Learn More

About Sparkling Wines

At the base of many a party, sparkling wines are seen as an indispensable celebratory ingredient. In recent years, however, the French original, Champagne, has become dauntingly expensive. Enter the U.S. alternative. At the very top end of the quality spectrum U.S. bubbly has become good enough to compete with mass market Champagne, and often at a fraction of the price. U.S. sparklers tend to be fruitier in flavor and feature less of the complex yeasty notes that characterize a high quality Champagne. The very best producers offer wines in the $20 range and even less, making them exceptional value when compared to comparable Champagnes.

Top Picks for Sparkling Wines

Perrier-Jouët 2016 Belle Époque Champagne
96 points
$220
Opulent layers of brioche, lemon curd and pineapple give sumptuous decadence on a palate that is accented with electricity, silky bubbles and refreshing opulence.
Kirkland Signature 2024  Moscato dAsti DOCG
94 points
$7
Best Buy
A beautiful example of Moscato d'Asti with effusive fruit and floral notes in fine balance; will be delightful with desserts or a dessert on its own.
94 points $7 Best Buy
Perrier-Jouët 2015 Belle Époque Brut Champagne
94 points
$229
Complex and layered, this gem is drinking incredibly well now and will likely adapt and improve over the next decade or so in your cellar if you have the patience to wait to pop it.
Arnout Tamboer Jansz 2015 Methode Cap Classique Stellenbosch
94 points
$49
A delicious and serious sparkling wine showing the white and red fruits in balance with the lees aging while exhibiting racy citrus zest acidity.
Anne De K NV Brut Rosé Cremant Dalsace
93 points
$22
Tart red berry essence throughout with a lovely spritz and enough complexity to be a serious wine for meal pairings.
Victor Preiss NV Brut Cremant DAlsace
93 points
$45
Complex and delicious with ripe fruit, fresh flowers, and a touch of minerality; this is a seriously good sparkling wine.
Bright Leaf Vineyard 2018 Eclair Cuvée Brut Finger Lakes
93 points
$36
Well-balanced structure with direct flavors of orchard fruit, citrus, and mild lees aging; a crowd pleaser for any lovers of traditional sparkling wines.
Graham Beck NV Brut Western Cape
93 points
$25
Fine mousse with excellent acid and structure hold together the combination of citrus, orchard, and crisp red berry fruits that elevate this Brut.
Sidewood 2018 Isabella Brut Rosé Adelaide Hills
93 points
$30
A textbook and food friendly sparkling Rosé with a fresh, crisp yet fruity finish that is a great option to introduce people to New World bubbles.
Bagueri NV Brut Rosé Goriska Brda
93 points
$34
A richer and denser take on Brut Rosé that makes this an absolutely charming wine loaded with red berry and stone fruit character.