Of all of the places in the world I’ve visited, one of my favorite places is still Napa Valley, California. Unlike most of their French counterparts in say Bordeaux for example, most wineries here in California Wine Country welcome non-collectors, non-critics and those with simply curious palettes.
But there is always a downside…And here it’s that tasting rooms can often be somewhat commercial and often very busy, leading to a somewhat hurried and less than satisfying experience.
Rondel Brut Cava NV | Top Sparkling Wines Under $10
What Is Your Go-To Bargain Bubbly?
Sometimes Champagne can come across as a somewhat formal beverage. Traditionally it is a drink to be enjoyed when celebrating a major milestone such as an anniversary, wedding or perhaps even a life achievement. Then there is the issue of the price. Most Champagne’s start out in the $30-40, easily putting it out of range as a more casual everyday option for most consumers.
The French wine-making region of Champagne is small in comparison to other wine growing regions . It’s sought after real estate and wine-making doesn’t come cheap. Considering the cost of entry, I can understand why consumers might not be drinking Champagne often. But how about less-expensive alternative bubblies? The Rondel Brut Cava NV retails for under $10 and is easy to find at retailers nationwide.
Pine Ridge Encantado Red Blend Napa Valley 2010
I recently received an e-mail from Wines Til Sold Out touting a heavily discounted wine under what appeared to be a second label from an esteemed Napa Valley producer, only it wasn’t.
According to WTSO, an online discount wine retailer, the wine being offered was not a second label but the same juice and basically the same wine from one of Napa’s premier Silverado Trail wineries. This clever marketing tactic piqued my interest.
Finca Villacreces Pruno 2010
Recently there has been a lot of buzz about this wine because of an interesting trifecta of superlatives. The estate of Finca Villacreces, in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, lies on some very desirable land adjacent to one of the most famous Spanish wine producers in history: Vega Sicilia. Lauded by critics and highly sought after by collectors, the wines of this estate typically sell for several hundred dollars per bottle. Now you might be thinking that the Finca Villacreces Pruno 2010 is out of reach, but alas, it probably isn’t.
