Sparkling wine: Handicapping the options

The vast majority of our annual fizz consumption will occur in the next few weeks, said Dave McIntyre in The Washington Post. The good news is that these days a great-tasting bubbly doesn’t have to mean Champagne. There are four general categories of sparkling wines. From each, here are bottles I consider worth a “splurge.”

Prosecco: Il Faggeto Prosecco di Valdobbiadene ($19)

Because Prosecco, an Italian wine, is made in bulk, its bubbles are softer than Champagne’s. It makes “a terrific mood-setter and a good partner for various antipasti.”

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Cava: Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad ($21)

The best of “Spain’s answer to Champagne” is still a bargain when it comes to top sparkling wines.

American sparkling: 2002 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage ($45)

This “elegant” sparkler is the result of heavy investments in California vineyards by the top Champagne houses.

Champagne: Delamotte Brut Rose ($100)

The trick to Champagne these days is to forgo the “marquee” labels for “smaller brands,” especially wines like this one, which is “made by the same family that grew the grapes.”