When planning a holiday party, deciding what bubbly to serve your guests or to give as gifts can be difficult, and true Champagne can get expensive. The Drink Nation is here to help. We’ve enlisted Brandon Tebbe, Master Sommelier of the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs to give us a quick course with some perfect sparkling wines for the holiday season. The best part? All bottles are under $30. Cheers!

France

Domaine Rosier “Cuvée Jean-Philippe” Blanquette de Limoux Brut, Languedoc, France, 2012. This lovely champagne has tastes of golden apple, lemon and white peach with aromas of apple blossoms, wild flowers and chamomile with hints of toasted bread. Made from the indigenous Mauzac grape, this is believed to be the first area in the world to successfully produce sparkling wines. $12.99

Val de Mer by Patrick Puize, French Sparkling “Non Dosé” Burgundy, France. This haunting white burgundy with bubbles has aromas of tasted brioche and hazelnuts, hints of caramel with golden delicious apple and lemon citrus and a chalky minerality and dry crispness on the palate, owing to “no dosage” being added. From renowned Chablis producer Patrick Puize, this wine is made on Champagne’s border and is a treat for a fraction of the price of its neighboring wines. $19.99

Germany

Dr. Loosen “Dr. L” Deutscher Riesling Sekt, Germany. Made from 100% Riesling and fermented in tank to preserve the fruity aromas, Riesling is famous for ripe bosc pear, yellow apple and fresh lemon citrus, with notes of white flowers, ginger and wet stone. Racy acidity balanced with a hint of residual sugar give these bubbles a bit of body, while still remaining crisp and refreshing. Riesling, with its variety, is the perfect pairing with any food. $12.99

Australia

Jansz “Premier Curvée” Brut, Pipers River, Tasmania. Has aromas of ripe lemon and lime citrus, Granny Smith apple and white peach, with notes of tasted nuts, freshly baked bread and white flowers. Zesty acidity balances perfectly with fine bubbles, creating a creamy texture on the palate. A frigid climate in Tasmania helps Jansz produce the Southern Hemisphere’s closest example to true Champagne. $20.99

South Africa

Graham Beck, Méthode Cap Classique Brut Rose, Western Cape. Bright red fruit aromas of red cherry, strawberry and raspberry with a hint of Fiji Apple and finished with notes of lavender and fresh bread from less aging. Crisp on the palate, lightly chalky and balanced with a tart character to the fruit. Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this lively rose is a delightful addition to any holiday dinner. $15.99

Photo via Flickr