gift bottle

I think bubbly is safe, if I don't feel like needs to be Champagne, I'd probably do cava (Castellroig is very dependable and widely available). Maybe rose in heat of summer, but I don't think it's universally liked (neither is bubbly, but more people appreciate). I know people who are "red only" , and a couple who are "white only", but most would appreciate bubbly (or at least gesture)

Now if intended for immediate consumption (meaning with you), just bring what you like and hope they do as well!

First of all, always give them the bottle with the expectation that they won't open it, unless you've arranged beforehand to open it. I always assume that it's a gift and plan accordingly. If you truly don't know their tastes at all, it's a tough question. A lot of people don't like truly dry wines, finding them too tart. I agree with you that Prosecco seems like a safe choice (and, according to today's NY Times, soon there will be rosé Prosecco on the market - win, win!)

Good luck, Mark Lipton

An "extra-dry" bubbly (which is actually a tiny bit sweet) is probably a safe bet. If you know anything about their food tastes, that might help you decide; do they like over-the-top sweet desserts? A German Auslese Riesling might work. If they like lots of spice, a Gewurztraminer (also Deutsche) might do the trick. If you're uncertain, your Prosecco idea could do it.

Dan-O