Cristalino Brut Rose Cava NV

A touch sweaty on the nose, with a softening hint of apple cider. The palate is fairly full and meaty, with melon, apple and burnt almond flavors. Finishes toasty and warm, and itandrsquo;s here that the fruit shows brightest. Good for parties.

What more could you want in a budget-priced sparkler? No, itandrsquo;s not hugely complex, but itandrsquo;s fresh and lively, with lime and herb aromas, tart green apple flavors and a zippy finish. Simple, but bouncy and clean.

A toasty bubbly, with lots of hazelnut, piecrust and vanilla with a touch of coffee grounds. thereandrsquo;s fresh acidity thatandrsquo;s well-integrated, with a lingering lemon candy-tinged finish. Drink now.

87ST, 91 Wine andSp, 88WE, full cases only!

A sophisticated sparkler for under $8.99? Seems unlikely, but right from the start, this release of Cristalino shows off a bright green gold color and persistent, tiny bubbles. Then the toast of the aroma follows, as does the figgy richness of flavor. Itandrsquo;s a big, bold wine, with scents of spring blossoms, woodier elements of cinnamon, spice and herb aspects of sage and witch hazel. The finishing savor of pie crust raises it out of the realm of most cheap sparklers, the dry roasted almond flavors keep it firmly in Spain.

Thereandrsquo;s plenty of enjoyment in this modestly priced wine, which has dusty, earthy aromas and just the slightest hint of citrus and melon. Itandrsquo;s very dry and faintly fruity. Has a bit of a scouring quality from high acidity, and itandrsquo;s rough, but itandrsquo;s exceptionally clean and brisk.

A little cidery and funky smelling at first, but it settles to show stalky notes, scallion, tarragon and citrus flavors. Layered in feel but a bit green tasting throughout.