Champagne v. Sparkling Wine

ggmae · December 2009

What's the difference, if anything? Which is better in your opinion?

I honestly know nothing about the stuff.

AmoroAgain · December 2009

Actually, the only difference is that champagne can only be titled as such if it is made in the Champagne region of France.

Everything else is sparkling wine. Made by the same process, just not in the same area.

laurenclaire1386 · December 2009

Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wine is anything that isn't from Champagne. I've never had real French Champagne, so I wouldn't know if I could tell a difference in it than sparkling wine. But my palate isn't so sophisticated that I could tell the difference.

AmoroAgain · December 2009

Oh, and as for taste, I think it's completely a matter of opinion, but it's highly unlikely that you'll notice any difference until you get up into some of the higher priced bottles. Veuve Cliquot is delicious and you can definitely tell that it's expensive. It runs about $50 a bottle.

But unless you're a connoisseur, it doesn't matter.

ggmae · December 2009

Ah, okay. I think I get it. Thanks!

I bought a bottle of Asti Spumante (sparkling wine) for my brother's wedding ceremony tomorrow. It was recommended by two E'ers, but I know that my mom loves champagne and was wondering if she'd even care/know the difference. I'm guessing not.

laurenclaire1386 · December 2009

I'm a huge fan of champagne, er sparkling wine, and I like Korbel for just everyday stuff.

ggmae · December 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_champagne-v-sparkling-wine?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:5005237a-c49a-4d7f-ac81-f8558b5009c9Post:ea3700e2-84bf-4fdb-b867-8f837830362a">Re: Champagne v. Sparkling Wine</a>:
[QUOTE]...But unless you're a connoisseur, it doesn't matter.
Posted by AmoroAgain[/QUOTE]

I am definitely not a connoisseur. At all. I've had a few sips of champagne and a taste of wine before, but other than that I've had nothing. There will be about 15 people there, so I'm thinking that people won't be too picky and they'll just drink what they're given. It's only for a toast.

elishabelle · December 2009

Proseco is a good alternative to Champage and a great bottle is less than $20. Just make sure that you look for Brut on the label.

ggmae · December 2009

I'm a bit concerned because DH got this for $11:

http://www.liquoroutletwinecellars.com/sku12823.html?utm_source=Google%20Products&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=MARTINI%20&%20ROSSI%20ASTI%20SPUMANTE

I hope it's good!

laurenclaire1386 · December 2009

Free booze is free booze. You'll be fine.

AmoroAgain · December 2009

Hm. Well, the only thing that might worry me is that the description says it's sweet. Perhaps get another bottle of a more dry, less sweet for those who aren't fans of tart drinks?

kikibaby · December 2009

Anyone remember the Candyman song, "Knockin' the Boots"?

Break out the bottle of Asti Spumante
Pop off the top and rock wit my posse

Ah, nostalgia. I think Asti Spumante must have been popular back in the day- I seem to remember it in a lot of hip hop lyrics. It was like the Cristal of 1993.

ggmae · December 2009

That's a good idea Amoro. Any suggestions? I can send DH out tomorrow to get another bottle.

AmoroAgain · December 2009

hahaha... Well, I don't know what is in your area, but prosecco is generally considered to be relatively dry (secco means dry in Italian) so if you can find some of that... otherwise, if it's a store, see if they have wine ratings or descriptions of it underneath the bottle. I've never seen the same brands anywhere in the US to be honest. Sorry I'm not more help.

AmoroAgain · December 2009

And, that isn't to say that prosecco is the only thing that would work, but that's what I *know* to be dry. Anything else, you'll have to check.

banana468 · December 2009

You can go with Prosecco or Cava.

Segura Viudas Cava is about $25/bottle and it makes for GREAT presentation due to the bottle:

http://www.seguraviudasusa.com/reserva-heredad-sparkling-wine.html

ggmae · December 2009

Banana - Oooh. Pretty bottle!

Amoro - Thanks for the tips! I'll have DH ask the guy at the store if he carries any Prosecco or Cava.

AmoroAgain · December 2009

Banana, I've been missing your sweet butt around here. Though, I see you're holding down the insanity over on WP.

smokeybailey · December 2009

Jumping in, but I'd like to recommend Chandon Rose sparkling wine. It's 13.99 at Albertsons right now. We love it. (I have Veuve for special occasions) but for everyday drinking or getting smashed in the limo, it works. Chandon Brut is definitely drier but still works for mimosas.

Asti is super sweet (but still tasty). I think it is to sparkling wine like white zinfandel is to regular wine. A nice, sweet beginner sparkler.

ggmae · December 2009

I have a sweet tooth, so I'm thinking that I might like this Asti stuff. I'll definitely look into some of the drier recs. Thanks!

thesuninherhead · December 2009

The Asti is very sweet. I love sweet wines, but not a fan of that Asti. I do love rose, and sparkling rose and/or pink muscat are favourites of mine- however I know lots of people prefer drier and less sweet wines, so I think you've got some good advice in terms of seeking out something dry (either white or rose) as well.

I wish that I could talk wine with you all, but alas, we hardly have any of the same brands here!

ButtonsPepper · December 2009

If it is just for the toast the Asti is fine. It is too sweet for me (and a lot of people) to have a lot of it, or even a full glass.

I like korbel's dry sparkling wine. Although, I make mimosa's, and sweet SW with that would just be over kill.

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