Technically you can’t call it champagne, unless it’s from the Champagne region in France — otherwise it’s sparkling wine, but what’s in a name. If you enjoy the bubbly, go ahead and indulge — no need to wait for a special occasion. So champagne or sparkling wine, the one thing you don’t want to do is break the bank buying it. Your local stores carry great budget champagnes that will get you where you want to be, and most are under $20.
1. Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley (Approx. $20)
This delicious California sparkler starts off toasty and nutty, then reveals its flavors of citrus, green apple, and pear. Incidentally, Roederer are also the people who make the champagne of choice for celebrities, Cristal, making this truly the rock-star champagne for the rock-bottom price.
