New Netscape Forum poll: Best VALUE bubbly

[Robin Garr]

I've set up another online poll on the Netscape Forum, this time inviting you to tell us your pick for best <i>value</i> in sparkling wine. Even if you prefer expensive Champagne for those very special occasions, we're betting that you find simpler pleasure in something more affordable for everyday fizz. You'll find the "ballot" at this link. Please drop by soon and cast your vote (no forum registration or login is required if you simply vote, although I hope you'll stay around and add a comment). The more voters who participate, the more interesting - if not scientifically valid - the results will be.

[James Roscoe]

Why can't you cross post the poll here? Every time I go over to Netscape I remember why I vowed never to return. You really baited the hook with the poll on bublies. I couldn't resist. I love French cremants. I also love proseccos. It was a tough choice. American sparkling wine is a good value too. It's a good poll. I hope people join in and bring their comments over here.

Prosecco. The good ones are so pungently mineral and delightfully dry yet friendly and fruity. And also they're fairly low in alcohol so one can drink quite a bit of them - always an important consideration during the hot summer months

[James Roscoe]

I went with the cremant's because I love what the French in other regions do with sparkling wine, but Otto and Robin are making my mouth water for a good prosecco. I really wouldn't want to pay more than $15 for one though. Robin is featuring one today that seems a little pricey.

I clicked on Champagne because I think generally that does provide the best value, but I also think the best below-twenty-dollar values are elsewhere and are not limited to any one region. For instance, a couple of forum respondents mentioned Roederer Estate Andersen Valley, and that one's hard to beat anywhere for about 17 bucks. What about below fifteen dollars? While Cavas generally taste like a cross between strawberry soda pop and liquid rust, something called Bolugas Cava Rosado (NV) sells for only about $14 or less and not only delivers good fresh strawberries but a hint of minerals, which may be the rust in disguise but it's good enough to fool me.

What about below fifteen dollars? While Cavas generally taste like a cross between strawberry soda pop and liquid rust, something called Bolugas Cava Rosado (NV) sells for only about $14 or less and not only delivers good fresh strawberries but a hint of minerals, which may be the rust in disguise but it's good enough to fool me.

Gruet's Brut usually sells for $12-14 and is hard to beat at that price point. For the few extra bucks, the Roederer Estate is a QPR winner.

Mark Lipton

I didn't vote in the Netscape forum, but in New Zealand the best value bubbly is undoubtably Lindauer Brut NV. It's a local drop, but well regarded in the UK and is now available in the US too.

... Lindauer Brut NV. It's a local drop, but well regarded in the UK and is now available in the US too.

I completely agree with you about the Lindauer Brut. It arrived at our wine shop in Gig Harbor, WA back in January. At $9 it was a great find.

-- Clark