Sparkling wine is great anytime — as an aperitif, with a meal, or after dinner. Bubbles at any price make any occasion special. (NOTE: All wines in this column are nonvintage, unless otherwise noted.)

Prosecco (Italy; fresh and lively)• Cinzano ($10)• 2008 La Marca ($14)

Cava (Spain; traditional Champagne method)• Poema Brut ($13)

Freixenet• Cordon Negro Brut ($12)• Cordon Rosado Brut ($12)• Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut ($17)

Segura Viudas• Brut Riserva ($10)• Aria Estate Brut ($12)

Champagne (standard by which all bubbly is judged)• Laurent-Perrier ($49)• Taittinger Brut La Francaise ($45)

Cremant d’Alsace (fine French fizz from Alsace)• Lucien Albrecht Blanc de Blancs ($20)• Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose ($20)• Pierre Sparr Brut Reserve ($20)

CALIFORNIABarefoot Bubbly (top value option)• Brut Cuvee ($10)• Chardonnay ($11)• Extra Dry ($10)

J Vineyards (fine Russian River Valley fruit)• Cuvee 20 Brut ($20)

Schramberg (California’s benchmark)• 2006 Blanc de Blancs ($36)• 2006 Blanc de Noirs ($40)• 2006 Brut Rose ($43)• 2002 Brut Reserve ($105)• 2002 J. Schram ($105)—Rich Mauro has been writing about wine since 1995. He is a policy analyst for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Reach him at rich@rmpeoplespalate.com or Box 1779, Colorado Springs 80901.

President Barack Obama speaks to the media about the recent air travel incident, Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Photo by AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Alex Brandon