There are few things better in life than a mimosa at brunch. The simplicity of its equal parts orange juice and Champagne, or another type of sparkling wine, give it a somewhat understated luxury and indulgence. In our eyes, it’s the quintessential brunch cocktail.
There are different opinions on who first concocted what came to be such a much-loved drink. Likewise, which bubbly is best.
Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
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1. Roederer Estate Brut |
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2. Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco Superiore 2018 |
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3. Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blanc 2017 |
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4. Chandon Brut |
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5. Zonin Cuvee 1821 Prosecco |
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6. Lucien Albrecht Brut Cremant |
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7. Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne |
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We were lucky enough to sample sparkling options from around the world and deliver our verdict to help you make brunch, or anytime, a celebration.
Our Best Sparkling Wine For Mimosas Reviews and Comparisons
1. Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco Superiore 2018
Product Highlights
Many say that you shouldn’t waste Champagne in mimosas (more on that later). Because the orange juice will cover up the subtler nuance of the sparkling wine, use a cava or prosecco instead. Just make sure that it’s a high-quality one as you don’t want a headache in the afternoon! And Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco Superiore 2018 is definitely that; an Editors’ Choice in Wine Enthusiast with 92 points.
The wine is made from Glera, Pinot Bianco, and Verdiso grapes from the hills of the Bisol vineyards. There the clay-laden earth with its subsoil of marine sandstone known as “crede” helps provide the ideal terroir for the first two varieties, enriching them with refined acids, signature aromas, and ripe fruitiness. It’s the ideal accompaniment with that brunch favorite smoked salmon eggs benedict.
Features
- Variety: 85% Glera, 10% Pinot Bianco, 5% Verdiso, Italian Prosecco
- Appellation: Valdobbiadene, Treviso
- Winery: Bisol
- Alcohol: 11.5%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco Superiore 2018
This is no ordinary prosecco, after all, it is a vintage. There are delightfully fine bubbles and a creamy texture, that is slightly stimulating and luxurious on the palate.
Hints of fragrant green apple and white spring flower charm the nose. Then flavors of pear, grapefruit, lemon zest, honey, minerals, and ginger excite in the mouth. All nicely supported by fresh acidity and a lovely creamy mousse.
What We Don’t Like About Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco Superiore 2018
Is it too appley? More like a sparkling apple juice? We can’t decide. One thing is for sure though, and that’s the short finish.
PROS
- Very mellow
- Refreshing and crisp
- Smooth as silk
CONS
- Too thin. Weak in taste
- The bubbles aren’t so friendly
2. Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blanc 2017
Product Highlights
Cava is the traditional Spanish take on sparkling wine that can also be used for mimosas. This example is steeped in the heritage of being from the winery that bears the name of the original creator of cava in 1872, Josep Maria Raventós.
Even before him, the Raventós family was a world-renowned winegrowing dynasty that had lived on the estate since 1497. Since then, 21 generations have worked the same 90 hectares of vines, forest, and lake. With soils that were formed over 16 million years ago, along with a very specific microclimate influenced by the geography river, they provide the ideal conditions for wines with great minerality.
Features
- Variety: 40% Xarel Lo, 32% Macabeo , 28% Parrellada, Spanish Cava
- Appellation: Spain
- Winery: Raventos
- Alcohol: 12%
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
What We Like About Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blanc 2017
Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blanc 2017 is from the same family-owned vineyards of the estate, with vines that are over 40 years old. They form part of the winery thought by many to be the finest in Spain.
You’ll find yourself asking who needs Champagne when cava can be this good? Especially one that’s steeped in so much heritage, tradition, and experience.
With notes of tree fruits of green apple, peach, and apricot. The citrus of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, along with good acidity, provide the brightness. There’s cream in the background of its delicate mousse, with a lingering finish for a structured, fresh, and complex sparkling wine.
What We Don’t Like About Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blanc 2017
We’re not sure if it was bad conservation on the part of the supplier, or a bad cork on the part of the winery, but the first bottle that we tried was corked. The second bottle was fine, however.
PROS
- Tastes like apple drizzled in honey
- Clean and dry finish
- Very enjoyable!
CONS
- A little too simple
- Pretty average and indistinguishable
3. Chandon Brut
Product Highlights
The first of our American bubblies. This is described by the Chandon winery as “crisp, fresh and effortlessly cool…your go-to-choice bubbly for entertaining, sipping and gifting.”
We’re not sure about all of that; we just tasted it in our office and used it for our mimosas. For that, it was perfectly fine. it certainly represents very good value being more reasonably priced than the other selections.
Features
- Variety: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, American Sparkling White
- Appellation: Napa Valley, California
- Winery: Chandon
- Alcohol: 13%
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
What We Like About Chandon Brut
This typical expression of a Napa bubbly is well-loved and a benchmark for every other American sparkler. Fresh, vibrant, and always reliable. Signature green apple, pear, and citrus notes come before a soft, dry finish.
Chandon Brut a nicely balanced palate of yeast, green fruits, citrus, spice, and minerals on the end. Enjoy it Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or sashimi and sushi.
What We Don’t Like About Chandon Brut
Chandon has been a standard good bottle of bubbly for years. But while it’s nice it’s not great. Flavour is a little limited, although that doesn’t matter so much if you’re using it for your mimosas.
PROS
- A good sparkling with good bubbles down to the last drop
- Dry, delicious and headache-free
CONS
- Other bubbles comparatively offer more
4. Zonin Cuvee 1821 Prosecco
Product Highlights
Unlike cava, American sparkling wine, and Champagne, prosecco – from the Veneto region in Italy – is fermented in giant stainless-steel tanks for bigger bubbles.
Zonin is also known for its almond and citrus hints that make it an ideal choice for a mimosa.
It goes with lighter foods that you’re likely to have at brunch, but also most any fish, and even fried chicken.
Features
- Variety: 100% Glera, Italian Prosecco
- Appellation: Veneto
- Winery: Zonin
- Alcohol: 11%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Zonin Cuvee 1821 Prosecco
The pale, straw yellow body has a pleasing little hint of green even out of the bottle. With a lasting effervescence and rich mousse highlighting the flavorful fruity notes, that are still dry and fresh enough. That’s down to the greater almonds and lesser citrus that provide balance.
What We Don’t Like About Zonin Cuvee 1821 Prosecco
Yes, this one is for sure a good base for mimosas and other sparkling cocktails, but it’s too sweet for us. Overall, a little mediocre and an unimpressive commercial tank bubble.
PROS
- Good quality for the price
- Perfectly fine for mimosas
CONS
- Cloyingly sweet
5. Roederer Estate Brut
Product Highlights
This is an American sparkling wine that can hold its own alongside its French cousins, and even Champagne. But that shouldn’t be a surprise, as the Roederer name should indicate.
For the owners of Roederer Estate are the very same as Champagne Louis Roederer, maker of Cristal.
Roederer Estate Brut is also available in a magnum, the equivalent of two standard bottles. Perfect for pouring multiple glasses, and let’s face it no one ever has just one mimosa or on their own. Also, the lower oxygen-to-wine-ratio of the larger bottle helps keep the flavors crisp.
See Related Article: Best Sweet Wines For Beginners
Features
- Variety: 58% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir, American Sparkling Wine
- Appellation: Anderson Valley, California
- Winery: Roederer
- Alcohol: 12%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Roederer Estate Brut
Wine Spectator ranked it #27 in their top 100 wines of 2018, giving it 93 points. Wine Enthusiast named it as an Editors’ Choice. We agree with their assessments.
Effortlessly complex, with apple, pear, and lemon notes in perfect synchronization with those of buttery brioche, zesty ginger, and creamy vanilla, and hazelnut. It’s assertive and robust, yet seamlessly fine and silky.
With a medium to full body, a creamy viscose texture that pleasurably fills the mouth, and perfectly weighted bubbles. It’s a super sparkler that won’t break the bank. On its own or in a mimosa, it makes a great pair to egg and brunch dishes, sauteed delicate fish, and sweet seafood.
What We Don’t Like About Roederer Estate Brut
Very little. What’s not to like for the quality that comes with the Roederer Estate’s fine heritage? Especially at this price. But just don’t expect Cristal!
PROS
- A multi-vintage cuvee in the traditional Roederer style
- One of California’s premier sparklers
- Sleek and luxurious
CONS
- For a brut, it’s quite sweet
6. Lucien Albrecht Brut Cremant
Product Highlights
Crémant refers to French sparkling wines made outside of the Champagne region, which perhaps offer the best quality-to-price ratio for mimosas. Just look for Brut or Extra-Brut options.
The 3 varieties used for Lucien Albrecht Brut Cremant, are harvested by hand at the start of the grape harvest in southern Alsace whose microclimate favors early ripening.
Features
- Variety: Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, French Sparkling Wine
- Appellation: Alsace
- Winery: Lucien Albrecht
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Lucien Albrecht Brut Cremant
The beautiful golden color with light but lasting bubbles. The nose is subtle but still refreshingly enticing with florals and citrus zest. Ripe green apples aided by a creamy mousse bring a lovely balance to the palate and ensure that the finish is as long as it is dry.
Delightful in a mimosa at brunch, or without the juice at lunch. On its own at a cocktail party or as an aperitif before dinner, Lucien Albrecht Brut Cremant is a classic for many occasions.
What We Don’t Like About Lucien Albrecht Brut Cremant
It’s delicious, but we still think that Roederer Estate Brut is better in a mimosa, and for the quality-to-price ratio.
PROS
- Light acidity, smooth texture, good balance, and a lingering finish
- Lots of bubbles
- Excellent value as an alternative to champagne
CONS
- Nice bubbles, a hint of toast on the nose, but a little underwhelming on the palate
- Not quite sweet or dry
7. Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne
Product Highlights
Genuine Champagne for mimosas is considered to be a waste by many, but if the appeal of drinking bubbles in the morning is partly the decadence, then why not ‘go all-out’?
Or not quite, as this velvety Special Cuvee Brut from the fabled Bollinger Champagne house, is amongst the better value bottles. But still, with champagne this good, just make sure that you’re mixing it with the very best, hand-squeezed orange juice.
Features
- Variety: 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier (over 85% Grands and Premiers Crus), Champagne
- Appellation: Champagne, France
- Winery: Bollinger
- Alcohol: 12%
- Bottle: 750 ml
What We Like About Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne
This creamy Champagne is lusciously full of body, lightly chalky in texture, and backed by firm acidity. Accents on the nose of doughy brioche, zesty lemon, smoky almonds, and stone fruit flavors, segue into caramelized apricot, orange blossom, honey, clover, and coffee liqueur flavors on the palate.
All that does take a time to develop in the glass. But if your patience allows, you’ll be rewarded with a big and rich Champagne.
What We Don’t Like About Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne
For all of that, is it lost in a mimosa? Is using a Champagne, and such a good one, merely a triumph of show – even flash – over substance?
PROS
- 93 points from Wine Spectator
- It’s a Bollinger, a by-word for luxury
CONS
- Possibly waste in a mimosa
FINAL VERDICT
Sipping a mimosa, particularly if still in the morning hours at brunch, is one of life’s greater pleasures. A little decadent, especially in these troubled times? Of course. But that’s kind of the point!
Go with our choice of Roederer Estate Brut as the best sparkling wine mimosas, and at least you won’t break the bank. Just enjoy!