When it comes to sparkling wines, turns out there`s cause for celebration.
Wine experts at Consumer Reports tested 11 sparkling wines costing anywhere from five to 37 dollars. 'If you want to find a good sparkling wine that`s not that expensive, there are plenty of choices.' In fact, Consumer Reports says that when it comes to sparkling wine, a higher price doesn`t necessarily mean higher quality.
Four of the wines tested -- including this 30-dollar bottle of Piper Heidsieck, a French Champagne -- weren`t even good enough to make Consumer Reports` initial cut.
'They were OK, but they had some off-notes, so we concentrated on some of the better wines in our tests.'
After swirling ... sniffing ... and sipping ... three were named Consumer Reports Best Buys.Among them this Blanc de Noirs from Gloria Ferrer, a California Vintner. It was smooth, with hints of ripe fruit, and costs just 16 dollars a bottle.
And for 14 dollars, this Gruet
Blanc de Noirs -- from New Mexico — rated even higher. It combines slightly yeasty flavors and a nice mix of tropical fruit, apple, and pear.
'For sparkling wines, which can be kind of expensive, these were a great combination of both price and quality.'
So go ahead -- enjoy some bubbly at your next dinner party.
