One of the questions I hear most often is “what is a good Champagne for ____ price range that I can get for my boss/friend’s engagement/sister’s housewarming/parent’s anniversary/other celebration?” Champagne reigns as the gift-of-choice on so many occasions, and for good reason.
True Champagne, the real stuff from the actual region of Champagne; there is nothing like it. Just drinking it ignites all of your senses. The sigh of the cork, the shape of the flute in your hand, the foam rising dangerously fast to the edge as the wine pours into your glass. The steady twirling dance of the bubbles as they push themselves from the liquid to the air. The feel of those bubbles bursting in your mouth when you capture them in your first sip. And the wonderful taste of a wine that is full and rich and refreshing all at once. Okay, I’m thirsty now.
Think of this as your cheat sheet on buying Champagne – and other sparkling wine – whether it is for you or for a gift.