Champagne is for special occasions. Sure, I love a bottle of bubbly with just about everything, from breakfast to nightcap. But, the price tag on true Champagne (only from the Champagne region of France) doesn’t allow me to indulge in it on a regular basis. Sparkling wines including Prosecco, Cava and value sparkling wines from other regions around the world, allow me to indulge my fascination with bubbles in my glass without breaking my budget. On special occasions, however, I don’t half step it. I’m poppin Champagne bottles this New Year’s Eve. For those of you also planning to celebrate with style, allow me to make a few recommendations:

CHAMPAGNE UNDER $40

Champagne doesn’t come cheap, but there are several good non-vintage Champagnes that can be had under $40.

Duval-Leroy Brut NV

Laurent-Perrier Brut NV

GROWER CHAMPAGNE

Grower Champagne has become very trendy this year.  These are Champagnes that are made by the same vineyard that grew the grapes used to make it.  Typically, only small productions of these Champagnes are available.

L. Aubry Brut NV

Paul Dethune Brut Grand Cru NV

MULTI-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE

Not to be confused with non-vintage Champagne, multi-vintage Champagne blends multiple vintages.  Vintage Champagne is made from the highest quality grapes in the good years when a vintage is called, so multi-vintage makes for multiple times the fun!

Krug Grand Cuvee

Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siècle”

ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE

Add a little color to your festivities with pink, Rosé Champagne.

Henriot Brut Rose NV

Ruinart Brut Rose NV

FRUITY CHAMPAGNE

Brut (dry) Champagne tends to take on notes of toast and/or yeast that can overshadow the fruit notes, until it has aged.  H. Billiot is a grower Champagne that is fruit first right out of the gate without the sweetness of a higher dosage.

H. Billiot Brut Reserve NV

H. Billiot Brut Rose NV

For more suggestions, check out our sparkling wine recommendations for NYE 2012. Here’s to a happy New Year! Cheers!

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