Inexpensive sparking wines are plentiful

Tag : Yeast Powder

It's nearly impossible to buy Champagne anywhere for $15 and under,but there are plenty of sparkling wines on the market that can makefor a nice toast and reception for the bride and groom.
If you search the shelves, you can find bubblies not only from theUnited States but other countries, including France, for under $20. Marquis de la Tour Brut, $8.99
This French bubbly had a floral aroma with sweet-tart fruit scents,especially cherry, with a nice minerality. It had floral tastes onthe tongue along with more fruit than the aroma promised: citrus,melon and apple cider. Ranked first in our tasting, this wine was asuperb value for the cost-conscious. Lindauer New Zealand Brut, $11.99
We discovered dusty scents of cocoa, lemon oil, yeast and espresso.On the palate, the wine offered mouthwatering acidity. Whilelacking as much fruit, it had some baked apple flavors and afuller, richer body than the others. Ranked second in our tasting,it was very dry and reminded some of our tasters of a creamymousse. Korbel Russian River, $14.99
The bouquet suggested green apples, citrus and canned fruit aromas.The wine had a slight bitterness and briny taste in the mouth,along with orange and tangerine flavors. Lacking the acidity of theothers, it was still clean on the palate. Poema Brut Cava, $11.99
The aroma reminded us of ripe and baked fruit, with suggestions ofa lemon candle and talcum powder. In the mouth, we found coconutflavors with more tastes of baby aspirin. A fairly simple Spanishwine, its flavors disappeared too quickly for most of us. Codorniu Cava Original, $9.99
Scents of peaches, pears and petroleum emerged from the aroma. ThisSpanish wine was medium-bodied with a short finish. Slightlybitter, it still had a pleasant taste. 2007 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris, $17
Aromas of pear and vanilla with floral and almond notes greeted thenose of this Oregon wine. Floral, honeydew melon and litchiimpressions appeared on the palate. It was crisp and well balancedfor sipping or serving with picnic fare. 2006 Francis Ford Coppola Presents Rosso, $11
This Sonoma blend of zinfandel, syrah and cabernet sauvignonsmelled of fresh, ripe raspberries, cherries and alcohol. Ripefruit flavors followed in the mouth. Good wine to serve with pizzaor pasta with tomato sauce. 2005 Syrah "Le Pousseur," $18
This wine from the Bonny Doon Vineyard presented aromas of darkberries, violets and juniper. In the mouth, fresh fruits werefollowed by hints of white pepper and wood. Serve with sausagepizza. 2007 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc, $18
Teasing aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and flowers were followed bytastes of pink grapefruit and honeysuckle blending just enoughcitrus to provide a crisp-and-refreshing summer wine. Serve withsmoked salmon.