The holiday season is upon us and family and friends will be looking for wines to celebrate. This usually consists of a few bottles of "the bubbly". Look for some good values such as Gloria Ferrer Brut, Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, J Cuvee 20, all from California. They should cost around $20. Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut, Blanc de Blancs, and Extra Dry from Washington are really nice at around $15. If money is no object, try the Argyle Extended Tirage from Willamette Valley, OR., or the Roederer Est. Brut Rose' from California. Price for these babies are around $70.
If Champagne is your thing expect to spend several bucks more, but you will enjoy the experience. My favorite for the money is Louis Roederer Brut for about $50 and Heidsieck Monopole Brut Blue Top for around $40 If sparkling rose' is your thing try the Beauchamp Brut Rose' or the Louis De Sacy Brut Rose'. If you can find them at around $45 buy them, you will love them. Now, if money is REALLY NO OBJECT!, look for Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne Cuvee Don Perignon Oenotheque Command Speciale 1975. The price tag for this little hottie is a trifle $1500. But wait, there are others out there. Krug Brut Blanc de Noirs Clos d'Ambonnay 1995 is only $3500! But here is a list of really good Champagnes that will cost no less than $150 to $200: Krug Brut 1998, Bollinger Brut La Grand Annee, Charles Heidsieck Brut Blanc de Blancs, Charles Heidsieck Brut Rose', Tattinger Brut Blanc de Blancs 1998. This is just a few.
If you are wondering what Blanc de Blancs means, it is a sparkling wine made from the Chardonnay grape. Blanc de Noirs is a sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir, the juice of which is white. Brut means it is the dryest of sparkling wines, and extra dry means it is the next dryest.
Have fun shopping.