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There are times when you’re celebrating big, so you're willing to spring for an expensive Champagne. But what if you want a little bubbly to freeze, spike mimosas with, or to pour into a Champagne tower? Trader Joe's to the rescue! TJ's wine selection has expanded waaaay beyond Two-Buck Chuck to include French Champagne and other sparkling whites produced using the Champagne method, which are *way* less expensive. Time to pop some tags... We mean corks! Here are some of the best bubbly bargains at Trader Joe's — ones that even your wine snob friends will love. (Photo via Getty)
Simpler Wine Italian Sparkling Wine, ($4 for four): We're kind of obsessed with these little guys, which hold a little over a glass of wine in each $1 can. We love the white, which has with hints of juicy honeydew and a fizzy finish. Bring these to any BYOB situation and you're sure to be a hit. These cans also come in Sparkling Rosé, and for those with a sweeter tooth, Peach Bellini. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs ($6): This French sparkling wine, made with pinot noir grapes, has a light body with a dry, crisp, and citrusy taste. Keep an eye out for a new bottle design that looks slightly different than the one above. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Incanto Rosé Vino Frizzante ($6): We can’t get enough of this pink Italian sparkler, a limited release for the winter holidays. When the festive season rolls around, be sure to stock up on these reasonably priced bottles. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Blason de Bourgogne Crémant ($10): When we went to our local Trader Joe's, this bottle was out of stock. We were assured it would be back with a new label from the image above but with the same signature taste. This bottle has delicate flavors of orchard fruits and vanilla with the delicate bubbles of a much more expensive option, but since it's not technically Champagne (It's made using the Champagne method but actually produced in the Burgundy region of France), you get the taste you love without the price tag. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Trader Joe's Reserve Brut Rosé ($10): Also fermented in the traditional méthode champenoise, this North Coast Californian bubbly has hints of strawberry and a clean, dry finish. It's a flawless upgrade to your basic brunch mimosas. (Photo via Gabi Conti)
Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava ($11): You really can't go wrong with this Spanish cava, another fizzy wine made in the Champagne method. Whip up an Aperol Spritz with this bottle. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Cecilia Beretta Prosecco Superiore ($11): Prosecco is a dry Italian sparkling wine that starts with different grapes than Champagne and undergoes an entirely different fermentation process. (Champagne goes through a second fermentation in the bottle to achieve all of those bubbles and rich texture, while prosecco's second fermentation happens in large vats, which is why it's so affordable.) This prosecco has a clean mouthfeel, bright, bubbles, and a melon-forward flavor. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Piper Sonoma Brut Sparkling Wine ($16): This medium-bodied brut has toasty, earthy, mushroomy aromas and hints of lemon-lime citrus and a gingery spice. It's easy sipping, so you don't have to save it for a special occasion — today will do! (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Mumm Napa Brut ($17): Made up of chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris and pinot meunier grapes, this bottle has notes of citrus and red apple with a dash of gingerbread spice. It's ideal for fall and the holiday season. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Charles de Marques Champagne ($21): This is possibly the least expensive traditional French Champagne you can find at TJ's. Made with pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, this bubbly is incredibly smooth with a nutty and floral scent. It pairs equally as well with a mild and soft artisanal cheese board as it does with reheated pizza. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
Nominé Renard Brut Rosé Champagne ($37): Apparently, employees at our Trader Joe's Wine Shop did a blind taste test with this bottle and Veuve Clicquot Rosé ($60) side by side and could not taste the difference. We love that: Similar quality for practically half the price. (Photo via Trader Joe's)
If you’re enjoying this roundup of Trader Joe’s bubblies, there’s more where that came from. Follow us on Pinterest.
If you’re enjoying this roundup of Trader Joe’s bubblies, there’s more where that came from. Follow us on Pinterest.
Additional reporting by Sally Jones
If you’re enjoying this roundup of Trader Joe’s bubblies, there’s more where that came from. Follow us on Pinterest.
If you’re enjoying this roundup of Trader Joe’s bubblies, there’s more where that came from. Follow us on Pinterest.
Additional reporting by Sally Jones
(Photos via Trader Joe’s)