10 Bubbly Wines Under $20
By Maureen C. Petrosky
Even though it's the season for toasting, many of us bubbleheads (self-proclaimed bubbly freaks) drink the stuff year-round. Many of you may save the bubble experience to celebrate the holidays, but there's no time like the present to pop open a few of these sparkling wines, each exceptional and a steal at $20 or less.
Cheers and happy sipping.
1. Schramsberg, Mirabelle, Brut NV, $20
This California sparkler is sure to dazzle your palate as its delicate bubbles dance around, bursting with green apple and pear flavor. I found my bottle for $16.
2. Mionetto "IL" Prosecco, $10
It's strange to use a bottle opener, instead of popping a cork, and hear a hiss to get to these bubbles. But one tango with this fruity sip and you won't pass over the bottle cap again. It's yummy, vibrant, fun and perfectly priced for any party.
3. Nicolas Feuillatte One Fo(u)r, $12-14
A full bottle of this Champagne is priced closer to $50, but you can get in on the action with these super-cute minis. The bright baby blue is $12 a bottle and the hot pink, for a taste of delicate rose, is $14. These bubbles are superb, and the best part is you don't have to crack open a whole bottle if you're serving wine for just one course.
4. Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, California, $20
Pour this energetic bubbly to enjoy flirty fruits and a dry finish. It makes for a great start to an evening or a lovely pick for the finale. For cocktail hour pair it with chilled shrimp cocktail and oysters on the half shell.
5. Mionetto Prosecco Brut, $13
Champagne cocktails like Bellinis or Mimosas are the perfect pick-me-up during a break from your holiday shopping. This Prosecco, the light and lively Italian bubbly, is one that has the strength to shine under any juice companion or can be served alone with a couple of frozen cranberries for a festive sip.
6. Alsace Willm, Blanc de Noir, $14
Blanc de Noir literally translates to "white from black" and refers to Champagne or sparkling wine made strictly from Pinot Noir, a red grape. This one is gorgeous wrapped in a gilded bottle. It possesses the slight pink of a ballet slipper with infinite tiny bubbles, ideal for toasting any special occasion.
7. Segura Viudas Aria Cava Brut, $12
Cavas, named for the region where Spanish sparklers are produced, always weigh in as bubbly bargain buys. Some are clumsy and have bubbles that fade quickly, but Aria pours up a lively sip. Although not as dry as Champagne, it's a crisp sip, perfect as an aperitif and always a hit when given as a gift.
8. Lucien Albrecht, Cremant d' Alsace, Brut, $19
This sparkling wine made in Alsace, France, a stone's throw from Champagne, is just as stellar as the real thing — at a fraction of the price. Seductive to sniff, teeming with bubbles and dressed up in its holiday garnet and gold, this one is creamy and waiting for you to savor each sip.
9. Banfi Rosa Regale, Brachetto d' Acqui, $20
This is the sexiest sparkler of all. On the sweeter side and in a rich raspberry color, this wine is the gift that keeps on giving. It's romantic, elegant and can take on any chocolate dessert for a decadent food and wine pairing.
10. Saracco Moscato d'Asti, 2007, $16
I rarely choose a wine for you to either sip or cook with, but with all of these pears asking to be poached, I figured this fizzy wine was perfect this season. This low-alcohol, slightly sweet wine works great when poaching, so pour a glass to sip and get cooking — your holiday guests are on their way.
*Prices listed are based on the standard 750 ml bottle, unless otherwise noted and may vary depending on location and proprietor.
Maureen C. Petrosky is author of The Wine Club: A Month-By-Month Guide to Learning About Wine With Friends.
| 
)
)
