Originally Posted by
flyboy60
I'll be the contrarian - I think you should start with one of the best California sparklers made by a French Champagne house. My personal favorite is Roederer Estate Brut. Should set you back $20-25.
Sad to say, depending on who you're bringing it to, this results in an immediate poopoo reaction. Plenty of good California bubbles. Also plenty of good bubbles from elsewhere, including France, without the name Champagne. But you have to know your crowd, and better to bring a lesser Champagne than a better something else.