How many wines, so many opinions. If it were possible to buy "delicious" wine, everything would be extremely simple. But, fortunately or unfortunately, wine cannot be called “delicious”. Thousands of experts, cavists and tasters describe the aroma and taste of wine in a sophisticated way, and you say: "Delicious." Do not do like this.
At the same time, it is completely incomprehensible how to choose a good wine. There are many more ratings that present the best wines according to certain characteristics. Let's talk about them.
Robert Parker scale
Perhaps the most famous wine rating is Robert Parker's 100-point scale (RP). The final score is made up of the characteristics of color, aroma, taste and aftertaste of the wine. The minimum RP score is 50. This wine would be terrible. But hundred points are already masterpieces.
A lot of things are written about this rating, and many are inclined to believe that it has already lost its impartiality. However, the tops discussed below are based on the RP scale. Therefore, we do not undertake to judge this, but simply move on.
Annual Wine Spectator rating
The top wines from Wine Spectator are interesting both for the choice of wines and for the prices. There are not only super-expensive drinks, but also quite cheap ones.
Since 1988, the magazine has compiled its list of "Top 100 Wines" that experts have tasted throughout the year. This list includes well-known brands and unknown novelties. What pleases me most about this top is that they don’t try to sell me anything. The authors of the rating themselves declare that this is not a shopping list, but a guide to wine producers.
Unfortunately, of the affordable wines this year in Russia, you can buy only three of the top 100. For example, Matua Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent white wine with a bright fruity-floral aroma and tropical notes on the palate. It ranks 40th in the ranking. If you are looking for a good white semi-dry wine, take it.
100 inexpensive wines from Wine Enthusiast
And here is another interesting rating from the Wine Enthusiast portal. Its peculiarity is that it includes only inexpensive wines. Each bottle costs no more than $15. To compile this rating, experts tasted 1,450 wines and chose the best. The geography of drinks is quite wide - the rating includes drinks from 17 countries.
It was not possible to find specific specimens from the list in Russia, but the general trend is clear. In the top ten are American wines, drinks from Colombia and Australia. Among the grape varieties in the top 10 are Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
How to choose a good wine?
Nowadays, on the shelves of stores there is a huge assortment of alcoholic beverages, including wines. It's quite difficult to choose just one. And to enjoy your choice is even more difficult, because among the entire range there are a lot of mediocre and low-quality products.
But good wine can help make a dinner, a special evening and a wedding unforgettable, or it can turn them into a disaster.
What should you pay attention to when you are at the counter with the coveted drink?
Label
Pay close attention to the label. It doesn't have to be flashy and flashy. A trendy label with a gaudy design is not at all an indicator of a quality product. And so, what should be on the label next.
Manufacturer and name
Avoid flashy titles whenever possible. As it is right, the wines that say "The Fate of a Monk", "Mother's Tear" and other pretentious names have a poor composition. If this is a cheap wine, then perhaps its manufacturer is trying to adapt its low-quality product to well-known brands.
The name of the manufacturer is similar to the logo and is not the first thing that catches the eye.
But it should be clearly marked on the bottle.
reference! If the manufacturer is hidden or not indicated at all, then there is a possibility that this wine is not of the best quality.
Production region
As a rule, the name of the region is written in large print. But do not assume that the hyped Italian and French wines will definitely not let you down:
- The well-known Bordeaux and Burgundy are unlikely to be of high quality if they cost less than 500 rubles. Often, not the best wines are exported in such countries, so even the most ordinary French wines are expensive here.
- But drinks from the countries of the New World, Portugal and Spain in the same price category can be of high quality.
- Experts advise taking Argentine wine if the budget is no more than 500-600 rubles. For the budget segment, they have a very decent value for money.
Among the wines of a little-known Hungarian region, you can also find an interesting option. Sweet wines from large factories from this region are not worth buying.
An exception can only be semi-dry wines of the Tokaj region. But the dry wines of Hungarian wineries with strict labels are worth paying attention to.
Among Moldovan drinks, you can find high-quality and quite decent ones.
The situation with Georgian wines is somewhat more complicated:
- Due to the popularity of the Georgian product, many fakes have appeared in Russia. All kinds of "Tbilisuri" and "Alazani Valleys" are names not controlled in Georgia. Anyone can make these wines.
- Therefore, Georgian wine must be chosen with great care and preference should be given to trusted producers.
- For example, the famous Satrapezo factory invariably pleases with interesting and bright wine.
Grape sort
Usually the grape variety is written large and clearly. It is often confused with the name of the wine.
Riesling, Isabella, Merlot, Malbec, Chardonnay, Muscat, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Montepulciano are all grape varieties. It is easy to get confused among them. Their choice is a matter of taste and mood.
Therefore, do not be afraid to try new things to find the best option for you.
The inscriptions tell us about this criterion:
- "dry"
- "semi-dry",
- "sweet",
- "semi-sweet".
Important! Experts say that it is better to give the choice to dry wine. It has the fewest additives and is safer for health.
Such drinks contain less than 4 g/l of sugar. Semi-dry wines contain 4-12 g/l of sugar. Semi-sweet wines contain 12-45 g/l of sugar. And finally, sweet wines with a sugar content of more than 45 g / l.
Crop year
The year of harvest must be indicated on the bottle. This is a very important factor influencing the quality of wine.
Yield depends on:
- from the weather
- sunny days,
- precipitation,
- pests and diseases.
There are very successful years when all the vineyards give a chic harvest. But the situation can be just the opposite. As a rule, professionals in their field pay attention to the year: winemakers, collectors, sommeliers.
reference! It should be noted that for the majority of New World wines, the issues of good weather are resolved more favorably than for Old World winemakers.
In Europe, it is more difficult with the sun's rays, but precipitation and frost are not uncommon. And in order for the grapes to grow juicy and tasty, acceptable weather conditions are necessary.
Quality category
If all the conditions of preparation are met, then the quality category is indicated on the bottle. France was the first country to introduce mandatory classification of wines.
French wine classification:
- A.O.C.- the most stringent requirements are imposed on the wine of this category.
- V.D.Q.S.- wine of excellent quality. Such wines are recognized as one of the best.
- VdP or IGP (Vin de Pays, Identfication Geographique Protegee)- "local wines" with indication of origin. Such drinks are not subject to requirements for the grape variety. This is a wine for every day.
- VdT- table wine. Such drinks are simply subject to safety requirements. They are made in different regions, from different grape varieties.
reference! The Italian system is based on the French one, but differs in names. Their names (from the highest category to canteens): DOCG, DOC, IGT, VDT.
Watch a video that shows how to read a French wine label correctly:
Cork
The assumption that good wine must be corked with natural cork is not entirely true. There is a myth that a plastic or screw cap is an indicator of a poor quality product. This is wrong.
Many manufacturers (in particular Argentina) have switched to plastic corks that do not adversely affect the drink. Much depends on how quickly they plan to open and drink wine.
For example, the screw cap, so common now, is used to seal young wines that are drunk within 2-4 years after production.
Natural cork has a significant drawback:
- Despite the fact that it is a natural material, such corks can have a negative impact on the quality of the drink.
- Poorly crafted corks can impart flavor to the wine. This is called "cork disease". More than 5% of wine worldwide suffers from it.
And this can apply to both the cheapest and the most expensive collection wine.
The smell is like wet paper or a dirty rag.
In addition, natural cork costs a lot of money. When purchasing non-collectible wine, it is foolish to overpay for a cork. Of course, if the price of a drink is already so high, it’s not a pity to overpay for a cork.
Therefore, standing at the counter, remember that natural cork is needed only for those wines that require maturation in the bottle, and their shelf life is decades.
As a rule, these are chic and expensive wines from France and Italy. But when buying young table wine for every day, you should not overpay for a cork, this is not rational.
Bottle
Please note that in bottles made of thin light glass, the wine is stored for no more than two years. And in heavy bottles with dark thick glass, the drink can be stored for a long time. They usually pour high-quality, collection wine.
Important! Experts believe that a wine bottle should be colored so that light does not penetrate inside and the wine does not deteriorate. And its bottom should be concave. If you see a bottle with a flat bottom, most likely it is a fake.
In the video, a professional sommelier tells how to choose a good wine in a store:
Price
Of course, a high price is not the most important indicator of a good product. There are many factors that affect the value of wine. And oddly enough, the cost is rather weakly related to its actual quality.
This is even evidenced by the fact that there will be a twofold difference in price between similar wines from Chile and France. Just because France and Italy are considered champions in the quality of this drink.
If we talk about the choice of wine in Russian stores, you should focus on the following price categories:
- Don't buy too cheap wines. Regardless of the region and year of release, wine should not cost less than 500 rubles.
- A minimum of 600 rubles is the price for New World wines.
- Minimum 800 rubles - the price for the south of France
- From 1000 rubles for Bordeaux.
Rating of the best brands that are better to buy in Russia
Summing up, let's try to give examples of good wines in various categories, sorting them by the amount of sugar and prices.
Red dry
- : Chateaude Chamirey, Mercurey Rouge (France), Brunello di Montalcino (Italy), Duckhorn, "Decoy" Cabernet Sauvignon (USA).
- Quinta do Crasto (Portugal); Enoforum "Alente Reserva" (Portugal); Pegoes, Adega de Pegoes (Portugal), Kindzmarauli Marani (Georgia), Adega Eidos "Veigas de Padrinan" (Spain), Marques de Caceres, Crianza (Spain).
- Teliani Valley, Saperavi (Georgia), Tinajas, Carmenere Reserva (Chile), Trapiche, Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina), Campo Viejo, Tempranillo (Spain), Conti Serristori, Chianti (Italy).
Red semi-sweet
- Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Badagoni "Nikala 1862", Kvanchkara (Georgia), Kurni, Marche Rosso (Italy), Mildiani, Kindzmarauli (Georgia), Masi Serego Alighieri "Casal dei Ronchi (Italy).
- Average price category (1000 - 3000 rubles): Telavi Wine Cellar, "Marani" Ojaleshi (Georgia), Teleani Valley, Kindzmarauli (Georgia), Vaziani Khvanchkara (Georgia), Tinazzi "Uomo" Venetto IGP (Italy), Felline "Fellone" Primitivo, Puglia (Italy).
- Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles): Tamada, Kindzmarauli (Georgia), J.P. Chenet, Medium Sweet Vin de Pays (France), Tuusculum Rosso Semi Sweet (Italy), Maison Bouey "Lettres de France" (France), Askaneli Brothers, Saperavi Muscat (Georgia).
You can choose the best wine for yourself only by comparing several brands and the choice will not necessarily be in favor of an expensive one.
Red semi-dry
- Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Zenato, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (Italy), "Mas De Daumas Gassac" Rouge (France), Le Salette "Pergole Vece" (Italy).
- Average price category (1000 - 3000 rubles): Luccarelli, "Campo Marina" Primitivo di Manduria (Italy), "SopraSasso" Amarone della Valpolicella (Italy), Racemi "Sinfarosa" Zinfandel Primitivo di Manduria (Italy), Isla Negra, "West Bay" (Chile).
- Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles):"La Piuma" Montepulciano d`Ambruzzo (Italy), Cono Sur, "Tocornal" Carmenere, Central Valley (Chile), "Barefoot" Merlo (USA), Trapiche, Malbec (Argentina), Hardys, "Legacy" Red (Australia) .
White dry
- Domaine Vacheron & Fils, "Les Romains" (France), Jermann "Capo Martino" (Italy), Granver "Anfora" Ribolla Giala (Italy).
- Villa Maria "Private Bin" Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), Saint Clair, Marlborough (New Zealand), Markus Huber, Reisling "Terrassen" Traisental DAC (Austria), Martin Codax, Albarino (Spain).
- Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles): Anselmo Mendes, "Passaros" Alvarinho-Loureiro, Vinho Verde (Portugal), Botter, Pinnot Grigio, Veneto (Italy), Askaneli Brothers "Artwine" Rkatsiteli Qvevri (Georgia), Feudi del Pisciotto, Baglio Del Solo Inzolia Cataratto (Italy).
White semi-sweet
- Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Wolfberger "Rangen", Pinot Gris (France), Domaine Marcel Deiss Grasberg (France).
- Average price category (1000 - 3000 rubles): Paul Masson, Chablis (USA), Robert Weil, Rheingau Riesling Tradition (Germany), Domaine Marcel Deiss, Gewurztraminer (France).
- Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles): Mildiani, Tvishi (Georgia), Shateau Dereszla, Tokaji Furmint (Hungary), FDL "La Croix du Pin", Muscat (France).
The color of such drinks can be straw, amber or even silver, but in any case not too saturated.
White semi-dry
- Expensive wine (from 3000 rubles): Riesling Clos Saint Imer" (France), Domaine Huet "Clos du Bourg" (France).
- Average price category (1000-3000 rubles):"I Frati" Lugana (Italy), Concha y Toro "Frontera" (Chile).
- Inexpensive wines (up to 1000 rubles):"Toucas", Vinho Verde (Portugal), Angove "Butterfly Ridge" (Australia), Redwood Vineyards, Pinot Grigio (USA).
Pink
M.Chapoutier Beaurevoir Travel, Abrau-Durso Imperial Cuvee Rose Brut, Domaines ott Cotes de Provence Clos Mireille Rose.
Watch an informative video that explains which wines are considered the best:
In the end, I would like to note that among the huge assortment of wines you can always find something to your liking.
You just have to decide on your desires and you will definitely be able to find a drink that satisfies your preferences.
Going to the store for a bottle of good wine, many people get lost in a wide range, including a variety of varieties and types. Each of us remembers one most delicious wine, which he constantly buys, setting aside all the others. Although, in fact, a huge variety of tastes of this divine drink deserves that you understand them and at least sometimes try something new.
Types of wine
All types of wine can be classified according to different characteristics:
- by color (red, white, pink)
- by sugar and alcohol content (canteens - dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, as well as fortified - strong, semi-sweet, sweet, liqueur and sparkling)
- by preparation method (natural, effervescent, diluted, alcoholic and sweetened)
- according to wine material (grape, raisin, berry, fruit, vegetable and mixed)
The very first thing that the consumer pays attention to is the color of the wine. It depends on the grape variety, as well as on the duration of the fermentation of the drink. Any type of red wine is made from dark grapes. At first, when the wine is just playing, it is lighter. But the more mature the drink, the darker its color. The most popular varieties of red wine are French Bordeaux, Italian Chianti, Merlot, Beaujolais, Cabernet Sauvignon and others.
Almost all white wines are made from pale grapes. In those rare cases when dark grapes are taken, the skins are removed from it, thereby preventing the intense coloring of the drink. The most famous white wines are Chardonnay, Vermouth, Meursault, Sauvignon Blanc, Montrachet, Verdicchio, Sauternes, Muscadet and others.
Rosé wine is often made from a mixture of red and white grapes, using a white winemaking technique that includes grape cleaning and other secrets. The most famous rosé wines are: Provencal Sancerre and Italian Bardolino.
The second important characteristic of wine, which is of interest to buyers, is the content of sugar and alcohol. According to this parameter, wines are divided into drier table, sweeter fortified and sparkling. Any kind of dry wine contains the least amount of sugar. This drink contains only 0.3% sugar and 9-14% alcohol. According to statistics, it is this type of wine that is the most sought after in the world. It is preferred by 80% of people. This is due to the fact that dry wine goes well with different dishes. And in moderation, it's even good for your health. In addition, dry wine is low in calories and is quickly excreted from the body. Semi-dry wine contains more sugar than dry wine - up to 3%, with an alcohol content of 9-12%. This wine has a bright aroma and a pleasant aftertaste. Semi-sweet wine has a sugar content of 3-8% and an alcohol content of 9-12%. It is very light and tasty. This wine goes well with various desserts. It is drunk with cheese and fruits.
The next sweetest category of wines are fortified desserts, which include Madeira and Port. The strongest varieties of such wines contain up to 20% alcohol. At the same time, semi-sweet dessert wines contain 5-12% sugar, sweet - up to 20% sugar and liqueur - up to 35% sugar. A separate variety of dessert wine is sparkling. This is the champagne that all women love. But it is important to know that sparkling wines are not always sweet. They can also be dry.
If we talk about the method of making wine, then of course the natural method using juice without any artificial sweeteners and flavors is preferable. However, in some cases, sugar (liqueur wine) or honey (honey wine) is added to the wine to enhance the taste and aroma. In addition, sometimes producers artificially increase the strength of wine with alcohol or, on the contrary, dilute the drink with water.
And, finally, what concerns the wine material. Many experts say that wine can only be made from grapes. Drinks made on the basis of the juice of other fruits, berries and fruits are not wine. However, nevertheless, consumers drink such drinks with pleasure, calling them wine. What could it be? Berry wine from cherries, plums, peaches and apricots, fruit wine from apples and pears, raisin wine, as well as vegetable wine from rose petals, maple and birch sap, melon and watermelon.
Multi-varietal wines made from grapes are divided into sepaging and blended. They need to be distinguished. In the manufacture of sepazhny wines, different types of grapes are mixed. And in the production of blended wines, not grapes are mixed, but a ready-made fermented product.
The best wines
As you know, different varieties of wines differ in basic characteristics, and also depend on the conditions of production. The same wine can have a different taste if it is made in different regions and in different years. The most delicious wines are produced not only from high-quality grapes, but also in the most favorable seasons, when the grapes ripen as sweet and fragrant as possible.
In addition, the best varieties of wines have a long aging period. If we are talking about "aged" wines, they are in containers before bottling for at least 6 months. Vintage wines are aged in barrels from one and a half years (dry table wines) to two years (sweet dessert wines). And, finally, the most elite "collection" varieties of wines are first aged in metal or oak barrels, and then after bottling they are stored for several more years in bottles in special storage facilities. These wines are the most expensive. They are even sold at auctions.
At the moment there is a huge number of different varieties of wines. And every day there are more and more new names. It is not necessary to know all of them. It is enough to remember at least a few classic varieties. And if you understand the basic classification, you can always choose good wine for yourself in the store without any problems. And then try and decide what you like best.
This is something from the realm of fantasy, isn't it? But every buyer wants to find it. To be good and on the wallet.
Well, let's try to figure it out: is it a myth or reality, good inexpensive wine
To start with, one piece of advice: if you need wine for a party, then it is better to choose light, neutral wines, do not chase unusualness or a rich bouquet. The simpler the better. If you are in any doubt, you can focus on the wine that is served in restaurants by the glass. There are usually just such wines. Well, you know that in the store similar wines will cost an order of magnitude cheaper.
There are wines that rarely fail.
Dry whites
Soave
Soave (Soave) is not a grape variety, not the name of a wine, but the name of the region in which this wine is produced.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is perhaps the most popular grape variety that produces excellent white wines. Wines are usually light, fresh, drinkable, which is probably why many people love them so much.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is an international grape variety that has taken root practically everywhere, and the wines from it are obtained, if I may say so, understandable. Not complex, slightly heavier than Pinot Grigio, but just as drinkable. The best wines from Chardonnay are in the countries of the New World - South Africa, Chile, USA, New Zealand and so on.
Be careful with Russian wines. If we talk about white wines, then often they are too acidic in our country: either the fault of the winemakers, or the locality “fails” like that. No, we produce a lot of worthy drinks, but it’s difficult to focus on the variety or place of production here: you need to try. But the price, just, will be more than affordable.
Good semi-sweet/semi-dry whites
Here, in fact, it is very difficult. Recently, for example, Riesling has shown itself very well in semi-dry Riesling wines, but it is not so easy to find it at an affordable price. But Tokay is a wonderful Hungarian wine, not so rare on our shelves. And the price is quite pleasant, and the taste. So we advise, first of all, to look for Tokay.
Often there are good and semi-dry Spanish, but it's easy to miss here. So everything is learned by trial and error.
Good and inexpensive dry red wines
Merlot
Merlot is good in all countries. Yes, even in Russia. This, again, is an international variety, so finding it and picking up wine at an affordable price will not be difficult.
Shiraz
Shiraz or Syrah - this variety is also grown in many countries. In many, it shows good results, quite decently manifests itself in dry wines, but if you have such an opportunity, then take the Australian shiraz. This, after all, is more precisely their variety, their special pride.
Malbec
It's not that common anymore. Malbec is an Argentine variety. And advice on such wines: it is better to take young ones, no more than two years old: then the Argentine Malbec tends to quickly weather after uncorking the bottle and loses all its power and aroma over time, acquiring not the most pleasant tones.
Semi-sweet reds
If we could, then here we would dissuade you. In our opinion, all semi-sweet wines, especially red ones, seem to be identical. Equally disgusting. Too sweet kills all aromatic and taste qualities.
But if you are already adamant and drink only semi-sweet reds, then pay attention to the wines of South Africa - they will be a little, but more original. And yet no one has complained about semi-sweet Georgian wines.
You can always buy good inexpensive wine at the WineStreet store.
If the wine is inexpensive, it does not mean that it is tasteless. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right wine in an affordable price range. (Of course, we are not talking about "talkers" for 100 rubles.)
For many, buying wine in a restaurant becomes a real challenge. Needless to say about the independent choice of wine in the store, where you can see several racks of all kinds of bottles of different price categories. The matter becomes even more complicated if this wine is intended for important guests or celebrating events. The chooser feels responsible for the taste and quality of what is bottled.
Why do we feel depressed and think that everyone will judge us for our choice, especially if we buy inexpensive wine? You can answer: “Well, because wine producers know about the quality of their product and will not sell cheap something really worth it.”
But wine can get on store shelves in many ways! No one is immune from buying fakes. Yes, you need to be careful when choosing wine, but everyone can make this right choice. By the way, one of the points: you should buy wine without excessive tension and suspicion. This is not an exam, much depends on the case.
How to choose and buy wine
How to choose wine? Looking through multi-page wine lists in a restaurant, or glancing at the rows of bottles in a store, you can get desperate. And if the budget is limited to all this - you can wave your hand, choose the first bottle with a cute little animal on the label and run away.
But in fact, armed with some knowledge, you can buy or order wine like a pro!
First, you must decide what "cheap and cheerful" means to you. Here the range will be taken from 300 to 500 rubles.
Secondly, it must be admitted that the excise stamp is not a confirmation of the taste of wine. Like a plastic cork or a screw cap is not a sign of bad wine. It's just that wine is a kind of tradition, the cork stopper is part of the tradition. But some manufacturers are moving away from it. For example, some winemakers in New Zealand and Australia were the first to use metal screw caps, and for good reason: they reliably protect wine. Such caps can be found on bottles for 300 rubles and 1200 rubles.
Fundamental rules
Wines of some countries, wine-growing regions, types and varieties of grapes are sold cheaper than analogues. For instance, Vinho Verde (Verde) from Portugal - a fine white wine with a tart fruity taste and small bubbles. It is ideal for summer picnics and quiet family evenings on the veranda of the cottage. And you can buy it even for less than 300 rubles.
Italy also produces several good wines ranging from 300 to 500 rubles. Take at least Primitivo, Sangiovese and Merlot.
Avoid wines that require a long "maturation": for example, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Barolo or Amarone (Amarone). These wines should not be cheap. If they are inexpensive, then it is a fake (or bad wine) or not yet ready to drink.
Choose from wines that taste good when "fresh". These include Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, majority Rieslings and some others.
How to buy wine in a restaurant
Nowadays, there are few places where they offer homemade wine in restaurants. Most often in wine lists - a list of bottled wine. If you often go to a certain restaurant and the assortment of wines there is large, then order a new name every time. This is a great way to learn to decide on likes and dislikes. Remember the taste of wine, how it combines with various dishes, how it smells, liked / disliked.
Make your list of preferences and ask the waiter for advice/recommendations. Some restaurants (at least abroad) even practice pre-tasting.
Dispelling the wine myth
Have you heard the rule: red wine - with meat and white wine - with fish and poultry? This rule was observed when French wines were served for lunch or dinner. Now it no longer works - our tastes and food have changed so much. Asian, Indian, Mediterranean currents have penetrated our cuisine, which changes the "rules" for wines. What to be guided by when buying wine for a particular main course?
Here's a simple rule: Asian foods often pair well with crisp, tart white wines.. These wines of good quality can be bought at a fairly reasonable price. Red wines with a pronounced, rich taste are suitable for fatty red meat. Red wine can be chosen from those produced in Australia, Spain, Portugal, Italy - they are suitable for both quality and money.
Even good champagne can be affordable. This question is especially relevant on the eve of the upcoming New Year. Do you want to see sparkling wine on the festive table, the purchase of which will not hit your pocket? Then look for Cremant from France, Asti (Asti) and Prosecco (Prosecco) from Italy and Cava (Kava) from Spain. Bottles of this wine can be found for 500 rubles (600-700 - more likely).
Good luck with your choice!