Valentine’s Day Bargain Bubblies - Taste of the Test Kitchen

February 10, 2012

Valentine's Day Bargain Bubblies

Posted by Kris Kurek

With so many budget friendly options, how do you choose???

Little gets me more excited than a quality sparkling wine at a bargain price.. this Valentines Day, if you are looking to impress your sweetheart with some effervescence that wont break the bank - look no further...In the test kitchen, We tasted sixteen sparkling wines in order to bring you the best of the bargain bubblies. Our final nine selections range from $10-$22, so you should have no problem finding the perfect bottle for your special night. Find out what to buy and how to pair it. Cheers!

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1 We loved the range of hues, effervescence and also glass shapes and sizes!

We would recommend this as a finish to the evening to serve with something sweet...nice pairing with chocolate covered strawberries. Ruffino Prosecco, about $12.

2 We would recommend this as a finish to the evening to serve with something sweet...nice pairing with chocolate covered strawberries. Ruffino Prosecco, about $12.

3 Fresh and tart...we thought this would be nice with oysters... Woodbridge Extra Dry, about $19.

4 Crisp, dry and refreshing with apple and pear notes. Woodbridge Brut, about $10.

This unique cava was quite dry and not super effervescent, yet a winner with us. If you prefer a sweeter bubbly this may not be for you! Mineraly with notes of white peach and lemon, we see this paired with a Spanish jamon. Pares Balta Brut, about $14.

5 This unique cava was quite dry and not super effervescent, yet a winner with us. If you prefer a sweeter bubbly this may not be for you! Mineraly with notes of white peach and lemon, we see this paired with a Spanish jamon. Pares Balta Brut, about $14.

6 "This bubbly's deep pink hue screams Valentine's day...buy a bottle to enjoy with your sweet. And pair its summer fruit flavors with anything from shellfish to lamb" - Regan Dodson Chandon Rose, about $22

7 One of my personal faves....smooth and crisp with cherry notes....plus a beautiful blush hue...great bang for the buck! Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, $14

A traditional standby of mine - this fruit forward bubbly has subtle hints of green apple, citrus and vanilla and enough complexity to stand up to richer foods. Scharffenberger Brut, about $17.

8 A traditional standby of mine - this fruit forward bubbly has subtle hints of green apple, citrus and vanilla and enough complexity to stand up to richer foods. Scharffenberger Brut, about $17.

From France but technically not a champagne, this cremant d'alsace is also one of Martha's faves...and for the price it is a steal. Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose, about $19.99

9 From France but technically not a champagne, this cremant d'alsace is also one of Martha's faves...and for the price it is a steal. Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose, about $19.99

This rose may not be as deeply hued as expected but its floral notes, hints of red fruit and persistent mousse made it a great value. Fantinel Rose Prosecco, about $15

10 This rose may not be as deeply hued as expected but its floral notes, hints of red fruit and persistent mousse made it a great value. Fantinel Rose Prosecco, about $15

11 Let the tasting begin!!!!

12 We highly encourage experimenting with different types of glasses to find you favorite - we happened to like these elegant stemless options.

We immediately were transported to Spain when we tasting this cava which some of us thought was reminiscent of sherry. Paired with Spanish ham and rustic bread, Pares Balta makes for an excellent beginning to a romantic evening.

13 We immediately were transported to Spain when we tasting this cava which some of us thought was reminiscent of sherry. Paired with Spanish ham and rustic bread, Pares Balta makes for an excellent beginning to a romantic evening.