Wow with Sparkling Wines Under $25 Summerhill Estate Winery 2023 Let's wrap 2023 up in a neat bow and toss into the past. It's time to take stock of all that has transpired. The wine cellar is a bit more depleted, the friends are more scattered around the globe than I would prefer and travel is confounded by wars and tensions. Whatever the case, its time sip something to raise our spirits. Why not bubbles!?! Some might argue I'm addicted to champagne, but I could think of worse things. Truth is, I'm addicted to the occasions that can be celebrated with a white wine glass full of a elixir of dry, racy aromas and flavours supported by tiny, delicate pearls. I like the effervescence that bubbles bring to my palate and mood. Add a few oysters on the half shell and we've got a party. Because I like to share, here is my short list of bargains to help you ring in the New Year. Good Buy 2023 (Pun Intended)Stand back. I've got the saber. Sabering is one of my favorite parts of enjoying bubbles. If you haven't watched a demonstration here is the Good Wine Gal Facebook link. My apologies if we are not yet friends. Best to send a request and then let's continue. Here are some of the bottles I recommend under $25 that are great value and "good wine". Cheers to you and yours and the celebration of hope for a brilliant 2024.  Hungaria - Grande Cuvee $15.99It may not be the best Hungary has to offer, but its a terrific sparkling wine for the price. You may even fool your friends if you keep the bottle hidden in the kitchen. Here's a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. You'll find some toasty, nutty flavours under the scent of fragrant floral notes, citrus juice, green peach, melon with hints of sweetness yet dry. The charm of this sparkler is it's freshness and fine persistent bubbles. Pairs well with baked brie to ceviche. 11.5% abv. Available at 151 BC Liquor stores.  Segura Viudas - Cava Brut Reserva $18.99Having visited Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, the quintessential birthplace of Cava, it's hard to pass up an opportunity to sip Spain's finest bubble. If you haven't read my post on Cava, here's the link. This style gets it's freshness and flavours from 50% Macabeo, 30% Xarel-lo and 20% Parellada. This signature blend spends 15 months on its lees giving it complexity, fine bubbles and a long finish. 12% abv. Available at 194 BC Liquor stores. This is a great find and versatile sip to pair with oysters, smoked salmon and tapas.  Bottega - Petalo Il Vino Dell'amore $18.49Everything about this Moscato is fantastic! It's perfumed, fresh, sweet and intense. It's perfect for an afternoon aperitivo, Sunday Brunch or a treat for those who love sweet. Bottega has won us over with dry prosecco in the Gold, Silver and Rose bottles, but this stands above all as beautiful, charming, flavourful and irresistible once you have taken that first sip. I'm sure amore will cast a spell on you. It's definitely an aphrodisiac. Pair it with fruit salad, mild cheeses and your love. 6.5% abv. Available at 131 BC Liquor stores.  One of BC's first and most sustaining bubble brands, you can't go wrong with Stellar's Jay Brut. It's dry, fresh with aromas and flavours of fresh citrus, green stone fruit, red fruit and some nuttiness giving a Canadian perspective on France's traditional method. This is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. It pairs well with hummus, roasted veggies, feta cheese and warm pita bread. What's not to love. 12% abv. Available at 171 BC Liquor Stores. Stellar's Jay Brut 2017 $21.99 Henkell - Dealcoholized Sparkling Wine $15.29Non-alcoholic beverages are all the rage and some are better than others. The technology of de-alcoholizing wine has been perfected in, you guessed it, Germany so it's no surprise that Henkell has a charmant method sparkler. Here you'll have the benefit of lively freshness, with classic aromas of pear, apple and citrus. The bubbles may be a bit larger, with a finish that is short, but this is definitely dry and flavourful, giving the party goers an option for a dry start to 2024. 0.5% abv. Available in 98 stores. Happy New Year! Champagne Lanson, Reims, FR 2022 When it comes to celebrations, there is nothing better than bubbles and a blade. Each of us has a preference and a style. Whatever you choose, may it bring you joy and make your celebration not only delicious but also affordable. Thank you for reading and your on-going support. Cheers to 2024 and I look forward to reading your comments below. If you have not yet subscribed to my newsletter, please do so and you'll receive monthly news about all things wine as I get ready for travel in 2024.
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I'm Good Wine Gal.
I blog about "good wine" and how to find it! Join me on my adventures of finding beautiful wine loving places, people and those special bottles we all get excited about. Archives
July 2024
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Photos from Magnus Reuterdahl, wuestenigel, Fareham Wine