The best known and arguably most popular varietal of sparkling wine is Champagne – a sparkling wine from Champagne, France. Technically speaking, Champagne is only "Champagne" if it hails from that exact area of France, even if it is made from the very same grape and tastes exactly the same. All the rest is called "sparkling wine," and for the sake of our price point, we'll stick to the latter because Champagne can be unnecessarily expensive. When at the store, look for bottles with the acronym "NV" on them. "Non-vintage" means the wine has been blended from grapes harvested from two or more years. Look between those years, and you'll read "bang for your buck." Either way, sparkling wine will taste great as an aperitif or with appetizers, especially seafood, vegetables and cheese.
Why it's best: If a scale could weigh the taste-per-dollar ratio of a wine, Spain would outweigh France almost any day – particularly when considering Cava from Spain, which is named for the caves that store the beverage. Spanish Cava tastes like it smells, and of the Cavas that present stellar values all around, Freixenet cannot be ignored. In particular, Freixenet Brut – pronounced "fresh-eh-nee" – drinks very smoothly. On your tongue, it will taste quite dry, meaning there isn't an overwhelming sweetness to the wine. Instead, its minerality balances out the notes of butter and fruit, particularly apples and pears. Drink it with almost any appetizer, but especially vegetables and seafood. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: This sparkling wine may not come from Champagne, France, but it's just as good. You'll notice it is quite crisp and has a certain creaminess to it at the same time. The former notes suggest citrus and apricot. The latter, its creaminess, reminds you of nuts and even freshly baked bread. Though its finish is not quite as long as others, the taste is expansive and pleasingly sweet. Partake of it with guacamole or other foods that incorporate avocado, and you'll know what the term "easy drinking" means. Citrus fruit goes well with Marquis de la Tour Brut also. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Like Cava, Prosecco is a great alternative to Champagne when you're wanting bubbly. Made with a grape called Glera, Prosecco is produced in Italy's Veneto region. And though you may not know it, you've likely tasted Prosecco every time you have a Bellini with brunch.
Specifically, Presto Prosecco Brut is a good choice for under $10. Like most Proseccos, it is dry and has a good balance of bubbles and acidity. As a result, the wine is bright, crisp and simple in your mouth. Some say it is sweeter than other Proseccos, and I tend to agree. Regardless, you'll immediately taste a hint of honey with other sensations of bread and melon, which makes this a good pairing for smoked meats and cheeses. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: No, I didn't include this one because of the name, although it's definitely a conversation starter. Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry calls California its home, and is as laid back as the state's surf culture. For starters, it is sweet and citrusy, and being of medium body, it boasts a smooth minerality and nice, crisp level of acidity as well. The reminder of tangerines and limes makes it a sparkling wine especially suited for summer. I personally like to drink it with chicken, fish and veggies straight from the grill, and suggest you try it, too. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
