qualities of the fruit while also showcasing the rich flavors of spiced apples for a round finish. The result is a crisp sip that drinks well above its price point.
Cremants offer an affordable option to true Champagnes and often exhibit the same toasty and brioche flavors. Case in point: this bottle, which blends Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay for an elegant sparkling wine. The bubbles are crisp and deliver subtle aromas of flower petals and citrus as you sip. It finishes clean and dry with a touch of minerality that leaves you longing for more. Pair it with appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, or serve it as a celebratory toast for a crowd of mixed palates.
Born in Brooklyn and hailing from Champagne, France, B.Stuyvesant brings a unique and creative energy to the world of Champagne. While there are many offerings to covet, this demi-sec is particularly noteworthy for its sumptuous flavor profile and true golden hue. The blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir is well-balanced and delivers fresh aromas of juiced blood oranges and buttery hazelnuts while the bubbles are plentiful yet soft. If you're new to dessert wines, you'll enjoy this half bottle as it's just the right amount of creamy and sweet without being cloying.
RGNY is a quaint Mexican family-run winery in Long Island doing some interesting things with European wine varietals, and this sparkling Riesling is sheer proof. It features an inviting blend of ripe stone fruits, like apricot and peach, and plush rose petals. The combination isn't toasty or warm, but it is exciting, and the bubbles have just enough texture to make the wine feel celebratory like other sparklers.
Though this wine is made up of the traditional Cava varietals, it drinks like a refined rosé with superfine bubbles. The color is just as elegant and falls somewhere between a rose and salmon hue that instantly makes you think of rose petals. On the palate, you'll discern equally sophisticated notes of creamy white fruits, cassis, and lush red flowers. It's the perfect bottle for a special occasion and never fails to deliver a pleasant finish, whether you're a fan of sparkling rosés or not.
Prosecco can go two ways and either be crisp and lightly dry or soft and fruity. This bottle gets the balance just right and delivers lively bubbles and clear notes of ripe fruits like peaches and green apples that provide a natural sweetness. Even better? The bubbles linger to the finish and make for a refreshing glass whether you're celebrating or just sipping at home.
Red wine isn't usually what comes to mind when thinking about sparkling wines—especially when made from hefty varietals like Malbec. But this bottle is special. The bubbles are delicate and offer a delightful fizziness upon opening, and the nose is fragrant with a mélange of berries. As you sip, you'll note the fresh fruity flavors that are nicely balanced between tart and sweet—think cherries, strawberries, and blackberries—and that soft velvety texture.
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