Bubbles for Every Budget

‘Tis the season to drink bubbles. But which bubbly in particular is calling your name? We asked TJ Douglas, co-owner (with his wife Hadley) and General Manager of the Urban Grape (two of them actually – in the South End and Chestnut Hill) which sparkling wines he suggests we keep on hand this season for gift giving, sipping and toasting. Check out his three recs below – one Prosecco and two proper Champagnes. They span the full gamut of price ranges so you can customize your bubbly to the health of your wallet. Any way you go, you’re guaranteed a lovely and festive wine. TJ recommends…

NV Bocelli Prosecco "Extra Dry" (Prosecco, Italy)
100% Glera  $16
Who doesn't enjoy Opera sung by an Italian…whose family of the same name makes Prosecco?  This is a user-friendly bubbly with great fruit, and it’s inexpensive enough to add your fruit juices during cocktail hour or your Sunday Brunch.

NV Duval-Leroy Brut Champagne (Vertus, Champagne)
60% Pinot Meunier  30% Pinot Noir  10% Chardonnay   $36
This is our house pour at the Urban Grapes. It's rich and bold with tons of toasty flavors. We also like that this is one of the few female-owned Champagne houses.

2000 Perrier-Jouët "Fleur de Champagne" Blanc de Blancs (Epernay, Champagne)
100% Chardonnay   $250
Known as the "Flower Bottle," this is an elegant and fruity Champagne that doesn't have the tartness that some drinkers don't like. It’s extremely age-worthy but drinks great now as well.