Paris ? Partygoers worldwide have at least one good reason to forget the economic pain, job fears and mortgage woes of 2009: unusually cheap Champagne for New Year’s.

Champagne houses and retailers have had a tough year, forcing some to make price cuts. But the discounting is causing divisions among vintners, and analysts warn the move could threaten the bubbly’s premium reputation.

In supermarket chains such as Carrefour SA and Auchan, French shoppers were snapping up real Champagne for less than $14 a bottle, as even high-end producers such as Laurent Perrier compete with cheaper bubbly such as Italian prosecco and Spanish cava.

With Champagne exports plunging, some producers are cutting prices to sell more in France. Large retailers are also taking advantage of the decline to woo recession-weary shoppers during the festive season.

Carrefour, Europe’s largest retailer, has stocked 450,000 bottles of Hubert de Claminger Champagne on its French shelves, which it is selling for $12.80. It is also offering up-market brands at a discount — Moet & Chandon Imperial now retails for $31.60.