Champagne Toast on a Budget.

The delicate, unique nature of Champagne has been an equivalent to romance, sophistication and effervescent beauty since the 17th century. It has become a staple for any celebration. A staple with a sizable price tag, I dare say. Rarely any wedding goes without champagne toast and you don’t have to skip on it just because it’s expensive.

As I was going through dozens of bottles compiling an exclusive “Sparkling Flight” Menu, I realized there are plenty of options, including the array of sparkling wines that will allure and fascinate you without breaking a budget.

Well, first let’s start with some basics. Sparkling wine can be made anywhere from Old World wine regions of Spain and Italy to New World vineyards of California, Australia and South Africa. Champagne must be made in its namesake region of France according to strict regulations. The common wisdom of “extra dry” is not in fact the driest. When choosing champagne or sparkling wine refer to this mini-guide:

 DOUX: sweetest

DEMI-SEC: sweet

SEC: slightly sweet

EXTRA DRY: medium dry

BRUT: dry

EXTRA BRUT (BRUT SAVAGE): driest

The best Champagne on a budget* (Prices may vary in dependence on sale region).

Cheap Champagne might sound like an oxymoron, since a bottle of prestigious bubbly can cost as much as hundreds of dollars (see below). These reasonably priced Champagnes will help you stay within your budget. Note that these are all true Champagnes, and not just sparkling wines.

1. Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut, $32.00

2. Jacquart Brut Mosaïque,  $31.00

3. Paul Goerg Tradition Brut, $32.00

4. Moët & Chandon Impérial, $40.00

5. G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut, $35.00

6. Bonnaire Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, $37.00

The best sparkling wine on a budget* (Prices may vary in dependence on sale region).

Sparkling wine is produced all around the world and it’s both delicious and affordable. From Spanish Cava and Italian Prosecco to Californian Sparkling Wine.

1. Zonin Prosecco Special Cuvée Brut, Veneto, Italy, $12.00

2. Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, $15.00

3. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé NV, Alsace, France, $19.00

4. Korbel Brut Rosé, California, $10.00

5. Torre Oria  Cava Brut, Spain, $13.00

6. Mumm Napa Valley Brut Prestige, California, $20.00

Prestige Cuvée for your wedding night.

Champagne Philipponnat, Clos des Goisses, 1999 Brut; $155.00

This prestigious vintage Champagne is made from mostly Pinot Noir, which is blended with a lesser amount of Chardonnay. What makes this label unique is that all the grapes used to make the wine were grown in a single walled-in vineyard: The Clos des Goisses. This amber-tinted Champagne exudes fruit jam scents with hints of rose petal, sandalwood and almonds. A fleshy palate displaying honey, aniseed, almond and old brandy flavors follows the aromatics.