2020 Top Values
Sparkling
The production of sparkling wine is as labor-intensive as winemaking gets, yet that hasn’t stopped vintners from turning out affordable options in a range of styles. Italy and Spain have long been leaders in keeping quality high and prices low, yet California has come on strong in recent years in delivering bright, flavorful examples.
90$20El Cep Brut Cava Gelida Gran Reserva 2015 | Spain | Apricot and tangerine flavors are set on the fine mousse of this expressive Cava, with pastry cream, toasted almond and candied ginger hints. —A.N.
90$21Louis Pommery Brut California NV | California | Steely and vibrant, this combines the best of Old and New World styles, with fresh lime, kiwifruit and blanched almond flavors. —T.F.
90$25Decoy Brut California Cuvée NV | California | Snappy and fresh, with layered and steely lemon and orange zest flavors accented by floral vanilla notes. —T.F.
90$25Josep Maria Raventós i Blanc Brut Blanc de Blancs Vino Espumoso 2017 | Spain | Sleek and finely knit, with flavors of crunchy green pear, salted almond and dried white cherry. —A.N.
89$18Cantina Montelliana Extra Dry Asolo Prosecco Superiore 57 NV | Italy | Subtle, with crisp acidity married to delicate notes of Anjou pear, blanched almond and blood orange sorbet. —A.N.
89$19Domaine Chandon Brut California NV | California | An easygoing sparkler, with appealing honeysuckle, apple and roasted nut tones. —T.F.
89$20Rotari Brut Rosé Trento 2014 | Italy | A lively rosé, with a delicate mousse carrying flavors of black currant, apricot and blanched almond. —A.N.
89$25Contadi Castaldi Brut Franciacorta NV | Italy | Lightly creamy and fresh, this is Franciacorta in an aperitif style, offering notes of white cherry, candied lemon zest, anise and toast point. —A.N.
88$16Lini Oreste & Figli Lambrusco Emilia Rosso Labrusca 910 2019 | Italy | This aromatic sparkling red is fresh and balanced, offering flavors of crushed blackberry and black cherry. —A.N.
88$19Gruet Blanc de Blancs American NV | New Mexico | A brisk and refreshing sparkler, this offers tart apple and lemon verbena accents that finish on a vibrant note. —T.F.