Sparkling wine by nature tends to cost a little more than still versions, or at least good sparkling does. But when the average bottle of actual Champagne is $50 in a store, it’s well worth ...

Champagne from France may be the classic holiday-party choice, but in recent years, Italy has seen a remarkable lift in the quality of its sparkling wines — and there’s much more to be had ...

This cuvee of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier is vinified entirely in oak — very unusual. The result is a richly textured champagne with toast notes and flavors of apples and almonds.

“It was the dream of Joseph Krug and despite that he was not French (he was German) and was not even from a wine family, he decided on a type of Champagne that did not exist. “Some people ...