Regular readers of this blog and my print articles are aware of my passion for all things bubbly Champagne and Sparkling Wine are amongst my favorite wines to drink and they make up a large percentage of my personal collection. Needless to say, I am in my glory each year at this time when bubbly becomes relevant to almost all Valley residents.

Amreicans drink over 50% of their yearly bubbly consumption during the one week period between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Champagne in particular has enjoyed a rise in popularity in the USA over the last five years, but to most Americans it is still something they drink only on special occassions (which is unfortunate).

Most Valley wine lovers don't spend as much time researching the Champagnes they enjoy. The larger, more prestigious brands seem to make up the majority of purchases around the holidays. Price is another factor, with many of the top houses offering bottles that start at $50 and escalate quickly from there.

I recently sat down with Nick Rose from Wine Trends LLC to sample some offerings from the Laurent-Perrier Champagne House. I was struck by the quality of each bubbly, but more importantly, the incredible value they represent at their price points. Here's a look at three excellent Champagnes from that tasting:

1. Laurent-Perrier Brut NV $40

Crisp, fresh and elegant. Beautifully aged for a minimum of three years in the cellar before release. Incredibly well balanced and vivacious. 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier. You could easily spend 50% more money on abottle of Brut and not get the quality offered in this bottle.

2. Laurent-Perrier Demi-Sec $40

Full bodied and slightly sweet, it is a rich wine with a well rounded finish. This one is for those who like it a little sweeter, but the resifual sugar doesn't overhwlem the elegance of the Champagne itself. 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier.

3. Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose' $90

Intense fruit flavors, clean, well-defined and bursting with berries accross the palate. The freshness and clarity of the fruit flavors is really impressive. 100% Pinot Noir, aged at least four years before release. With most Rose'Champagnes climbing well over $100 these days, this one represents great value and it comes in a nice gift box for holiday giving.

Laurent-Perrier is distributed in our Valley by Wine Trends-Heidelberg. If your local retailer or restaurant doesn't have them on hand, they should be abe to get them for you in time for your holiday celebrations. Enjoy!