Sparkling wine: Tattinger, Korbel, Ballatore, or Bollinger?

Question

So, it's my parents 25th anniversary and I'm looking for sparkling wine for a toast. I did a little research and found that the following are favorites:
Tattinger Brut Reserve
Korbel Brut
Ballatore
Bollinger
Since, only about 40 people will attend the event, I have no strict budget for champagne, I just want it to be something special that everyone will like. Which of these is best? Are there any others?
By the way, we'll be serving turkey for dinner.

Answer 1

OK, others are suggesting wines not on your list, but you have done your research --from those four I would pick a real Champagne, i.e. either Taittinger or Bollinger and of the two I'd go for the Taittinger.

You want something special. That is special. Will everyone like it? We all have different tastes so you can't guarantee that. Winelovers will certainly appreciate it.

Maybe you should get half Taittinger and half something sweeter for the non-wine drinkers?

Answer 2

Ballatore and Korbel aren't very "special". I'd chuckle to myself if I went to a nice 25th anniversary party and was served Korbel.

Taittinger Non-Vintage is fairly overpriced for the quality. I have not had Bollinger, but I know that their higher end wines have a decent reputation.

I agree that Schramsberg would probably be your best bet. Personally, I'd consider the Brut Rose - it's a great tasting wine and the colour makes it even more fun and special.

The J. Schram and the Reserve are fabulous wines, but they are more expensive than what you are currently looking at ($60-$90 depending on the store). The J Schram will be the top quality one - it's crisp yet rich. The Reserve is still fantastic and will be a little sweeter - a little fruitier.

Good luck in your search and congrats to your parents!! : )

Answer 3

The best buy is probably Ballatore Gran Spumante. This wine is often preferred by people who are not regular wine drinkers because they enjoy the sweetness of the wine.

My daughter (age 24) would rather drink Ballatore than any other sparkling wine. However serious wine drinkers would prefer a Brut sparkling wine to serve with a meal. It really depends on your guests. This wine would be perfect for an after dinner toast.

Roederer Estates makes a great Estate Brut that sells for $22. that you might want to try. Perhaps you could offer a choice of a dry sparkling wine or a sweet. Another good sparkler by Roeder is their Estate Rose.

Piper Heidsieck has 2 nice sparklers for just under $30: Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brut and the Brut Reserve.

Answer 4

This is a special occasion, I would go with the Bollinger or perhaps another good Champagne like Deutz or Pol Roger. If you really want something special look for Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose, it's great. Korbel is horrible and Ballatore is too sweet, avoid them at all costs.

Answer 5

None of the above.

I'd go with a Schramsberg.

Every product they make is truly exceptional and a great value, and it is widely available.

The top of the line is either the J Schram which is a blanc de blanc (chardonnay based) vintage (about $80) or the Reserve which is a blanc de Noirs (pinot noir based) vintage (about $70) - an earlier edition of this one is what was served at my wedding.

In the middle range they have vintage blanc de blanc and blanc de noir sparkling wines for about $30 per bottle.

Even the budget minded Mirabella for under $20 is quite acceptable.

They even have a cremant which is slightly sweet, but still a quality product.



I love Deutz, it is one of my favorite French champagnes, but it can be hard to find, and the vintage stuff is kinda pricey ($100+ a bottle)

Answer 6

Roederer Estate makes a great sparkling. However, if you want to really impress (and spend about $30/bottle) I'd recommend J. Winery brut. They also have it in large format bottles (magnums, possibly 3-liter bottles too) which can make a special occasion more notable.

It's not a sparkling that most people are familiar with, but one that everyone will be impressed with.

Answer 7

Bollinger

Answer 8

Champagne Ballatore

Answer 9

korbel tops