New Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of sparkling wine, but we expect you'll agree that Gruet is on a par with some of the best-known names in domestic sparkling wine at this value. In 1984, Gilbert Gruet of the French Champagne house Gruet & Fils made a bold choice to plant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir near Albuquerque, New Mexico. High vineyards at 4,300 feet meant cool nights for his experiment and a long growing season. In 1987 he was able to achieve his first production using the traditional French "Methode Champenoise" and the rest is history. New Mexican sparkling wine—who would have known! From the winery: "The Brut offers a crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich complexity and fine mousse. The allure of toasty finish from twenty-four months on tirage, is a complement to the sophisticated apple and citrus flavor.