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La Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin from Reims ($150 to $180). The remarkable Madame Clicquot (1777-1866) is often considered the first businesswoman of the modern era. Née Nicole-Barbe Ponsardin, she was widowed in 1805 at the age of 27. Veuve Clicquot (Veuve means widow in French) is its prestige Cuvée La Grande Dame, named for Nicole-Barbe, and was inaugurated with the 1969 vintage and released in 1977 to commemorate the company's bicentenary. It is known for almond, citrus, orange peel notes with fine round acidity and delicate bubbles. Pairs well with fine terrines du canard, Foie Grass, Truffles, and fine pates.

Cristal 2000 Brut Louis Roederer from Reims ($190 to $245). This is one of the largest remaining independent Champagne Houses, still owned by the same family since it was founded in 1776. During the period of 1832 to 1870, under the direction of Louis Roederer, the house gained top ranking worldwide with sales of 2,500,000 bottles, including 390,000 in the United States and 660,000 in Russia, where Louis Roederer Champagne was an outstanding success. In 1876, Louis Roederer II, who succeeded his father, created the Cristal Cuvée for Tsar Alexander II. In 1909,Tsar Nicolas II nominated Louis Roederer as the official supplier to the Imperial Court of Russia. Some pairings might include Sevruga or Osetra caviar, fine chocolates, and the world of fine, tiny bubbles - no descriptors can fill the endless notes of great quality champagne! They also make a fine sparkling wine in the US in Anderson Valley California.

Mumm de Cramant Brut NV from Reims ($65 to $85). Richness and subtleties of the Mumm vineyards tradition with the know-how built up over generations since 1882, this holds a constant awareness of quality. The Mumm Champagne House has come to symbolize Champagne all around the world. As a major player in the world of Champagne, Mumm has been instrumental in the success of this outstanding product throughout the centuries. It has been behind advances in viniculture and high-profile initiatives that have helped establish Champagne's international reputation, while respecting tradition and keeping pace with changing tastes and fashions. They are also making a great sparkling wine in the US in Carneros Napa Valley. A single cru cuvée with a strict selection of 100% Chardonnay Cramant wines. A unique taste that I personally love! This pairs well with fine pate, Foie Gras, Terrines or simply sipping it for pleasure for any occasion. It is worth a try – pure Chardonnay bubbles!

Sparkling Wines from Around the World

Two Italian selections from a town between Verona and Venice: Prosecco di Valdobbiadene  ($15 to $18). This fits the bill with crisp citrus and bigger bubbles, it is fun sipping without spending a mint! The sparkling wine is made from prosecco grapes from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. Another to look for - Prosecco Terre Gaie ($14). This is on the top of my personal list and is found only in fine shops, so remember to ask your wine clerk to buy it for you. Keep one in your refrigerator at all times!

In Lombardy, Italy, you will find one of the greatest sparking wines of the world – Franciacorta, a DOCG status sparkling wine known since the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with fine bubbles made from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. My recommendations include Catturich-Ducco Brut NV Franciacorta ($29), which can be found in wine stores or at www.Contiducco.it, and the unmistakable Ca’ del Bosco Brut NV ($35) Millesimato Vintage or Satin “single vineyards.”