In this video, Attorney Somm identifies 3 categories of sparkling wine that are made in the traditional method, or Champagne method, but which come from other regions and are available for about $20. Even entry level Champagne starts at $40 per bottle and goes way up from there, so these recommended sparkling wines offer compelling value.
This video discusses sparkling wines made in the same method as Champagne – where the secondary fermentation occurs in the same bottle that you purchase and there is lees aging. Prosecco is not discussed. While Prosecco is a sparkling wine and available at affordable prices, the process to make that sparkling wine is very different. Specifically, Prosecco sparkling wine is produced using the tank method or the Charmat method, which does not involve extended lees aging.
The first sparkling wine category is Cremant sparkling wine. Cremant is sparkling wine from regions in France other than Champagne. The examples discussed come from Alsace, Loire and Burgundy. These sparkling wines offer excellent, affordable alternatives to Champagne. Suggested Cremant sparkling wine examples include the following: (1) Bailly-Lapierre Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Egarade (approximately $20); (2) Louis de Grenelle Cremant de Loire Brut NV (approximately $20); and (3) 2017 Domaine Albert Mann Cremant d’Alsace Extra Brut (approximately $25).
Sparkling wine from the Anderson Valley in California is also a good choice. Champagne houses Louis Roederer (Louis Roederer Estate Brut) and Louis Pommery (Louis Pommery Brut – California) are producing sparkling wine in California. Both of these Champagne houses have excellent sparkling wine options at the $20-$25 price points.
Cava is the third sparkling wine category discussed by Attorney Somm. Cava is sparkling wine from Spain. The fruit for this Spanish sparkling wine grows in the Penedes region. There is a movement to increase the quality of cava, but excellent options remain in the $20 range. A suggested example includes Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava (approximately $20).
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