the dope cactus

We’re back for another #3For3 this time featuring champagne AKA sparkling wine and prosecco. I hit up my girl Monica for her top 3 picks. Surprisingly none of our picks were the same.

Monica aka The Black Wine-O provides a simplified approach to wine consumption and lends a voice to an untapped consumer market in an industry traditionally known to lack a diverse landscape.I can’t remember if Monica and I met first in person or on Twitter. It’s all a blur but it was definitely during the good ol’ days of music blogging. And look at us now. Sipping champagne when we’re thirsty!

Monica’s Picks 

My top 3 bubbles range in price point so it just depends on my mood or budget on which bottle I’ll pop for the occasion. Each of these bottles are great for any special occasion, mimosas at brunch, or simply sipped alone.

M. Chevallier Brut Cava – This bottle is luxurious and surprisingly under $7 at Trader Joe’s. Hailing from one of the top Cava producers in Spain this bottle of bubbly is fresh and has hints of lime and ripe green apple on the palate.

Domaine Carneros Brut by Tattinger – A California cutie that’s dry, but packs fruit notes on the finish. I had a chance to visit the chateau in Napa earlier this year and have been hooked ever since. This bottle is on the higher end retailing at $32.

Gruet Sparkling Rose – New Mexico isn’t well known for producing great wines, however this family owned winery has been perfecting their rose for over 25 years. It’s ideal for any brunch entree especially those with some spice. At an average price of $15.99 this bottle is a keeper for your sparkling collection.

Brit’s Picks

All of my picks will be prosecco FYI. Just wanted to switch it up for y’all a bit. I guess I just like that fizziness you get when you take those first couple of sips from a freshly poured glass (or mug, lets be real here) of bubbly. Makes me feel extra fancy! My descriptions won’t be as in-depth as Monica’s either. I usually pick a bottle that’s less than $15 and looks pretty.

Oh! Just in case you’re unaware, Champagne is produced from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes grown in the Champagne region of northeast France, while prosecco hails from the Veneto region of Italy and is made mainly from glera grapes (nielsen.com). So tomato, to-mah-toe.

La Marca – Pre-covid on any given weekend you could find me at the bar at Gloria’s getting some work done at brunch with a bottle of La Marca to myself. It was usually only $15 or $16 which isn’t bad for a whole bottle at a restaurant. Retail you can find it for about $12.

Ruffino – The first time I tried this brand was simply because of the label. It was orange and while I attended The University of Texas I was brainwashed into it being my new favorite color. But I like that it’s light and not harsh like a lot of cheaper bubbles can be. Ruffino retails for about $12 as well.

Mionetto – I also bought this one because of the orange on the label, sue me. I’m more picky when it comes to weed anyway. This bottle is cheaper than the others but also the most stylish in my opinion with the gold accent. And top 2 out of the 3 I’ve shared. This bottle will only run you about $10.

Well there you have it! Whether you’re balling out of control or balling on a budget, you’ll be able to find some bubbly that’s is economically within your means. Be on the lookout for Monica and I to host an event together soon. Our planned event for SXSW this year in March was canceled so we could take extra precautions at the beginning of the pandemic. But I feel like now we will be better able to plan a safe event (maybe even virtual) and include some herbals this time. Weed and wine makes everything fine.