french wine

After what 2011 has done to our finances, it can be hard to justify shelling out big bucks for a bottle of French Champagne for New Year's Eve. But if the idea of toasting in 2012 with a cheap sham leaves you pained, don't worry: There are plenty of superb sparkling options out there that won't bust your budget.

From Champagne to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, vintners across France are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Thanks to favorable climatic conditions over the past 12 months, 2009 is expected to be an excellent vintage. The news is raising hopes among France's beleaguered wine and spirits...