Article: Bubbles That Won’t Break Your Budget

Hello Budget Brides! I am probably relaxing on a beach in Cancun as you read this post. Here is an article that I found in the beginning of this year. So, if you are deciding to serve champagne at your wedding this is definitely an article that you want to read. Enjoy!

Bubbles That Won’t Break Your Budget
Toast the New Year with the fabulous Champagne alternatives.
By Ashley Hymore

New Year’s Eve is a night that sparkles—from the Waterford Crystal covered ball in Times Square to the cocktail dress you wear to the party. Even the bubbly you pour in your glass--for midnight toasts--sparkles. However, with these difficult economic times being what they are, it can be hard to stomach the hefty price tag that comes with a bottle of authentic French Champagne. Luckily, there are quite a few delicious and affordable sparkling wines being produced all over the world, and a lot of them right here in the United States.

You may not know it, but prestigious Champagne houses such as Möet & Chandon, MUMM, Louis Roederer and Taittenger have all made homes in Northern California wine country. These winemakers are all creating ultra-premium sparkling wines that don’t break the bank. For instance, MUMM Napa Blanc de Blanc delivers rich, complex flavors that offer elegant pear, lemon cream and cinnamon, and will only cost you $18. Most of these producers are making sparkling wines in the French tradition, so the quality is often much better than a bottle of Prosecco.

Domaine Carneros was founded by the renowned Taittinger Champagne House, and they are known for producing some of California’s best sparkling wine. Their estate is situated in the Carneros region of Sonoma, California—famous for production of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, two key ingredients in premium sparkling wine. I love their Domaine Carneros Brut 2005 ($20) for its beautiful notes of ripe green apple and lively lemon. Another great thing about Domaine Carneros? Since its inception, the winery has been helmed by the same woman wine maker, Eileen Crane. Having spent more than 30 years in the industry, she is the most experienced sparkling winemaker in the United States.

Whether you are looking for great sparkling wine, or just a great value, I say toast the New Year with something domestic! All of these bubblies will be easy to find at your local wine shop. And for a blow-out event, look for large format versions of these sparklers—called magnums. In fact, sometimes the cost of a magnum is less expensive than purchasing two bottles, and you’ll definitely have all eyes on you when you show up to a party with a bottle that size!

Mumm Napa Brut Napa Valley Prestige NV $19
Creamy, yeasty aromas mix with baked pearMumm Napa Blanc de Blanc 2003 $18
One of the most elegant sparklers out there for the priceRoederer Estate Rosé NV $26
Taste rich cherry, peach, pear and floralDomaine Chandon Brut California Classic NV $22
Apple blossom and citrus lead to crisp and creamy flavorsDomaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs $16
This award winning, top sparkler of the world gives lots of soft strawberry and spicy vanillaDomaine Carneros Brut 2005 $20
Fresh and crisp ripe apple with lively lemon and mineral flavorsPiper Sonoma Brut Sonoma County Select Cuvée NV $17
Crisp and creamy with floral jasmine and citrus

Article found on We.TV