Most of us think of champagnes exclusively for a holiday or special event. And with the price tag associated with these in the past, we predominately only use these for holidays. But not any more because we have choices! Non-vintage Brut sparklers with effervescence are inexpensive and can do a lot to compliment food for the traditional holiday flare. Sparklers (meaning all types of sparkling wines that are not from the Champagne region of France) are different and offer charm. Here are few to look for: 

• NV Codorniu Pinot Noir Rose Brut – Bright and fresh with strawberry and cherry emerging on the front.
• NV Soligio Brut Prosecco – Light with lemon cake flavors. Perfect for Arugula salad.
• Marques de Gelida Brut Exclusive Riserva Cava – Light and super refreshing with green apples and lemon zest.
• Domaine Carneros Brut Taittinger, Napa – Tiny bubbles that sing in the flute. Cherry, spice and citrus aromas that are impeccably balanced. Drink alone or with glazed ham and sweet potatoes.

Recently, the price of nonvintage and vintage Champagnes have dropped due to our market crisis. So this is an advantage as a consumer. Your choices in wines and particular Champagnes are endless. Here are the best under $70.00 that are worth trying with food. So go ahead, live a little and let’s celebrate to a better year ahead. Here's to 2009!!!

• Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
• Ayala Brut Majeur
• Piper Heidsieck Brut (Rose is awesome too)
• Pierre Peters (100% Grand Cru fruit)
• Henriot ‘Souverain’ Brut
• Heidsieck & Co. Monopole  ‘Blue Top’
• Laurent-Perrier Brut
• Pol Roger Brut ‘Extra Cuvee’ de Reserve