Originally Posted by
brunotattaglia
Cristalino (a spanish cava) should be your starting point. It is sold for $6.99-8.99, and everywhere from Safeway to Whole Foods. If you can't tell the difference or don't care, there is no reason to buy something more expensive than this. I think it is excellent.
If you try it and think "hmm I wish it tasted better" then you can move up the chain.
Fully agree. Last week, Sam's had it, IIRC, for about $7.00 in a fancy box with a "flute" included. Quite drinkable, and works well for "Champagne Cocktails" or other "dress ups" using sparkling wine. Cava also works well as the basis for a bubbly version of "Sangria Blanco"
We've grown to like Sangria is warm weather (and it will be 80F today). After much experimentation (and we use brandy, orange liqueur, simple syrup as needed, a few grapes, lemon peel, sliced apples, peaches or nectarines and oranges, all muddled a bit, then each serving topped with sparkling water/seltzer/club soda), we've found that the cheaper "jug" Lambruscos (There's a cliche' from yesteryear) works quite well, with the natural carbonation adding a bit of effervescence to the traditional silver goblet/julep cup serving.