While New Year’s is still months away, we’re of the opinion that every day is a good day for Champagne. Prosecco and other sparkling wines from outside the Champagne region of France are just fine, but nothing is quicker to impress – or gets a party (or Wednesday afternoon) popping – like true Champagne.
We asked Alison Matera, general manager and resident Champagne expert at Riverside Wine and Spirits, to give us a few tips on choosing a bottle. She recommends brut Champagnes – the type most people drink – which have just enough sweetness added to give them body, but enough acidity to still taste dry. “Most people like the balance of fruit and acidity,” she says, adding that sweeter styles (extra dry, dry, demi-sec and doux) are made to drink after dinner or with dessert. Here are three you can’t go wrong with, no matter your reason for celebrating.
A Bottle to Always Keep Around
At the low end of price points, Matera recommends Lanson Black Label Brut, which rings in at just $41.99. “For that price range, it’s super well-made,” she says of the non-vintage bubbly, which is the official Champagne of Wimbledon. “It has similar qualities to some of the well-known, higher-end Champagne.”
A Bottle to Gift