Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé
$30
Full of dry, rich bubbles, it’s both creamy and crisp. I defy most tasters to distinguish this Alsatian gem from “real” champagne.

Bailly Lapierre Reserve Crémant de Bourgogne
$25
This wine has a stony, minerally elegance and granny smith-like crisp fruit flavour.

Louis Bouillot Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé Perle D’Aurore
$26
An earthy rosé that’s 80 percent pinot noir. It has the tannins of a red wine and some nice raspberry flavour. A major deal.

Antech Blanquette de Limoux
$25
This southern French offering is 90 percent mauzac (whatever that is) and 10 percent Chardonnay, but it results in a nice light profile of honey on toast. With tight, little bubbles.

Monmousseau Cuvée J.M.
$20
This all-chenin blanc wine from the Loire is very fruit forward and uncomplicated. And it has a fancy label that will fool most recipients.

Bad Girl Crémant de Bordeaux
$30
This brand-new offering from the infamous garagiste Jean-Luc Thunevin (his Château Valandraud makes even champagne look inexpensive) is an odd sémillion, cabernet franc and muscadelle blend that’s crisp and easy to drink.