A Wine for Tonight: NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry Sparkling Wine



By Kori ~ November 10th, 2011.

Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry Sparkling Wine from the Columbia Valley of Washington State.

Our selection criteria include:

  • A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
  • A price tag of <=$15
  • Must be widely available

The Extra Dry is one of an excellent array of value sparkling wines from Domaine Ste. Michelle. Producing sparkling wines for over thirty years, Domaine Ste. Michelle is one of the largest sparkling wine houses in the United States, producing more than 300,000 cases each year. Rick Casqueiro has been head winemaker since 1994. While this Extra Dry is good enough to celebrate a special occasion, its price point makes it an excellent weeknight or Sunday brunch bubbly.

“A rich gold color with abundant bubbles. The wine is very elegant on the palate, and bursts with flavors of pear, guava and kiwi. The delicate flavors linger and make this a great pairing for seafood such as scallops, sea bass and crabs.” –Winemaker Rick Casqueiro

NV Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry Sparkling Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): Small, fairly fast bead of bubbles. Pale straw yellow in color. Nice nose with apricot and lemon zest aromas. Lemon, apricot, white peach, and floral notes come through on the palate. Off-dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a long, refreshing finish. Residual Sugar: 2.3%
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12; Available elsewhere, $10 to $14


Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Sparkling Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25

Reader's Comments

  1. Chocovine | March 11th, 2012 at 1:41 am

    This is great idea to have it on my table tonight. yeah i love it.