Korbel Brut

Alcohol Type: Champagne

Alcohol Content: 12%, 24 Proof

Price Point: Budget, $13, fairly common and online availability 

Nose: Citrus

Flavor Profile: Light and crisp, citrus, pear

Bottom Line: An inexpensive champagne blend that provides a light, crisp, citrus effervescence that is great for small celebrations.

Champagne is only one kind of sparkling wine. It is mostly known as a celebration beverage and is usually higher in price due to the extra steps in making champagne. Most of the champagne we see is not true champagne, as the only true version of champagne is made in France. Korbel Brut is not an example of a true champagne, but it offers a high quality for the price. 

I admit that champagne is not my area of expertise. I tend to choose any other kind of wine before sparkling, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted some Korbel Brut. It has a very light and crisp flavor. The nose did not have much to offer other than citrus. I was able to get hints of pear along with the not-so-overpowering effervescence. 

While this may not be the most expensive champagne, it serves as a great party bottle. It is dry and has very little sweetness to it. This makes it a very good bottle to serve with appetizers before the new year. It is also a great option for making mimosas the morning after a late night celebration.