Top 7 Best Affordable Sparkling Wines and Champagnes

Nothing says ‘classy’ like a flute of bubbly. Whether you prefer pink, gold, or crystal, you can class up just about any event with a sparkling wine or Champagne and the best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to do so. This list features the top seven sparkling wines and Champagnes available, each of which is under $100 a bottle.

Freixenet Carta Nevada Brut

Whether you’re a recent college graduate who landed his or her first ‘real-world’ job, a mom of four who just wants to feel fancy while soaking in a tub of bubbles, or half of a young couple that wants to get fancy for their anniversary, this sparkling wine was designed with you in mind. Refreshing, light, and slightly sweet, this bubbly is as playful as its price tag. It also comes from Spain, hence the name, so even though it may be cheap, it looks anything but.

Price: $8.99

Gruet Blanc de Blancs

When most people think of fine wines, they think of Napa Valley, France, or even Martha’s Vineyard, but they most certainly don’t think of New Mexico. Yet, this Champagne is a favorite of people who enjoy the finer things in life but who aren’t completely willing to shell out big bucks for them. Gruet Winery has been garnering a lot of attention lately, especially for this sparkling wine, which has a mature taste of apple, pear, and tropical fruit.

Price: $15.99

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Hailing from Napa Valley, you know this bubbly is bound to be good. As crisp as the air in this Northern California community and dry as any sophisticated wine should be, Brut Prestige combines the rich flavors of a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Smooth undertones of vanilla warm the stomach while richer aftertastes of citrus and melon make it the perfect pairing with a crisp fall evening or summer night.

Price: $22.00

Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble

Made in France but found at California’s Jordan Winery, this non-vintage brut Champagne celebrates the commitment to independent ownership and wines of quality. The beverage itself is comprised of 30% grand cru Chardonnay, 35% premier cru Pino Noir, and 35% Pino Meunier. Additional reserve wines also go into the makeup of this bubbly.

This Champagne is a brilliant gold color and is defined by subtle aromas of pear, apple, and brioche. Its creamy texture goes down smooth and leaves slightly acidic, slightly crisp apple and citrus flavors on the tongue.

Price: $49.00

Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée

Described as “full bodied with good acidity” and awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator, this non-vintage wine is the current favorite of 007. The light golden color and fine bubbles look spectacular on just about any dining table, and its aromatic, spicy scent of roasted apples, apple compote, and peaches offer a treat to the nose before each sip. The bubbles themselves have been described as “like velvet” and leave aftertastes of brioche, fresh walnut, and pear.

Price: $65.00

Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé

The winery behind this medium to full body wine was founded in 1818. The current directors belong to the 6th generation of the same family and continue to operate it as an independent, family-run winery. This particular Champagne is one of their best works of art thus far. It’s rosé in color and has the flavors to match, with rich fruity undertones and a mineral touch. James Suckling awarded it 95 points.

Price: $95.00

Ruinart Rose NV

This particular wine is testament to the saying that age is indicative of quality. Ruinart was the first to sell rosé Champagne, back in 1764, less than 40 years after it was founded. Since then, it dedicated itself to producing exclusively ‘wine with bubbles’.  This particular Ruinart delivers cheery, strawberry, and brioche notes.

Price: $94.00

You don’t have to be loaded to enjoy the finer things in life – you just have to know where to look. Use this guide to find the perfect bubbly within your budget.