Valentine's Day can mean a pricey meal topped off with an expensive bottle of Champagne. But there are cheaper alternatives out there. Here, we speak to sommeliers of Bangkok bars and restaurants about their favorite bubblies that won’t break the bank. 

NV Domaine Pinon Vouvray Brut

Region: Loire Valley, France
“Unlike many cheap bubbles from Italy, Pinon is made in the traditional bottle-fermentation style rather than tank method, so the flavor profile is closer to Champagne than for example prosecco.” – Greg Plowes, Jim Thompson.
How much: B990
Where: Wine Garage. Order at 02-262-0255, www.winegarage.asia, [email protected]

NV Lambrusco di Sorbara Secco by Umberto Cavicchioli & Figli

Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
“Lambrusco (like prosecco) is generally a sea of badly made cheap sweet sparkling wines, but if you can find this Lambrusco made from the delicate red grape Sorbara, snap it up! It is a dry, delicate sparkling red. The Sorbara grape has such thin skin that it produces a very light red hue.” – Greg Plowes, Jim Thompson.
How much: B715
Where: Italasia Group. Order at 02-261-7990, [email protected]

Nino Franco Prosecco Spumante Superiore Rustico

“I think it’s more characteristic and has more complexity than just a fruity taste.” – Sunthorn Lapmul, Mandarin Oriental.
How much: B936
Where: Italasia Group. Order at 02-261-7990, [email protected]

Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava Brut

Region: Catalonia, Spain
"It’s a great Cava for its price point, plus the all black bottling is sexy/iconic." – Andreas Pergher, Bunker
How much: B799
Where: Gourmet Wine Cellar by Gourmet, 5/F The Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd, 02-269-1000

Dassai 50 Nigori Sparkling Sake

Region: Yamaguchi, Japan
“Quite fragrant, semi-sweet, delicate yet full-bodied, it can be consumed at any stage of the meal. If you’re looking to try something a little unique for the festive season, this is it!” – Vibhi Harnvarakiat, Morimoto
How much: B726/360ml, B1,419/720ml
Where: Orihara Shoten, 18 Park Lane Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02-382-0131

Codorniu Cava Delapierre Tradicion Brut

Region: Catalonia, Spain
“Light, refreshing, easy on the palate with vibrant fruit flavors—a very tasty selection. There is also the tartness of citrus flavors and a slight touch of Champagne toastiness, making it a good Cava that represents what Cava in all has to offer.” – Vibhi Harnvarakiat, Morimoto
How much: B679
Where: 2/F Villa Market Phrom Phong, 595 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-662-1000

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