A crisp bubbly

If you like sparkling wines and Champagnes (the real stuff, not the faux California offerings, as good as they may be), Spanish cavas (fermented in caves) offer the best values available. While Frexienet may sell more cavas in the U.S. than anyone else, Cristalino is starting to make in-roads, especially in wine shops and places like Cost Plus World Market.
One reason for Cristalino's growing exposure: cost. We've typically found it for $1-$2 less than Frexienet ... as low as $5 a bottle, on rare occasions. And unlike most other cheap bubblies, Cristalino is bone-dry. The Brut is so crisp and fresh it almost lacks any taste of fruit. And while a bottle designated "extra dry" often means "sugary sweet," Cristalino's extra dry is pleasantly fruity -- much like bottles of California bubbly that would set you back $20 or more.
We've found cavas with more character -- Segura Viudas and Paul Cheneau have nuttier tastes than either Cristalino or Frexienet -- but nowhere can you readily find an everyday sparkling wine that offers the value of Cristalino. Buy it by the case.