email this pageAs a hostess gift or for kicking off holiday gatherings with aplomb, bubblies simply can’t be beat. And what would New Year’s Eve be without a little sparkle? Champagnes and sparkling wines also go wonderfully with many foods; there’s just something about those beautiful bubbles that makes you feel refreshed between bites—and eager for more.
While prices for the most celebrated sparklers can climb into the hundreds of dollars, there are plenty of bottles that can lift the occasion without lifting too much from your wallet.
Champagne Splurges
True French Champagne can be over-the-moon expensive; fortunately, many of the famous Champagne houses make admirable bottles in the moderately priced category, too. When you’re ready for a splurge, try:
- Taittinger La Française (Champagne, France): $35
- Perrier Jouët Grand Brut (Champagne, France): $49
Elsewhere in France
French winemakers outside of the Champagne region possess plenty of savoir-faire when it comes to bubbles, and their products are often great values. Try these under-$15 picks:
- Pierre Spar Marquis de Perlade (Alsace, France)
- Bouvet Signature Brut (Saumur, France)
California Values
Ranging in price from $18 to $25, these picks are a great buy, combining California fruit with French panache:
- Mumm Napa Blanc de Noirs
- Domaine Carneros Brut by Taittinger
- Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut
Related Stories
If you enjoyed reading this story, A Good Glass of Wine December 2006, then you might enjoy these other stories.- A Good Glass of Wine December 2007
- A Good Glass of Wine
- A Good Glass of Wine February 2006
- wine picks
- Wine Picks June 2008
Share This Story With Others:
There are no current discussions for this article. Why not be the first?
