Do You Know Your Preferences and Budget?
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what you’re looking for in terms of taste and price. Champagne ranges from more affordable options to true luxury labels.
• Budget: Set a budget per bottle, considering the number of guests and the different stages of the event. If you have a limited budget, aim for a selection of quality yet more accessible options, such as good-quality Brut or Cava, which can still make a great impression.
• Taste: Determine whether you prefer drier champagnes (like Brut), sweeter ones (like Demi-Sec), or more complex and structured options (like Vintage or Blanc de Noirs).
Types of Champagne and Pairings
As mentioned, there are different types of champagne, each suited to specific moments during the event. For a wedding, the choice also depends on the menu and the event’s style.
• Brut Champagne: The most versatile, perfect for any moment of the wedding, from the toast to the aperitif. Elegant and appreciated by most guests.
• Blanc de Blancs: Made solely from Chardonnay grapes, it’s fresh, delicate, and highly appreciated in elegant settings. Perfect for a refined event, it pairs well with seafood, fish dishes, and light appetizers.
• Blanc de Noirs: More full-bodied with a richer structure, ideal for heavier dishes like red meats or rich courses. Perfect if the menu is more substantial.
• Rosé: Elegant and fruity in flavor, it’s highly appreciated for special celebrations. Ideal for the toast, its color adds a touch of glamour to the wedding.
• Vintage: Champagne produced from grapes harvested in a single year of superior quality. Perfect for a wedding looking to make an unforgettable impression, it’s a premium and costly option.
Consider the Champagne Houses
The most well-known champagne houses are symbols of quality and reliability. Some of the most renowned include:
• Moët & Chandon
• Veuve Clicquot
• Dom Pérignon (for an ultra-luxury option)
• Krug
• Laurent-Perrier
• Taittinger
In addition to the major houses, there are also small maisons that produce higher-quality champagne at more reasonable prices. Smaller maisons tend to make more artisanal and distinctive champagne, so if you’re looking for something unique, you might want to explore options from a small producer.
