This past Sunday, my friend Melissa invited me to join her and some friends at a nearby park for an ad hoc brunch. It was pretty last minute, but I was hungry, and it was so darn nice outside. I should have stayed home and worked, but I convinced myself that a few hours away from my laptop wasn't going to hurt me in the long run.
Completely unprepared, I ran to the nearby Safeway, where I pondered what I should bring with me to the park. I walked the aisles a few times, struggling to make a decision. Then, as I was about to give up, I passed the alcohol section. Suddenly it hit me- Mimosas. I'd bring Mimosas. Everyone loves Mimosas! (orange juice and sparkling white wine for those of you who have never heard of mimosas before). The question was, how could I get mimosa fixins for everyone, while also staying within a reasonable budget. The answer was a $7 bottle of Cava (a Spanish version of champagne/ sparkling wine) called Cristalino.
A Budget Vino tip
When looking for budget sparkling bottles, Cava is usually your best bet. Your options are typically cheaper than your French or American choices, and the product is similar in quality and taste.
Back to the Cristalino...
This Cava was perfect for a mimosa. In mimosas, orange juice usually overpowers the sparkling wine, so you don't need to go overboard. The Cristalino had the perfect quality, and it came at the perfect price.
I never tasted the Cristalino on its own, so I can't comment on its standalone quality. What I can recommend is that if you're going to a brunch, bring a good OJ and a bottle of Cristalino Cava. Your friends will thank you, and so will your wallet.
