Whats a good type of Champagne?

Question

Hi I want to give someone a bottle of Champagne as a thank you gift. I would like to give them a good type probably ranging in the amount of 50.00 - 75.00. I am clueless about Champagne, any suggestions?

Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Hey XXHOHO,

I have several nice Champagne's here at the house. I have 2 bottles of Dom, A Bottle of Domain Chandon and 1 Bottle of Moet Chandon White Star. I have not had a celebration nice enough to break out these bottles, so they sit in my wine cabinet for a dismal day when I get bored and want to celebrate my boredom.

I have started enjoying three different variations of Champagne Methodoise (made in the style of French Champagne).

1), Prosecco - Gentle Bubbles, light and airy - Italian Sparkling
2). Vouvray - Natural French sparkling wine - not as dry as most Meth. Champ.
3). Thorton Wineries (Temecula, California) - Brut. Small, natural bubbles. Crisp yet light taste.

The first 2 are favorites because they are light and airy and you feel that you can drink them with anything. The 3rd one, because I live in San Diego and it's usually less than $15.00 per bottle.

Also, retail the top two sell for under $30.00 each. You can get them for a better price and a wine specialty shop.

Hope they tickle your nose!

James


P.S. I notice that Fadi states that you should always get the oldest. Remeber, with wine it goes by color;

White - Keep it young, under 3 years.
Pink - Date a Kid - No more than 5 years.
Red - This is the Oldster in the group. Best when between 5 and 10 years, the darker Burgandys at the long end and the lighter like Merlot at the younger end.

Remember, Wine does not achieve anything once it is bottled. All of the aging and flavoring takes place in the barrels. So if you stumble onto a bottle of 1947 Beaugaulais, it's probably about the same condition as that box of Peter Vella Red Table wine!

Champagne is never aged, and is rarely stored for any lenght of time in barrels. Once it is bottled, it is put into riddling racks to let the sediments gather at the top of the bottle. Take a champagne wine tour sometime! I found it the best hour I ever spent around wine!

Answer 2

I think Moet is much better than Korbel. Moet White Star is very nice but a little below your price range while their Dom Perignon is a ways above.

Mainly, I would take the person you are buying for into consideration. Would they prefer a tried and true label they have had before or would they like something more adventurous like a well rated bottle from a small French vineyard that they have never tried?

A good wine and spirits store will usually give you reliable advice. Pick one in a good part of town and explain the situation. They will want you to have a good experience as repeat business is important in their industry.

Happy shopping!

Answer 3

I don't claim to be a wine conoisseur, but your friend would probably prefer a case of method champagnoise to a single bottle of real French champagne for the same price. I certainly would. The States, South Africa, Australia, NZ and Georgia as in Caucasus all produce excellent champagne-style sparkling white wines for a fraction of the price of the French product.

Answer 4

Well First and Foremost, make sure that it was made in the city of CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE. If you get that far, you are doing well. Next, I would suggest the Veuve Cliquot - approximate price 50 - 75 dollars depending on where you live. Excellent champagne. Enjoy!!

Answer 5

Dom Perignon is the most famous.. Krug champagne is very good in quality, but quite expensive. Try one of the less expensive Moet and Chandons.

Answer 6

Champagne is champagne. Anything else is sparkling white wine.

It's called champagne because it comes from Champagne province in France.

Answer 7

Korbel

Answer 8

Pommery

Answer 9

Veuve Cliquot mmmmmmmm yum!

Answer 10

Moet or Korbel. Anything else is sparkling piss water.