Sparkling wine has a reputation for being pricey, which is understandable. The process of making bubbly wine is delicate and often done by hand, and many of the best bottlings enjoy extended aging on the lees, which adds layers of complexity to both texture and flavor. But this can also inflate price tags. The good news is that despite the category’s luxurious tilt, there are still plenty of great values to be found. With growing global interest in crafting exceptional bubbles, consumers now enjoy an extensive selection of sparkling wines that represent distinctive terroirs and captivating expressions.
This diversity is a boon for consumers who want to enjoy bubbly outside of the holiday seasons, as it offers a variety of styles that can suit any occasion. This movement also encompasses a number of emerging or rapidly improving regions offering wines that pack a lot of pleasure into a weekday budget. This week's lineup features a few such wines from Northern Italy, California, France, New York and beyond. Opening one of these delicious bottles at the end of a rewarding or demanding week, or even just for a spontaneous gathering of friends, is an excellent way to infuse a little sparkle into everyday life.
This selection includes the Domaine Carneros Brut Carneros 2020, one of two top scorers, which is plush with sumptuous fruit, crème brûlée and nut notes. Read on and get our score and full tasting note for this sparkling wine and 10 others.
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