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Champagne Bottles Belong at Every Meal

How to select the right one for your next dinner

by Wine Taster
published: 24 Jun 2009       | Comments

Say you want to propose to your best gal at a romantic restaurant. You've gathered a bunch of gorgeous flowers and arranged for her favorite dessert to arrive just after the proposal. But you wouldn't choose any old wine, right? You'd want something memorable. Enter Champagne bottles, which can help you set a festive tone for the night. Selecting the perfect one depends on the occasion.

If you're about to propose, you'll want a French producer to make the special moment. French winemakers typically craft very elegant and refined labels for their champagne bottles, a true combination of beauty and finesse. You can also have a personalized label made or have the bottle engraved. Your significant other will likely save it as a souvenir of the day you became engaged. (The same can be done for silver and gold anniversary celebrations.)

Now if it's just a first date you're on, pick a more low-key bottle of bubbly. A delightful Prosecco from Italy, Cava from Spain or sparkling wine from America will be easier on the wallet and will still impress.

For multicourse dinners - and 10-course tasting menus in particular - half bottles and splits are ideal. They allow you to indulge in some bubbles before the meal while leaving room for other wines to accompany your food.

Do splurge, though, if you're hosting a great gathering of friends. Magnums, which are twice the size of standard bottles, will give your guests something to ooh and aah over. There's no doubt someone will want to take the bottle home as a keepsake, too.

No matter what size or style you choose, carefully peel off the foil wrapper and untwist the wire cage as you keep one thumb pressed securely on the cork. Avoid loud pops and flying corks and your guests will recognize that you are a true wine connoisseur. If your guests aren't easily impressed, consider this option: "Ask Mike: Champagne Fever."

P.S. A quick side note: By European Union law "Champagne" can only be on the labels of sparkling wines made in a the Champagne region in northern France, and the production method is controlled by French law. All other sparkling wines must go by a different name even if they are made from the same grapes and in the same method (except for a couple of cheap US brands that have been calling their bubbly "Champagne" for decades and refuse to change).