Best Sparkling Wines for Under $20

Want to put some fizz into the party, but can’t spend top dollar?  These scrumptious sparkling wines taste a lot glitzier than their price tags, and they’re available in most large liquor stores:

Louis Bouillot Perle de Vigne, France
$19

With a name meaning "Pearl of the Vine," this Crémant de Burgundy lives up to the hype with its delicate yet rich finish of sharp Granny Smith apples.

Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, Australia
$18

This Aussie gem tastes twice as expensive as its price. It has a frothy head; fine bubbles; notes of complex citrus, red berry, yellow stone fruit, and biscuit; and a silky smooth richness. The Pinot Noir grape dominates the blend.

Trapiche Extra Brut, Argentina
$15

Hand-crafted in the Andean foothills, this lively sparkler shows typical Chardonnay aromas of apples and pineapples with a toasted bread note. Added regional varietals Semillon and Malbec help to create a full, crisp character.

Mondoro Sparkling Asti, Italy
$15

Produced from white muscat grapes grown in the Asti region of Northern Italy, this sweet wine has a delicate, refreshing character that pairs well with desserts or soft fruits.

Verichon & Clerc Privilège Blanc de Blancs, France
$12

Blending Chardonnay, Chenin, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard grapes in the méthode traditionnelle, this Brut blanc de blancs has a rich fragrance of hazelnut and toasted grain, with hints of poached pears and buttered toast that linger over a long-lasting finish.

Party Time: Host a Wine Tasting

Do you think that wine-tasting parties are just for foodies and oenophiles? Think again, wine tastings are a fun way to enjoy time with friends while also refining your palate. And today, with so many great, inexpensive wines available, this party need not break the bank! Below are some tips to help you plan your wine tasting extravaganza!

Consult the experts. If you’re new to the world of wine, check the Internet for ideas, ask your local wine store for suggestions, or pick up a copy of a recent wine review magazine. If you like, you could even ask a customer service rep at your favorite gourmet food store for suggestions about cheese and food pairings.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if you’re a Chardonnay drinker, give yourself permission to try something new — you never know what you'll wind up liking! Plus, the more variety you have, the more fun you'll have trying them!

Brown-bag it. If your attendees have some wine-tasting experience, turn your tasting party into a competitive event by covering the labels and asking guests to try to identify each varietal. Reveal the labels at the end, and the winner gets — you guessed it — a bottle of wine!

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