It can be difficult to find reasonably priced sparkling wines because the excise duties levied are twice those applied to still wine. In spite of this there are some sparkling wines (including some featured in our extended online selection) made by the traditional bottle-fermented method and attracting the higher rate of tax, which still offer value for money. In addition, lightly sparkling wines such as Pétillant and Pét Nat wines are treated by Revenue as still wines. This sector has exploded over the past 10 years. Most wine shops have a range of these fizzy, casual, fun wines that usually come with a crown cap. A few have a little harmless sediment that can add flavour. I question the pricing on some but the Integrale featured below offers great value for less than €20.
Sherry is one of the best-value wines of all, and Tio Pepe fino is one of the best-known brands. It is delicious, widely available and not expensive for a wine that has been aged. If you live near a Marks & Spencer, they have a fine own-label fino for a mere €12.
Most of us drink rosé only when the sun is shining, although a growing number of consumers now drink it year round. The choice offered by retailers shrinks during the colder months; those included here are still available.
Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Rosé, Australia
11.5%, €18-€22
Delicious, lightly creamy, fresh redcurrant and wild strawberry fruits with good acidity and a rounded finish.
Widely available, including O’Briens, SuperValu, Molloy’s
Pet Nat Integrale Pét-Nat Rosé Frizzante, Verona, Organic
10.5%,€19.96
A vibrant, fresh, lightly sparkling wine with juicy summer fruits and a crisp acidity. Perfect for that mini-celebration.
From Barnhill Stores, Dalkey; Mitchells, D2, D1, Glasthule, Avoca Kilmacanogue and Dunboyne; Ardkeen, Waterford; Cass & Co, Dungarvan; The Vintry, D6; The Mill Store, Rathnew
Veuve Monsigny Brut Champagne
12.5%, €22.99
A fine mousse with fresh peaches and apples, subtle notes of brioche and a lightly creamy texture. Great value for money.
From Aldi
Tio Pepe Palomino Fino NV, Gonzalez Byass
15% abv, €16-€18
Light, bone dry with fine green apples and briny green olives. Great value for money. Enjoy with charcuterie, nuts, firm cheeses and fried fish.
Very widely available in wine shops and supermarkets
Toro Albalá Marqués de Poley Oloroso
17%, €19.95 for a 500ml bottle
Very aromatic with a rich but dry palate full of walnuts, dried fruits, leather, wood polish and spice.
From O’Briens
Santa Tresa Il Frappato Spumante Brut Rosé
12.5%, €24.95
A pale, elegant glass of fizz with delicious subtle strawberry fruits and a dry finish. Different but delicious.
From O’Briens
Maria Casanovas Cava Brut de Brut (Organic)
11.5%, €25
A seductive, fragrant Cava with creamy rich pear and apple fruits, vibrant acidity and a clean lingering finish.
From 64 Wine, Glasthule; Green Man, D6; Taste of Spain, D2; Thenudewineco.ie; Pinto, D9; McCurtain Wines, Cork; Clontarf Wines; Martin’s, D3; Corkscrew, D2; D-Six; Whelehan’s, Loughlinstown; La Touche, Greystones
Portuguese Sparkling Rosé Filipa Pato 3 Bs
11.5%, €29
An utterly delightful, fresh, crisp rosé with racy elegant red cherry and redcurrant fruits.
From Pinto, D9; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Lilith, D7; Clontarf Wines; Baggot Street Wines; Martin’s, D3; Thenudewineco.ie; D-Six; Marlow & Co, D8
Le Soleil du Sud 2022, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence
12.5%, €9.99
Crisp fresh redcurrant and red cherry fruits with a lip-smacking dry finish.
From Lidl
Gai’a 4-6h Agiorgitiko Rosé 2022, Greece
12.5%, €13.95/€16.95
A lovely, soft, fruit-filled rosé with ripe strawberries and redcurrants. Enjoy with a variety of dishes including white meats and lightly spicy seafood.
From O’Briens
