Some Cheap, Sparkly Tipple for NYE

Whether you go to a party, host a party, or sit in the dark with your cat; there are bubbly beverages with big dollar-to-flavor ratios. Okay, I mainly hope you keep your hands and mouths away from Andre and Korbel. It doesn't matter if you have a fake ID...

Any cava or prosecco will probably be better, but I culled a few bottles that received some positive reviews while costing few dollars.

I won't say "Under $10", because your results may vary. Here are a few ideas when you hit the packie.

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Cristalino Brut Cava (Spain)

Comments:

"...both dry and full of flavor. Spanish cavas are generally not very sweet, making them the best champagne alternative (over California sparklers or Italian proseccos), and the Cristalino scores off the popularity charts in online wine tasting communities and traditional rankings, like those from Wine Spectator."

"With notes of green apple and bright citrus ...delivers the best bang for your buck"

Good stuff! Most of your ccompany will not know this is discount bubbly. Some like the rose version too.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva (Spain)

Comments:

"The wine tastes the way it smells: apple, pear, bread, and minerals. There’s good, crisp acidity too."

"It’s fragrant and clean, and lasts on fruit, a rich style with balance."

Pretty sure I've tried it and made an "Ooooh" sound.

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (Spain)

Comments:

"It has a nice smell that’s a balance between fruity and buttery bread, and tasters dug the bubbles’ smoothness."

"...a noticeably balanced wine with crisp flavors and a smooth finish. Consider this brut for a variety of food options, from the fancy and formal to the informal summer gathering"

"On your tongue, it will taste quite dry, meaning there isn't an overwhelming sweetness to the wine."

"...a sparkling wine that offers excellent value and has been dubbed a 'Champagne killer.'"

"...this is a crowd-pleasing bubbly that's slightly sweet and slightly dry and everything mellow in the middle."

The multiple comments give you the idea: always dependable when you feel like a cheap sparkling wine any time of year.

Zardetto Prosecco (Italy)

Comments:

"It’s light-bodied and fruity, neither yeasty nor toasty. …dry and super-sparkling, with aggressive fizz and a fast finish."

"Soft and delicate... layering subtle nuances of lemon-lime and ripe pear."

Good flavor and a solid value.

Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut (Washington)

Comments:

"...its fresher style that’s lighter than Champagne. The apple-ness turns the mouth almost cidery for some; the finish is fresh and dry."

"...for the celebrant who wants flavor -— specifically, the toasty or oaky flavor typically found in both chardonnay and true French Champagne."

I think I've had it, and it's not bad, especially in a mimosa or a cocktail.

Gruet Brut (New Mexico)

Comments:

"...a simple, crisp sparkler with lots of appley notes."

"...crisp and full of green apple fruit, without the overdone oak and tastiness..."

The label looks fancy -- just don't let people see it's from Albuquerque.

Presto Prosecco Brut (Italy)

Comments:

"Crisp and festive, this Italian sparkler reminded blind tasters of hard cider"

"...with soft fruit, citrus, and yeast notes. The wine is very well balanced between acidity and richness."

Presto, you've made the booze disappear!

Lunetta Prosecco (Italy)

Comments:

"...a well-rounded sparkling wine. Refreshing, crisp, and medium dry, it is a delightful substitute for the much higher priced Champagne."

"Aromatic with white peach and apple on the nose; more apple, white peach, and a hint of lemon on the palate. Dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long finish."

It could be on sale.