Cheap Sparklers

Posted by Alan Boehmer Jan 20, 2008

We bring out Champagne for our special occasions. Most of us reserve sparkling wines to celebrate such events. Yet it is generally agreed that sparkling wines offer the broadest range of food pairings, from cheese courses to desserts. So if you happen to be of the former opinion, perhaps it's time to give sparkling wines a second thought.

Unlike poor still wines, poor sparkling wines can often be useful. Add a splash of fruit syrup and you have a sparkling cocktail. Even served straight up, the effervescence covers a multitude of shortcomings for most tasters.

Champagne is, of course, a premium product. But France produces sparkling wines in the Loire Valley and Burgundy also. Sparkling Vouvray (Loire) can be delicious; it can also disappoint. We've not tasted an inexpensive one that we can recommend.

Burgundy is another matter. We've not tasted an inexpensive sparkler from Burgundy that we did'nt like. These wines will retail for around $9 and go under the moniker of Cremant de Bougogne. They come in white and rosé versions.

Cremant d'Alsace is another, slightly more expensive, alternative, well worth seeking out. Also, German wineries produce a bulk sparkler called Sekt which can be found in North American markets for as little as $4. They are decent wines and worth every penny.

Of the American sparklers, we recommend the sparkling wines of Chateau Ste.-Michelle, a Washington State winery that specializes in inexpensive sparkling wines along with a broad spectum of still wines. They offer a Brut, Extra Dry, and Blanc de Noirs—all for around $8. We like the Blanc de Noirs the best.