Well, I hardly need to say it — in fact, this is the last time I’m even going to refer to it, since I think all the collective emphasis on the subject is only making things worse. But 2008 has totally sucked, economically speaking. So, much as I love Champagne, it looks like 2009 will be rung-in with something more economical. (Particularly since I have a feeling we’re all going to want to drink about twice as much as usual. Not that I’m endorsing binge drinking…)

Anyhoo, the good news is that there are plenty of choices out there that are not only affordable, they’re really delicious. And they give you a chance to flex your inner wine geek by trying some sparkling wines from different regions.

I’ve been tasting a variety of bubblies — all under $40 (some way under!) — for the last couple of months and have put together the following list of my favorites.

By the way — some of these are on the off-dry (or just frankly sweet) side, which often doesn’t appeal to me unless I’m actually drinking them as part of a dessert course. So here’s a tip — keep a bottle of POM brand pomegranate juice in the fridge. When you open a bottle of bubbly that just tastes too sweet for you (Prosecco is often a good candidate here), make a pitcher of Pomegranate Bellinis! Just pour 1 cup of pomegranate juice into a pitcher, then top with 1 bottle of bubbly. Serve in Champagne flutes, garnished with a lemon twist, if you like. The tartness of the pomegranate juice tends to offset the simple sweetness of the bubbly — works like a charm for me, anyway!

Cavit NV Prosecco Trentino Lunetta ($11). Easy to like, with its light, crisp apple and peach aromas and flavors. Worked on its own, but also in a POM bellini! Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Cinzano NV Asti ($12). Sweet and frothy, a little simple, but likeable somehow. This actually works quite nicely with desserts. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Innocent Bystander 2008 Moscato Victoria($12, 375 ml). Really delish, with mouthwatering watermelon, strawberry and floral aromas and flavors that linger nicely on the off-dry, but slightly citrusy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Canella NV Prosecco Extra Dry ($17). I liked this one — dry, crisp, with loads of stony mineral notes that support fresh apple and orange blossom flavors. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Vigne Regali 2007 Gavi Principessa ($17). The bottle doesn’t inspire much confidence for some reason, but I ended up enjoying this uncomplicated spritzer. Easy, lemony, with some light-bodied apple fruit — it’s a fun little quaffer. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Lucien Albrecht NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cremant d’Alsace ($19). Very nice for the price, with crisp Granny Smith apple and a creamy lemon mousse character. Fresh, food friendly, easy to like. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-04)

Domaine Barmes-Buecher 2006 Brut Cremant d’Alsace ($20). Very nice indeed. With creamy pear and soft citrus aromas and flavors supported by appealing yeast and honey notes. Made from biodynamically-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Great value. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-11-02)

Ferrari NV Brut Trentino ($23). Excellent value here, for 100% Chardonnay made sparkling using the traditional (Champagne) method. With aromatic, medium-bodied ripe apple fruit balanced with crisp lemony citrus, toast and yeast notes that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Lucien Albrecht NV Brut Rose Cremant d’Alsace ($23). Moderate red cherry and berry fruit offers some crisp, tart character, with a light spiciness on the finish. Versatile with food. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-04)

Roederer Estate NV Brut Anderson Valley ($23). Always a reliable choice — and a favorite go-to of many wine industry types, this always seems to offer nicely balanced apple, pear, citrus, yeast, spice and toast notes that stay medium-bodied and flavorful through the finish. Food-friendly, too! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Domaine Carneros 2005 Brut Carneros ($26). This one’s a stunner and could easily fetch a higher price — with aromatic fresh apple character accented with red berry, crisp citrus, mineral, brioche and a touch of cream, all folding into a lush, long finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Iron Horse 2002 Brut Green Valley of Russian River Valley Classic Vintage ($33). Appealing balance of fresh green pear and citrus aromas and flavors play off deeper, yeasty notes and warm spices. With a persistent, evolving finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-18)

Iron Horse 2005 Wedding Cuvée Green Valley of Russian River Valley ($38). I think it’s the mineral notes on the finish that makes this one my favorite of the Iron Horse lineup. (Or maybe it’s the pretty orange blossom and cinnamon aromas.) With crisp green pear and Granny Smith apple flavors that stay focused through the complex, mineral-laced finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-18)