We usually get Champagne for a celebration, and we usually want our celebrations to be perfect, right? The last thing you want is for your celebration to leave a bad taste in your guest’s mouth. And while you may have mastered the art of party planning from the music down to the napkins, we could all use a little help on picking the perfect Champagne!
Our simple guide will help you choose the perfect bottle for any occasion, even if it’s just pizza on the couch!
The Different Types of Champagne/Bubbly
Champagne: If the bottle has Champagne (with a capital C) it means it was made in the Champagne region of France. In order for a sparkling wine to be considered Champagne it must be made in the region and follow a strict set of rules and winemaking techniques. All Champagne must be made from traditional Champagne grapes (chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier).
Cava: Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that’s similar to Champagne but uses less expensive grapes which means a lower price tag. It’s sweeter than Champagne but not as sweet as Prosecco. Cava has bubbles that are finer than Prosecco but larger than Champagne. Cava is an excellent Champagne alternative as it’s close in production and taste to legit Champagne.
Prosecco and Spumante: Both of these sparkling wines are from Northeast Italy and made using the Charmat method. Meaning, they’re fermented in tanks first and then bottled, as opposed to Champagne and Cava which are fermented inside their bottles. Prosecco is sweeter than both Champagne and Cava, but Spumante is the sweetest by far.
Cremant: Cremant is sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region in France. Compared to Champagne, it is a fraction of the price and just as good quality. It’s the next best thing for savvy drinkers who want quality sparkling wine without the hefty price tag.
Sweetness Levels
Brut, Extra Brut, Natural Brut: These are the dry choices that can pair well with anything from pizza to crab cakes. This is the best choice for savory foods.
Demi-Sec, Sec, Extra Dry, and Extra Sec: These are still relatively sweet, but not too sweet for many food or dessert lovers.
Doux: These will have the sweetest taste. These work best with rich desserts.
Tiers of Champagne
Classic is the entry level choice and is good for most social occasions.
Reserve means it has a little age and will cost a bit more, but its quality is quite good.
Prestige means it’s been made with top-of-the-line grapes.
Bubbly Recommendations by Price
Freixenet Brut is a Spanish Cava featuring notes of apple, pear, citrus, and a touch of ginger.
Mionetto Organic Brut Prosecco is on the sweeter side, but not too sweet.
Piper Sonoma Brut A California sparkling wine with bright citrus fruits, apple and orange blossom
The Sofia Blanc de Blancs bursts with rich pear, honeysuckle, and exotic passion fruit aromas.
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut is sleek and luxurious, with expressive Asian pear, strawberry blossom and roasted hazelnut flavors.
Domaine Carneros Brut displays notes of macadamia nut, baked apple, and shortbread that complements its zesty citrus aroma.
