I tell my clients that if you want to cut costs at your reception, the champagne toast should be the first to go. However, if you want to do it, it should be done right. The reason Champagne remains the benchmark for sparkling wines the world over is because no other location can mimic or rival the unique terroir of France’s Champagne region.

There are so many different brands – so how do you choose?

You cannot go wrong with Moet and Chandon or Veuve Cliquot. For those of you who like to flash the cash, then Louis Roederer’s Cristal is the choice for you.

If you really want to impress, you should serve Salon. This uber expensive fizz – about $500.00 a bottle, will impress even the most discerning palettes. Perhaps you should save this exclusive bubbly for your 10th, 15th or even 20th anniversary – since sightings are as rare as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Pay attention to the label! NV or non-vintage is often the “house champagne” – a mix of many grapes (chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier) without regard to local terrior or vintage. Ostentation aside, “the more expensive the better”, is correct when it comes to champagne. The most expensive bottlings from the big champagne houses contain a higher proportion of their best wines from grand cru and premier cru vineyards.

When buying champagne…

Brut is the driest – if you want a great champagne, get Brut
Extra-dry is less dry than Brut
Sec is sweet
Demi-sec is the sweetest – a great accompaniment to dessert

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Happy planning