who can recommend a good bottle of champagne, I'm not much of a drinker and need to buy one for a gift.?

Question

mid price range

Answer 1

i don't think you can go wrong with Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin (look for the orange label).

Actually, Prosecco is an Italian Sparking wine and not from Spain, that is Cava. I agree, though they are great!

Answer 2

I can recommend a good bottle of champagne.


Oh, you want a recommendation, not to actually know who can recommend a bottle? Oh. ; )

What's your price range? Is it important that it's "Champagne" or is sparkling wine ok?

Cheap price range: Mirabelle Sparkling Wine. Around $15

Mid priced range: Do vintage over non-vintage. A Vintage Schramsberg Blanc de Noir or Brut Rose will be far better than a Taittenger or Veuve Cliquot (yellow/orange label)Non Vintage (including Moet & Chandon White Star). Schramsberg runs around $25 and you'll be supporting a US company - keeping jobs here at home. A vintage Moet or Pommery is also good, but I can't remember the prices.

Mid-high price range: a Vintage Veuve Cliquot or a Schramsberg Reserve. The 1999 Veuve Cliquot is quite tasty - around $65. The Veuve Cliquot 1999 Rose is around $70 and is also quite good. Schramsberg Reserve, again a US only company, is around $65

Higher price range - Avoid Dom, Cristal, and Grande Dame, unless the person wants a label. They are typically overpriced. If the person doesn't know too much about Champagne and you want to impress them, go ahead with a vintage Dom. It's usually just over $100 and our local costco carries the 1999 right now. If you prefer quality over taste, the J. Schram is one of the best bubblies for the price. It's around $75 (local stores could be cheaper) and regularly beats out French top level champagnes. Perrier-Jouet's top level wine, which is usually $150 or more is also not a bad wine. But, you pay ALOT on French champagnes in name recognition.

"Vintage" means that all the grapes were harvested in one year. They are typically more expensive and higher quality. Non-vintage means that it's a blending of grapes from several years to make a consistant flavour. They can be satisfactory, but are not typically as good as a vintage champagne.

I'd also avoid any prosecco or similar bubbly wine. It's fine to drink at home or at an Italian restaurant, but it's kind of a bad gift for someone who may or may not know champagne. It ends up looking like the person cheaped out. JMHO.

Good luck shopping and have fun!

Answer 3

Chandon in California makes an excellent, champaign-like sparkling wine. Their Blanc de Noirs is fabulous, and it's in the $20-25 range. IMO it compares to the $40-50 Champagnes.

Answer 4

Another great champagne is Dom Ruinart. It's not as universally available as the more popular champagnes, but it also doesn't have quite as high a price.

Answer 5

The best champagne ive had is Perrier Juet. Its about $100 a bottle and tastes great, plus give a great buzz, I recommened it for couples though cause it will get you in the mood fast.

Answer 6

If you want something good (and also impressive) but don't want to spend a zillion bucks, look for a Prosecco. This is a sparkling wine from Spain, is very good, and won't cost you a mint. Figure $15 to $20 for a nice bottle.

Answer 7

another vote for ruinart ...a wonderful wine at a reasonable price,50 to 60 dollars

Answer 8

Mumms! Preferably the demi-sec. It runs from around $19-25.
OK, it's sparkling wine, but it's the best I've ever had!

Answer 9

Mumm makes nice champagne, but take your pick from the link below. remember beer----it is not just for breakfast anymore. nice alternative.

Answer 10

Bollinger R.D. 1979 - excellent