Friday, April 29, 2011

Drink(s) of the Week: Bubbly Fit for a King and Queen

Let’s be honest—we’ll take just about any occasion to open a bottle of bubbly. Still, a royal wedding seems an affair as fit as any to fill our flutes, so for today’s Drink of the Week we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite bubbles from around the globe. And since our Champagne tastes live on a non-royal budget, each pick won’t set you back more than $20, meaning you can happily toast the newlyweds with a second (or third) glass.

Bianchi Extra Brut NV
Mendoza, Argentina may be best known for its Malbec, but this sparkler carves out its own niche thanks to its blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the foothills of the Andes. Combine that cooler climate with an extended aging of the wine, and you’ve got a bottle of bubbly perfectly balanced between brisk acidity and a silky-rich finish. $12, klwines.com

Sorelle Bronca Prosecco NV
This organically grown Prosecco from the Bronca sisters in Italy’s Veneto region retains just a hint of its natural sweetness, offering flavors of orange blossoms, white peaches and almonds. $17, blackwellwines.com

Castillo Perelada Brut Reserva Cava NV
Literally fit for royalty—Spain’s ruling monarch pours it during official functions—this bright, citrusy Cava blends Spain’s traditional Macabeo, Xarel-Lo and Parellada grapes into a zippy bottle of fizzy delight. $10, klwines.com

Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé NV
Fresh strawberries, white pepper and rose petals—it’s all in this low-alcohol, dry French rosé. Even better, it comes in at a mere 11 percent with a killer price tag.
$9, napacabs.com

J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Brut NV
Perhaps one of the best values among domestically produced sparkling wines, this California bubbly from Russian River producer J Vineyards is full of lemon zest, tart green apple and fresh pear flavors. $19, bevmo.com