Domestic Sparkling Wine

Some U.S.-produced sparkling wines are a good value

Sparkling wine from California's Roederer Estate -- a domestic offshoot of the French producer -- can compete with the top French houses, say experts. The estate uses a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes grown on-site to produce its California Brut. Ed McCarthy, the author of several books on wine, believes that Roederer Estate is the world's best sparkling wine in its price class. Eric Asimov of The New York Times has said he's always satisfied with a bottle of Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV (*Est. $20), and Fiona Beckett of Epicurious.com calls this wine "rich, seductive, and full-bodied." Wine Spectator says this sparkling wine is "rich, crisp, and appealing, with notes of cherry, ginger, citrus, and spice." The San Francisco Chronicle's tasting panel awarded Roederer Estate Brut NV perfect scores, and Wine Spectator awarded it 88 points (out of a possible 100) -- a high score in this price range. Experts say Roederer Estate Brut NV is ready to drink now.

In a slightly lower price range, Sonoma-based Gloria Ferrer produces a rich, creamy Sonoma Brut NV (*Est. $15) with flavors of fruit cocktail, lime and toast, reviews say. Ferrer earned a high rating from Wine Spectator. Moreover, Ferrer is the least expensive of the highly rated California Brut sparkling wines. Although not as refined as the top-rated vintage Champagnes, Ferrer is said to be a delicious bubbly that's suitable for drinking now.

In professional reviews, inexpensive and widely available Korbel Brut NV (*Est. $13) earns praise in its price range. Experts say this California sparkling wine is nearly as good a value as Gloria Ferrer. Wine Spectator and Wine News give it solid scores in its price range.

Domaine Chandon Brut Classic NV (*Est. $20) is another lively, widely available California bubbly with layered flavors of pear, spice and fresh-baked bread, according to the most credible reviews. For the money, we found the most universal praise for Roederer Estate NV Brut, but Domaine Chandon is said to be worth a try if you have trouble finding the Roederer sparkling wine. Any of these four sparkling wines outperforms others in their price class.