Gruet Brut

I'm always on the lookout for great values, especially in the sparkling wine department. Because, quite honestly, few things give me that warm and fuzzy feeling like showing people that 'the most popular sparkling wine in America' doesn't mean it tastes good.

Upon opening, the cork was anxious to get out, I had to hold it back from popping across the room. Pouring into the glass, there's tons of small bubbles right away, but the thick foam disappears fairly rapidly. The bubbles aren't gone though, it continues to show some carbonation for quite a long time.

The Gruet is a little more rich than I prefer, but pretty nice. I enjoy the delicate style of beautiful French champagne, but I've got no problem with this one. Each time I pour a little more, there's a ton of fizz, quickly dying, but bubbles continue gently from the center of the flute.

Like I said, its a little richer than I prefer, but its still pretty smooth. When you consider that this is an American sparkling wine, made in the traditional Methode Champenoise, for under $15, this is quite good.

I can't remember the name, but there's some other American 'champagne' that starts with a "K". Whatever it is, right about the same price as this Gruet Brut, and this Gruet is easily twice, if not three times the product. Thumbs up from my side of the table.

Gruet Brut
750 mL - 12% abv
Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine
New Mexico, U.S.
T.C.S.H. Rating - 8.5/10
Aka - I've had better, but very few
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