Just when you thought sparkling wine could get no worse
 

The stuff you'll be served next might come from China, courtesy of Moet-Hennessy.

Seriously, I don't think it cane be much worse than some of the stuff (Chateau Ste. Michelle) that's served on some airlines. Drank some Chinese wines when KL had a promo a few years back and it was o.k., compared to cheap stuff from other parts of the world.

That said, I've never been impressed with Domaine Chandon stuff from California and Australia (Yarra Valley, Victoria). Haven't tried the Argentinean stuff and didn't even know they made the stuff in Brazil!

I confess to not having drunk Chandon in decades, but I recall it as being astonishingly good when it first came out (circa 1980 in California). St. Michelle is another cheap wine that I regard as being well made (good price/performer). Perhaps these are wines that fare badly in the air? I've never drunk them on an airplane, prefering to stick to Krug when I fly.

Agreed. We're not serious drinkers of sparkling wines, but for us the fact that we can buy it locally for well under $10 a bottle doesn't diminish our enjoyment of it. :) Apparently at least some agree as can be seen here, here, and here.

Keep in mind, OP, that back in our youthful days in British Columbia Brights President was the height of decadence for us. :D

Back in my youth (late 70's) it was Giacobazzi and Riuniti for a cheap, sparkling wine buzz. I still remember the ad campaign. "Riuniti on ice, that's nice." Now it's French Pinot Noirs and Belgian Abbey Ales. How our tastes change (for the better).

^ Cold Duck and Cracklin' Rosie - this cries out for a Cheap Wines of Our Youth thread. :D

I don't think it is made anymore, but in Canada, Andres produced Moody Blue in 1.5l format which was a sparkling blueberry flavored wine with a denim patch label. If I recall correctly it was "crackling" wine which meant it was 7% alcohol.

Duvel -- a Belgian idea of a Scottish ale, and far better; of course, it has to be (the Devil made me do it). But having the right shape glass is such a pain for airlines!!!! Making it impossible to serve Belgian ales in mid-air.

Blue Nun, anyone?

Isn't that a still wine? At any rate, rumours were it was favoured by some now-late senior members of the British royal family.

seems like everything today is already made in china, so guess this shouldn't be a shocker

Ripple and Club Soda! ^

Here in France we can get a pretty good bottle of Champagne for around €5 or 6. Price isn't the only thing.

As for China, they have been making some very nice Cabernet's there for over 15 years now. French winemakers have been there for a long time. I've not tried their sparkling wines yet.

Quite a shame that actually, although I'm no Duvel fan, I do like a (preferably Belgian) beer on the plane.

It all tastes the same after the first one. ;)

Just gotta remember to drink that first one in a lounge...

Where? PM if you want to keep it confidential. Never seen it that cheap even at small producers cellar door.

What brands are those?

More than a few French winemakers have started up in France. Climates similar to France and cheap labour so vineyards can be intensively managed and grapes can be harvested at optimal times.