Anonymous wrote:Roederer is a nice one for $20 or so. (This is the California product of the great French producer.)
Schramsberg and Scharffenberger are also nice but not sure their cost. 9:56's list is very helpful; 9:05's too but I wonder if that stuff is going to be easy to find. I also like Gruet. (And Veuve Clicquot, but that's $40.)
I would not give prosecco as a gift. Too many cheapos out there, and even if you can find good ones, it has the image these days of a sort of binge-brunch drink. If you can get to a wine store, ask about cremants -- French sparkling wine from outside the Champagne region. There are some very affordable ones from the Loire valley, and they also make them in Burgundy. Some of those are going to be very nice and half the price of Champagne, but you'd need a good recommendation.
Roederer Anderson Valley is a great choice. I drink a lot of wine and this is one of the best values in the market. Competes very will with a lot of average champagnes from France at double to price.
BTW - Korbel should only be use for mimosas.....so you can't taste it.