Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante

Cost: $13
Smell: Sweet grapes
When it touches the tongue: Sweet berry flavor (not at all tart)
Aftertaste: Sweet, grape mixed with apples.

Overall: This was a very decent one for the cost! Very sweet, rolls off the tongue, no bitterness or tartness (probably because it's only 7.5% alcohol by volume). It's actually almost like sparkling hard cider!

I think if you are bringing a bottle to a party where you know people don't know anything about sparkling wines, this would be a big hit!!

My pallet has developed to the point where I like very brut sparkling wines, not sweet. However... this is tolerable! 

Scharffenberger Brut

Cost: $20
Smell: Sweet grapes
When it touches the tongue: Mild pear flavor
Aftertaste: Mild sweetness, grape mixed with pear.

Overall: This is a pretty mild one, not super tart or sour or even super sweet. The one thing that really stood out to me was that the bubbles were not overwhelming. They were light and crisp. They sort of fizzled out quicker than I prefer, but that just means you should drink faster. This would probably be a good crowd pleaser since you never know what people prefer.

Humberto Canale Extra Brut

Cost: $15
Smell: Rich grapes
When it touches the tongue: Juicy berry
Aftertaste: Sweet (tiny hint of tart) grapes. Very dry.

Overall:  It's very light. The combination of fruitiness & dryness is awesome. It's not sweet in a sugary way, just a rich fruity way. Alcohol taste is barely detectable. This would be good in a mamosa too!

Louis Bouillot Perle de Vigne "Grande Réserve" Brut

Smell: Bitter grape
When it touches the tongue: Sour, tart grape
Aftertaste: Bold & very tart
Overall: I was not a fan. It had a super tart aftertaste that was just too much. The only sweetness seemed to come from sugar.

Croser Vintage Piccadilly Valley

Smell: Watery grapes, sweet
When it touches the tongue: Noticable acidity
Aftertaste: Tart, almost bitter, grape
Overall: I decent sparkler, but not one I would get again. It was very acidic and had a tartness (not sweetness) that was not as pleasing.

Beringer Sparkling White Zinfandel

Cost: $10
Smell: Ripe strawberries
When it touches the tongue: Sweet peach and strawberry
Aftertaste: Very smooth, light, strawberry taste.

Overall: It's not tart. It's very soft and smooth. The mixture of strawberry and peach is very light and ...well..creamy :)
I very rarely have enjoyed a sparkler this much at such a low price. I would proudly bring this to any party. And I plan on having it more often!

Freixenet Elyssia Pinot Noir Rose Brut Cava

Cost: $18
Smell: Sweet berries
When it touches the tongue: Tart strawberry & grape
Aftertaste: Strawberries and cream, smooth flavor, a little dry
Alcohol content: 11.5

Overall: This is a pretty tasty rose sparkler. The acidity balances the dryness at the end. If you let it sit in your glass for a little while, it gets even smoother. The taste of alcohol is barely detectable. It has a full fruity flavor, slightly tart.