Champagne Alternatives
To quote Napoleon: Champagne - in victory you deserve it, in defeat you need it. But at $25 or $30 or better for a bottle of just so-so non-vintage Champagne, I'd like to offer alternatives to put a little sparkle in your glass.
Prosecco - Italy's answer to Champagne - is always a good bet. Zonin is a fine alternative and for under $8 - or less than the price of two Starbucks lattes - you can easily add a bit of sparkle to your drinking. For a few bucks more at $12 give Sommariva Prosecco di Conegliano a sip. But if you really want to see how great Prosecco, which is not only the name of the grape, but the region in Italy where it's grown, can be try Bellenda. The kosher version will set you back around $20 a bottle, and the non-kosher version about $18. It's incredibly creamy and rich and filled with floral aromas.
There are some lovely Cavas from Spain. Now everyone knows Frexinet, but raise your game a bit and give Gramona Cava Celler Battle at $17 or so a bottle. Or, perhaps try Raventos L'Hereu Cava for the same price.
Champagne is not the only region in France that produces sparkling wine. Try one from the Loire Valley or perhaps Lucien Albrecht Cremant d' Alsace for $15.
And if you want to buy American in order to help our flagging economy, then try a sparkling wine from of all places New Mexico. Yes, New Mexico. It's Gruet and it will set you back $15.
So there you have it. An assortment of ways to put some bubbles back in your glass.
Posted by SippingSister at 7/5/2009 11:21 AM 
Categories: wine, economy, Champagne
Tags: Prosecco bbq Cava Loire Champagne New Mexico value
Categories: wine, economy, Champagne
Tags: Prosecco bbq Cava Loire Champagne New Mexico value
Comments