There are champagnes that cost more than a mortgage payment. But busting out the bubbles doesn’t have to break your bank. With New Year’s Eve upon us, we were after something festive that wouldn’t fetch a fortune, so we consulted Alexander Dinerstein, food and beverage operations manager at Sea Pines Resort, in Hilton Head, S.C., and asked him for high-value champagnes and sparkling wines to help us ring in 2021. Priced at $65 and under, these four recommendations fit the bill.
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Rose, NV
$20
In the heart of the Prosecco region, just north of Venice, the Villa Sandi estate dates to 1622. Translation: Like a journeyman pro, they’ve had lots of time to master their craft. This zesty sparkler reflects that skill.
Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs NV
$25
A New World wine with Old World roots, this California sparkling wine owes its origins to the Marquis d’Aulan family, direct descendants of a famed champagne-making family in France.
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut NV
$35
As a sponsor of both the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards, Piper-Heidsieck is practically synonymous with cork-popping good times. This is the signature house cuvee.
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
$65
The Crayeres are chalk caves in the Champagne region, quiet, lightless places that are terrible for golf but great for storing wine. This brut reserve is aged for more than 36 months in these cool cellars, giving rise to a lush champagne with long-lasting bubbles and a finish as balanced as Adam Scott’s swing.
