Brianne with the grapevines at Castello Banfi

One of France's best-kept secrets is a Champagne house that has been around since 1798, and makes a top-quality bubbly that's one-third the price of Dom Perignon.

• The House of Jacquesson is the oldest independent Champagne house.
• Jacquesson presses 85 percent of the grapes they need.
  
• Jacquesson is available on the Internet or in fine wine stores
  
• Compare: Dom Perignon, $90 v. Jacquesson, $30.

Great Wine Made Simple by Andrea Immer

Champagne For Dummies by Ed McCarthy

Budget Living Magazine
Alex Bhattacharji, Executive Editor