Author Topic: Any Champagne "experts" here? (Read 1421 times)

Nilsen · « **on:** December 18, 2004, 01:14:37 PM »

I have sworn to a couple of brands almost since is started my drinking "career", but im looking to expand my horizon with the holidays coming up and all.

I have read some advice and tests on norwegian sites, but i would like some more imput.... dont want to test to many first hand

Im not talking about the very expencive stuff, but somthing you wont be ruined by if you buy a case for the holidays (have people comming to stay for christmas and through to newyears.

Im testing one bottle now but its only so-so.

-edit- my fav in the low/medium price segment is the Veuve Clicquot, but it has been very popular here and I want something good in that segment if you know it.

Straffo...Saw?

Boroda · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2004, 01:54:39 PM »

If you don't stick to "Champagne" (tm) - then you can try so-called "Soviet Champagne", sold as "sparkling wine" in the West. Best stuff made in ex-USSR is made in Abrau-Durso (Russia, Caucasus coast) and Noviy Svet (Ukraine, Crimea).

Many local wine "factories" in the South make great Champaign, but they are not exported and impossible to buy even in Moscow.

Abrau-Durso and Noviy Svet make a variety of sparkling wines, (champaigns), from extra-dry to sweet. A bottle of semi-dry costs about 150 rubles here in Moscow, 1 Euro = ~35 rubles.

Nilsen · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2004, 01:57:51 PM »

Ive looked for them on the website here, and we dont get it but thanks anyway Boroda.

No, it does not have to come from the champagne district but it has to be quality.

price range is 35-45 euros a bottle

Schaden · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2004, 02:17:17 PM »

http://www.winedancer.com/en-gb/dept_29.html

probably cheaper to drive to France for the weekend

Roscoroo · « **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2004, 02:20:37 PM »

Trying for more Little Nilsen's ???

Nilsen · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2004, 02:35:14 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Roscoroo
Trying for more Little Nilsen's ???

More? you mean more expencive?

No not really. was really no point in saying the price cause we have high taxes on booze here. from the website schaden linked to, i should prolly say 25-35 euros and i can just add 10ish to get our price.

eagl · « **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2004, 02:44:20 PM »

If you're buying for other people who aren't champagne experts, just buy some spumante. Brut and Extra Dry is what everyone always gets, but to a layman they taste like crap. Spumante is actually drinkable so it makes a great new-year party bubbly.

Nilsen · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2004, 02:45:51 PM »

Course they know what they drink... they are my friends!

They know for the first hour anyway

Nilsen · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2004, 03:23:05 PM »

If any of my australian friends are here now i would just like you to know that ive opened a cheap bottle of bubbly called...

Hardys Nottage Hill 2001 Chardonnay Brut.

How do you guys like it? Im not in a position to give an objective review atm.

rpm · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2004, 06:18:35 PM »

Nils, I used to sell wine. I highly recommend Domaine Ste. Michelle. It is from Washington State and some of the best American sparkling.

Another (if you can find it) is Triozzi Asti. It's Italian and very fruit forward. Excellent for those who find even Extra Dry too bitter.

If you MUST have true French champagne Perrier Joulet is hard to beat. Each bottle is hand painted and makes a wonderful gift.

MrBill · « **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2004, 06:30:58 PM »

Buy a couple cases of Ripple and Perrier mix and bottle for later.

Leaves more money to buy better stuff for before they get to drunk to notice.

majic · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2004, 10:50:12 PM »

What do you prefer as far as sweetness? I'm a big fan of Brut. This one is very good for the price.

kbman · « **Reply #12 on:** December 19, 2004, 05:14:14 AM »

Gosset Nonvintage Brut Rose Champagne

I just googled it quickly and saw some prices in the $35 range. It is certainly one of the best and most unique sparkling wines that I've ever tasted. It's a true Champage made from Pinot Noir and left on the skins just long enough to get a rose color. If you've never had Rose Champagne I highly recommend it.

kbman

Angus · « **Reply #13 on:** December 19, 2004, 06:13:26 AM »

Try the in-between brand, i.e. not Champagne, not sparkling wine (sekt) but Cremant.

I think it's even better than Champagne.

Cerceuilvolant · « **Reply #14 on:** December 19, 2004, 06:32:31 AM »

Try the Pommery, it's quiet good. Or the Balland, but that's a very small productor, you'll never find some here...Hehe, we know them, so we got half price bottles...As for the russian 'champagne', it ain't champagne...in fact, that's what we call here 'mousseux', the poor man's, disgusting white wine with bubbles... sorry Boroda...drank some in Russia, it's...horrible