The holidays are here, and that means entertaining with wine. These picks from wine pro Leslie Sbrocco complement traditional menus and fall under $20, leaving you more money to toast the season in style.
For Holiday Appetizers
With guests dressed for glamour, nothing spells celebration like bubbly. A glass of fizz works beautifully with everything from simple appetizers like nuts and popcorn to extravagant caviar on toast points. The saltiness of these dishes is offset by zesty sparkling wine from around the world.
First, look to northeastern Spain for the affordable sparkler called cava. These bubblies are generally made from native grapes such as Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, lending them juicy flavor and softness. A top pick is Segura Viudas "Aria" Cava ($12), which is a real crowd pleaser.
For a touch of elegance, head to California and uncork the Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut ($20). This dry bubbly blends pinot noir and chardonnay grapes in a crisp classic.
If champagne from France is on your wish list but not in the budget, pick up the Pommery Champagne POP ($11). A single-serve blue bottle containing 187 milliliters, this mini-me size is the equivalent of a glass and a half. Load up an ice bucket with these sleek sippers and kick off your party with class.
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