If there’s any time of year to pop some bubbly, it’s definitely the month of December. While we advocate for sparkling wine all the time, something about the holidays makes us want to add a little sparkle to our lives. We understand that shopping for bubbly can get complicated at times; if not Champagne, what does one buy? Many consumers aren’t aware of the immense amount of sparkling wine that exists in the world outside of Prosecco and Champagne, and lots of it is delicious, and affordable, too. We’ve compiled a list of bang-for-your-buck sparklers to try during the holiday season — Prosecco, Champagne, and others. So sit back, pop a cork or two, and get ready for some glitter in your glass during this festive holiday season.
Bohigas Brut Reserva Cava NV
Love Champagne but hate the price tag? Cava is a great alternative to Champagne in that it’s made in the exact same process (méthode traditionelle) with different grapes. Bohigas Brut Reserva is produced by a father-daughter team in northeastern Spain, crafted from organically farmed, estate-grown grapes. This traditional Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada blend spends 24 months on the lees, giving the wine a yeasty Champagne-like character, with low dosage levels added at the end of the process to maintain fresh fruit flavors. Average Price: $15
Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut NV
Often left in the shadows of its European counterparts, domestic sparkling is not to be forgotten. This American bubbly is extremely reminiscent of its Old World cousins, with layered, crisp fruit flavors and a fresh finish. The wine is a a blend of hand-harvested Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. The wine bursts with green apple aromas that carry over to the palate and dance with light creamy undertones. Pairs well with light hors d’oeuvres. Average Price: $24
Primaterra Prosecco NV
Let’s face it: Shopping for affordable Prosecco can get tricky, considering how much awful, sugar- ridden Prosecco is on the market. Primaterra is a lovely example of what quality, dry Prosecco should taste like, brimming with notes of white flowers and citrus. Bright, juicy bubbles coat the palate in this inexpensive, festive sparkler. Average Price: $11
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve
Looking for true Champagne at a great value? Nicolas Feuillatte is a great bang for your buck, as well as one of the best-selling Champagnes in France. The blend utilizes all three Champagne grapes, with an assemblage of 40 percent Pinot Noir, 40 percent Pinot Meunier, and 20 percent Chardonnay. The wine presents gorgeous light gold hues in the glass, with a light, refreshing palate of white pear and chopped hazelnuts. A beautifully well-balanced wine at a price that your wallet will thank you for. Average Price: $35
Naveran Brut Vintage
This estate-bottled vintage Cava is perfect for you Champagne lovers — for a fraction of the cost. Naveran has been producing bubbles in high altitudes of the Penedes region since 1901. Made from a classic Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada blend, the wine spends 18 months aging on its lees for a crisp, clean mouthfeel of citrus and light brioche undertones. This is one of, if not the, most affordable vintage sparkling on the market! Average Price: $15
Loimer Extra Brut NV
Looking for something slightly off the beaten path? This Austrian sparkler (known locally as sekt) is sure to spark some conversation among your guests, thanks to its unique growing region and distinct candied-fruit flavors. The wine is a blend of two classic Austrian varietals, Gruner Veltliner and Zweigelt, with the remaining 25 percent Pinot Noir. The grapes are grown biodynamically and ferment spontaneously in stainless steel tanks, then age on the lees for 14 months followed by bottle aging. Candied apple and brioche dominate the palate in this fun, one-of-a-kind sparkler. Average Price: $30
Bisol Cru Crede DOCG
This high-quality Prosecco is created from a blend of Glera, Verdiso, and Pinot Bianco, grown in a marine sandstone subsoil known as “crede.” This type of soil aids the grapes in reaching optimal acidity and ripeness. The bright yellow color and persistent bubbles are perfectly festive for the month of December. Average Price: $20
Juvé & Camps Essential 2013
This vintage Cava is an absolute steal — and certain to please any of your Spanish- sparkling lovers. The Juvé family has been producing wine for over 200 years in northeastern Spain, focusing on Xarel-lo, the bread-and-butter grape of Cava blends. This bottle, however, is unique — not only is it vintage, but it’s 100 percent Xarel-lo. Toasty, stewed apple notes dominate in this inexpensive crowd- pleaser. Price: $16
Domaine Rolet Crémant du Jura
What exactly is a crémant, anyway? Crémant is a term used for sparkling wine from France that is produced outside the Champagne region. This particular crémant comes from the Jura, located between Burgundy and Switzerland. This blend of 80 percent Chardonnay and 20 percent Poulsard is produced in the same way in which Champagne is produced, undergoing a secondary fermentation in bottle. The result is a wine pale in color, with lively fruit flavors and nutty undertones. Fine bubbles create a long- lasting, persistent finish. Average Price: $20
Piper-Heidsieck Brut
Out of the better-known Champagnes, Piper-Heidsieck is definitely a bang-for-your-buck option. This true Champagne is generally a bit less expensive than other well-known brands, with a quality level sure to exceed your popular picks. This full-bodied, fruit-forward Champagne has a Pinot Noir-dominant blend, brimming with flavors of ripe golden fruit and toast. A notable option worth every penny, plus, the red label will perfectly fit your holiday theme. Average Price: $44