Barefoot Cellars Chardonnay Champagne Extra Dry Apricots and raspberry flavors make this inexpensive California bubbly like fruit cocktail without the heavy syrup. Great balance of sugar that will please most palates. Sweetness = 6. $8. 1/2
Grandin Brut Loire Valley From another great region for sparkling wines in France -- the Loire Valley. Full-bodied, with a taste that smacks of smooth almond butter. If you like your sparklers a bit less tart, this one's for you. Amazing value. Sw = 3. $10. 1/2
Lindauer Brut New Zealand Damn, those kiwis can make fantastic wine. Just as good as the snobby French, at a third of the price. This is easily the best deal out there for dry sparkling wines this year. Very dry with firm acids, citrus and a gorgeous creamy mouthfeel. Sw= 1. $12. 1/2
Argyle 1999 Brut Willamette Valley From Oregon comes a refreshingly citrus, toasty, minerally sparkling wine. Has some great oomph to it in the mouth and finishes clean. Sw = 2. $14.
Codorníu Pinot Noir Brut Cava This pink Spanish sparkler bears the earthiness of a pinot noir, mixed with a crisp, tart strawberry. Very light-bodied and easy to drink. Sw= 2. $14.
Jean Baptiste Adam Cremant d'Alsace Brut This French sparkling wine is a bargain from the Alsace region. Toasty citrus, with plenty of fizz to liven up the party. Sw = 3. $18. 1/2
Mumm Napa Cuvee "M' For the sweeter sparkling fans out there, here comes a doozy. Rich and fruity with strawberries and peaches. Hints of vanilla and caramel as well. Sw = 7. $18.
Prestige Mumm Cuvee Napa Valley Clean and spicy, smelling coolly like wet slate. Citrus and mineral define the flavor. Sw =2. $18. 1/2
Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley From California. Full of toasty yeast, lemon and green apple. Sw = 2. $20.
Mumm Cuvee Napa Blanc de Noirs Brut Zesty and tangy sparkling wine with fresh strawberries coming to the party. Crisp and light. Sw = 3. $22. 1/2
Duval Leroy Brut Champagne A French, full-bodied, tangerine-y, citrus number. Great deal on the real deal from the old country. Yeasty and floral, too. Sw = 2. $26. 1/2
Oudinot Cuvee Brut Light, refreshing raspberry with loads of action on the tongue. Kickass fruity finish, too. Quite yummy. Sw = 2. $29. corkscrew@creativeloafing.com