Champagne!!

[snapdragen]

I'm in charge of picking the champagne for my niece's wedding. Any suggestions for inexpensive but good bubbly?

[jobob]

We may need to do some taste-testing.

[Veronica]

Not Korbel!

What's expensive?

V.

[bikerz]

I'm a big fan of "J" champagne - can't remember the price off the top of my head, but it's good! And might not be too pricey if bought in bulk.

Just looked it up - http://www.jwine.com/releases/links/6/1/87/

$28/bottle by the case from the winery, maybe even cheaper elsewhere...

[Veronica]

Yep, I like J too. We also like Domaine Chandon's Etoile, Moet-Chandon's White Star and Veuve Clicquot.

V.

[maillotpois]

during the holidays, we indulged greatly in piper heidsieck (heisdieck?? I had too much to remember how to spell it. red label.). it was about $5 less than veuve and we concluded we liked it better.

ETA - jo really was correct - taste testing in order.

also, a good place to start is cost plus. they have a darned good selection and prices. I suggest you buy a few and test them.

I also like coppola's "sofia". that's only 15 or so iirc.

[Veronica]

I've had the piper whatever. It's a little drier than the others. I like sweets. I'd drink a whole bottle of muscato by myself given the opportunity.

We served Asti Spumoni at our wedding, a bizillion years ago. We were both too young to drink. But neither of us liked cheap champagne - gives me a headache.

V.

[snapdragen]

We may need to do some taste-testing.

Wedding is in 3 weeks, we better get moving.....

[OakLeaf]

Taittinger has a more classic Champagne flavor - I'm pretty sure they do an inexpensive line.

[Geonz]

My brother had ... don't kow the spelling for sure... friexenet - we called it "frickin- A." Um... we're not civilized

[alpinerabbit]

I detest Freixenet. I believe it gives me instant headache.

for something inexpensive try Prosecco. There's one that comes in kewl blue bottles. They're all dry and most are fair quality.

[maillotpois]

Oh I love Prosecco!!

[Kimmyt]

I had an awesome bottle of Prosecco the other day... Zefiro was the name. It was really good. I wouldn't say it was dry though, but it had a very nice flavor. I think it was $15/bottle online but you might be able to find a better price if you buy by the case.

IMO, unless you have a family full of conniesseurs (sp) it doesn't make sense to go too expensive. Asti is an inexpensive option, while not the best, it is not totally detestable. And most people are not going to take a sip of Asti and be all 'oh man I can't believe they're serving this crap!'.

Most people don't even like champagne, so spending an arm and leg on something (unless its for the couple) is a bit overkill...

K.

[wackyjacky1]

Gruet is a good, inexpensive champagne from a winery in New Mexico. Their non-vintage Rose has been my go-to champagne for a couple of years now (it's delicious and, best of all, it's pink ).

Gruet Winery

[indysteel]

I second Veronica's White Star recommendation. Yummy!!!