Sparkler types

[andypandy]

Lately, perhaps to celebrate the season and my graduation from college, I have started exploring sparkling wines. I have little experience with these, and also have very limited funds to explore much with. As my palate is, generally speaking, young and inexperienced, I would appreciate it if someone could describe for me the general differences in the different types of sparklers. I have tried Proseccos and California Champagnes and am about to try a bottle of cava (Segura Viudas Estate Aria Brut Cava, it was about $12, I think. Anybody know if this is any good?) At the end of this magical journey into new territory I'd like to cap it off with a true Champagne. So there's a couple of questions to answer: basic differences between Cava, Prosecco, California Champagne, true Champagne, or other sparklers, and what's a decent representative of Champagne that's not too pricy for a couple of friends to share? Thanks for y'alls genius. (I was going to post this in the champagne section, but I just feel so comfy here in the novice section, since it fits me the best...)