Bubbly on a Budget

The champagne bubble seems to have burst this year, but thankfully there are plenty of good, affordable sparkling wines you can serve at parties, bring along or give as gifts with no shame. For bubbly on the budget (or a splurge), we usually head to Astor Wines & Spirits, which has the most extensive selection of sparklers by country and region - and the best prices. For $20 or less, here are a few recently tasted wines

Prosecco is often the go-to sparkler for people since it's affordable and highly drinkable. Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Col Vetoraz is a very good option: clean, crisp and smooth with depth and complexity and refreshing citrus notes. While available at Vestry Wines and Italian Wine Merchants, Astor has the best price at $15.99.

Made by a French champagne family in New Mexico, Gruet offers excellent quality for the price. Rich and creamy with a toasty finish, the Brut is nicely balanced. The Gruet Blanc de Noirs is even richer and both are $12.99 at Astor. A great value and a hands-down favorite under $15.

Should you chance bubbly under $10? Delacroix Brut Blanc de Blancs is a French sparkler that's fairly simple but a great find for its price - $7.99 at Astor. A blend of chardonnay, chenin blanc and ugni blanc (used in cognac making), it is fresh, easy drinking and has good fizz - perfect for big parties.

The elegant Parigot & Richard Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Blanc de Blancs is the closest to champagne in this group. Dry and polished, this delicious wine will easily stand up to higher priced champagnes. It's made with chardonnay and aligoté - and excellent with smoked salmon and crème fraiche. $19.99 at Astor.