The 5 best sparkling wines under $10

One of my absolute favourite things in this world (after my beautiful children and sexy husband of course) is a glass of chilled Champagne (or an Australian cold climate sparkling). It tastes it’s absolute best on a Saturday afternoon, in my sun-mottled back garden, accompanied by fabulous friends and the smell of seafood grilling on the BBQ.

When I found out I was coeliac, the first thing I asked was if Champagne had gluten in it (no, it doesn’t – hooray!).

Unfortunately, sometimes the whole boring money thing gets in the way and I want to pop a bottle of fizz but don’t have budget for the really good gear.

For those occasions, I have done the hard yards and “researched” sparkling wine (including putting white wine cleanskins in the soda stream, which at the time seemed genius but really isn’t). I’ve pulled together a bevy of fizzy discount beauties that are highly drinkable, and good value.

Here are a few things to be aware of when it comes to sparkling wine:

  • be realistic – if you only have $10 to spend there are some great options but you’re not getting anything remotely like Champagne. You get what you pay for.
  • the bigger winemakers sometimes have the resources to over-deliver a little, meaning we can capitalise on economies of scale and get better value-for-money (of course this is not always the case)
  • labels don’t tell the whole story, when it comes to cheaper sparkling wines you need to taste and see what you like – never judge a book by it’s cover
  • a combo of pinot noir and chardonnay will generally be reliable and offers a nice balance between the fruity, dry and citrus notes

Here are 5 of my favourite quaffable sparkling wines under $10

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-25 at 12.47.08 PMThis is my number one favourite under $10 sparkling and it’s had the thumbs up from wine critics as well. I usually have a case of this at home as a backup for when a bunch of friends pop in. It’s bright and fresh, with a nice balance of dry and fruity. Buy it here from Dan Murphy’s.

 

 

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Another good value sparkling. Dan Murphy’s label it “the ultimate “party” sparkling wine”. Buy it from them here.

Chancellor & Co Sparkling Brut Cuvee Sparkling (priced from $5)

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-25 at 11.58.24 AMThis one was recommended to me by a friend who has owned bars and restaurants and swears that it is exceptional value-for-money. If you have left your purse at home and are stuck scrabbling for coinage from your centre console, then you really can’t beat this one. Buy it from Dan Murphy’s here.

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-25 at 1.18.07 PMThis easy drinking wine is produced by the company that owns a portfolio of famous brands including McGuigans. (They also make Passion Pop, but we won’t hold that against them). It’s a bit under the radar but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Buy it here from Dan Murphy’s.

 

Screen Shot 2016-07-25 at 1.26.48 PMThis one just squeezes into the under $10 if you buy it on special or in a case. It’s usually around $13. But if you get it for $10, it is excellent value for money. I know that this one will divide people (my mum can’t stand it), but I think if you are looking for a well-priced French sparkling in a similar style to Champagne, this is one of the better options. You can buy it here from Dan Murphy’s.

That’s it for me. I hope you find something you like here!

Something to note is that I have recommended wines that are readily available from a local liquor chain store. I have no doubt there are incredible sparkling options from small winemakers, cellar doors or online. But I am not very organised and generally just go with what is convenient at the time and what I can readily access at my closest bottle-o. Also worth noting that although I am not a wine expert by any stretch, I certainly have tasted my fair share. I know what I like and what my friends tell me they like like. So although you aren’t getting a wine experts recommendation here, you’re getting the results of lots of market testing 😉

If you want to create the perfect gift, why not wrap a bottle of bubbles in a cute tea towel? 

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We’ve got a bunch of hilarious Cecily tea towels in the House section of our shop.

Do you have a favourite under $10?

Please drink responsibly. If you think you have a problem with alcohol or that your alcohol consumption is over the recommended weekly amount, visit your doctor or talk to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Written By

Gillian is a marketing savant and brand strategist with over 20 years of experience in above and below the line marketing, digital strategy and creative direction. She is an exceptional people person who loves to collaborate with clients every step of the way to achieve the best possible outcome. Gillian is also a successful makeup-artist and make-up obsessive who loves to share her tricks of the trade and help women to look good and feel great.

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