Your Ultimate Bubbly Wine Gift Guide

Far more bubbly is sold during this time of year than any other, which isn't surprising as sparkling wines are great for both entertaining and for gift-giving.

It's also a good time to note that the world of sparkling wines continues to expand, and the products — except at the very low end — keep getting better. The Franciacorta region of northern Italy is an overlooked region worth looking into that makes sparklers in the style of Champagne at a somewhat lower price.

Also, English sparkling wine has come virtually out of nowhere and can be of Champagne quality at bargain prices. Plus, there is a new Champagne on the American market this year — Palmer — that makes us wonder why no one has imported it before.

Here, then, are 35 sparkling wines, listed according to price, from $14 to $180. There is surely something here to help you celebrate either by popping the cork or giving it to someone all wrapped up in ribbons and bows.

Very fragrant in a good way. Pollen and beeswax, white flowers, and more flowery than fruity in general with the savory notes in the front and the light fruitiness in the end.

Citrus and pineapple flavors with crisp, clean medium body, though not great length of flavor.

Fruity and tight strawberry flavors with some pineapple and lots of mousse that quickly dissipates.

Light to medium body with a bit of tang — creamy with apples and hints of dried herbs.

"Ziss" wine has good structure with pastel aromas and flavors and candied pears in the aftertaste — fruity but firm.

Very creamy with dark cherry flavors, some tannins, and some savory notes.

Quite refreshing and delicious — a very good buy — with creamy richness and fresh green herbs with a metallic, finishing minerality.

Tangy and tart in a satisfying way, with minerality, crisp apple notes and beaucoup bubbles.

Very nice and complex — tanginess followed by crème fraîche, good minerality, hint of tannins from somewhere, rich but relatively lean.

Nice and satisfying with mellow apple and dried herb flavors and good richness and texture.

Rich, but tightly knit with lots of savory notes. Resembles the flavor of lemons.

A nice, minerally Champagne with flavors of wet slate to go with the apricots and lemons, all wrapped up in a good structure.

Lots of satisfying intensity with flavors of citrus, then apple and pear, and even a little dried geranium.

A little light and ephemeral (or is that elegance?) with flavors of rose petals and a nice tart mixture of citrus and stone fruits.

Full-bodied with lots of savory notes of dried and green herbs and nice minerality.

Lean and flavorful with lots of lemon, lime, and other citrus flavors — crisp, but not overly acidic.

Bright but tart cherry flavors with some candy notes and good acidity.

Here are the signature Champagne characteristics: minerally/metallic tastes, tannic and crisp finish, yet full-bodied.

Minerally, tangy, and gamey with tart apple flavors, intense bubbles, and crisp acidity.

It could use a little more length on the palate, but there is a lot of pleasant, creamy effervescence with light strawberry flavors.

A darker rosé with apple on the nose and flavors of cherry, cola, and red vermouth — an excellent food wine.

A very nice sparkler, showing what Napa can do when it sets its mind to it. Touch of gaminess, great structure, hints of tannin, savory notes, and pleasantly assertive.

Golden, stone-fruit flavors with complex savory notes of herbs and grains. Rich and refreshing.

Not terribly complex, but the flavors, — primarily light cherry — the texture, and the acidity are all good.

Very good and very well-made. More fruity than sweet, with flavors of orange, lemon, and pineapple.

Tangy, strawberry, and tangerine flavors with a lot of minerality and a crisp finish — very satisfying.

Strawberry tartness with young blackberries, cream, and puff pastry.

Rich and intense with flavors of both mellow and tart apples, a little creaminess, and a little metallic tang — very much a versatile food wine.

Flavors of rose petals and pastry shells, quite floral with light tannins, and an intense finish.

The wine is elegant, yet rich and intense with flavors of baked apples, cream, and only light hints of brioche. Still tightly wound and very delicious.

A reserve wine with a good interweaving of yeasty brioche and lemon flavors and a crisp, dark finish — very nice, indeed.

Extra rich body with a great lean finish, with flavors of lemon and lemon peel, good minerality. Very elegant.

Well-structured, tending toward volume rather than length. Quite elegant with flavors of lemon, custard, roasted nuts, and pear.

A very savory wine with flavors of grain, vanilla and lemon — rich, complex, delicious.

Dark strawberry and black tea notes with a touch of tannins and good minerality.