6 Best Sparkling Wines For Fancy People On A Budget
A lot of folks enjoy sparkling wines, but may not indulge in them very often because of their perceived cost. You can still indulge in your sparkling wine fixation thanks to these cheaper options. There the 6 best champagnes for fancy people on a budget. Disclaimer: Most of these aren’t technically champagnes, as in French-made, but they’re still good sparkling wines none the less.
Yarra Burn – Brut Premium Cuvee
The Yarra Burn range of wines come from the stable of Ed Carr, considered by many to be Australia’s very best winemaker. This is a blend of Pinot Noir Chardonnay. The prevailing taste is that of citrus and stone fruit with some underlying hints of toast (brioche) and mushroom. There’s also some wild honey followed by lemon meringue and hazelnut flavours.
The citrus brings a zesty flavour and the bubbles are well balanced; they don’t overpower. In this way, it’s refreshing while also being crisp and dry. It finishes on a mineral note. This bright, fresh, and lively sparkling can be found at $16.00 and even at $12.00 at the lowest, coming below the price of a great many champagnes.
De Bortoli – Prosecco
As with champagnes, prosecco denotes a specific kind of wine. Prosecco does not refer to a place as champagne does, but rather to the method used to make it. This Prosecco is proudly Australian made and owned. It’s gently savoury with fine bubbles. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a refreshing spritz when mixed with an aperitif and soda water.
It’s fruit driven, with flavours of apple, wisteria, pear, and fresh pithy lemon run strong, along with a slight creaminess. It’s fermented twice and the second fermentation gives it is texture and creaminess. It’s good to pair with fresh seafood along with canapes. It also matched well with antipasto plates, specifically olives and hard cheeses. It comes at a very nice price of $11.90.
Reserve Fresita – Strawberry Sparkling
Champagnes rarely have the exquisite colour of this Chilean sparkling wine. This semi-sweet wine is combined with the very best strawberries, created through the Charmat method. It contains 100% natural strawberry pulp. This is the sole source of sweetness, with no added sugars or flavours. These strawberries, picked from the Andes Mountains, are blended with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Moscato.
It won’t surprise you to hear that it has a delicate strawberry flavour. If you’re a sweet tooth, this one’s for you. It can be described as a strawberry sorbet. It’s fun, delicious, and unique. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine. Try it alongside berry desserts. It’s also vegan-friendly! Prices range from $14.99 to $18.00.
Segura Viudas – Brut Reserva Cava
This cava hails from Spain. It combines freshness and fruitiness. The main feature is its elegant mousse. White fruits, citrus, and tropical fruits along with light floral hints make up the aromas. There ‘s some lime and pineapple in the pallet as well, making for a good acidity. It’s dry on the finish. This stuff’s been aged in a bottle for at least 15 months.
It goes well with preserved seafood like clams and anchovies. It also pairs with pasta dishes that also include seafood, like spaghetti marinara. It can be drunk throughout meals such as those, and can also be enjoyed with soft milk cheese and a mild brie, or with fruit platters. It costs $9.00.
Anna De Codorniu – Cava Brut
This sparkling wine actually comes from Cava in Spain. It’s a mix of Parellada, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Carmenere, Macabeo, and Xarelo. So quite a variety of grapes in there. This well-balanced wine has aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, and pineapple, which are then backed up by the flavours of peach, apple, and lime. There are also hints of orange blossom and vanilla, with just a bit of biscuit.
The palate is creamy, wide, and long-lasting. It’s a dry, medium-bodied wine that goes well with shellfish, appetizers and snacks, lean fish, aperitif, and cured meats. It can be found at just $9.00, making it one of the best value sparkling wines in the world.
Moet & Chandon – Brut Imperial
A bright fruitiness and seductive palate characterize this champagne. The body consists of Pinot Nero, the suppleness comes from Pinot Meunier and the finesse comes thanks to Chardonnay. Green apple and citrus fruit give it a vibrant intensity. It has a freshness to it by way of mineral nuances and white flowers. It also has an elegance of blond notes, namely brioche, cereal, and fresh nuts.
It has a generous palate coming from the white-fleshed fruits, the alluring caress of fine bubbles, and a soft vivacity from the nuances of gooseberry. At $441.99 it’s the priciest item on this list, but it’s reasonable compared to many other champagnes. Consider it a treat for special occasions if your budget doesn’t allow for regular consumption.
