Budget Bubbles

It's that time of the year, when you're either going to have to provide or arrive with a bottle of sparkling wine.

This is largely a good thing; it means you have friends or family or at least an affable business associate. But, depending on the number/thirst of these people, you may not have the funds to open Dom Pérignon for every single occasion. That's where we come in - you know we curate our wine selection for every price point, so we know what to drink without going for broke.

If you've come into the store shopping for bubbles in the last couple of weeks, chances are that Nick has recommended the 2018 Laborie Blanc de Blancs Méthode Cap Classique to you. This is one of our best bang-for-your-buck propositions in recent memory. A vintage Blanc de Blancs for $20?! That's hard to come by. This is a lovely Chardonnay-based sparkler from South Africa that drinks well on its own, but is also very friendly with foods (fried chicken, anyone?).

Another store favorite is the 2022 Eudald Massana Noya, Cava Brut Nature. This organic cava delivers a surprisingly pure and refreshing fizz for just $18. It's bone dry and stone cold delicious, and at this price point you can really splash it around.

Now we're partying. The Cocchi Brachetto d'Acqui Dolceis a sweet, delicate, easy red with a light mousse and a ton of red berry fruit. With a low ABV of only 7%, go ahead and keep your glass full while you live la dolce vita.

Okay, sometimes you need actual Champagne, and while that's going to cost more than our other budget bubblies, you don't need to mortgage an appendage to get outstanding quality. The NV Champagne Mea, Extra Brut 1er Cru 'L'Assemblage' is 70% Pinot Noir & 30% Chardonnay from only 1er Cru vineyards, so expect some hefty effervescence along with citrus compote and a bit of brioche. This is the good stuff, after all.

Whether you're hosting or guesting, these bottles are a great way to share good wine, and a lot of it.

And there's more where these came from!