We compared:
1. Gruet Brut ($15)
2. Bella Vista Cuv'ee Brut ($34)
As you can see from the picture, we also compared two others but they were in our fridge and well, we threw them in because we had them so I won't share their names. They were a $10 Prosecco (far too sweet) and a $20 Sparkling Wine (un-memorable ...and not because we had too much to drink - ha!).
GRUET Brut
OK, truthfully, they served the Gruet at our wedding so it has a soft spot in our hearts. But, for the price we can't find anything that compares. Our local grocery store (Tom Thumb) occassionaly has a good sale for around $12 and we stock-up. It's smooth, bubbly and just wonderful. We recommend keeping this one around for your "every day" sipper.
BELLA VISTA Cuv'ee Brut
We've seen this one sold for as high as $50 so we got a good deal from Jimmy's. This is actually a "Franciacorta" which is a region in Italy and a type of sparkling wine. Like "Champagne" only vinyards within the region can call their wines a Franciacorta. At Jimmy's we tried several of their wines and they were all worth every penny of whatever you have to pay. We love Gruet but, WOW, there is a taste differential and Bella Vista wins! Our wedding anniversary is coming-up and we're going to pop a bottle. We think every special occassion should include Bella Vista!
