A Guide to First Class Taste on a Young Professional Budget:

Lux: Dom Perpignan Champagne $150

         Dom Perignon is a prestife cuvee owned by Moët & Chandon. DP is aged at least 7 years before release to ensure maximum deliciousness.

Less: Roederer Estate Brut $20                           

          Roederer Estate Brut is a sub $20 sparkling wine from California, it is similar to Dom in the look in feel.

Lux: Veuve Clicquot Champagne  $40

          Veuve Clicquot’s yellow label is perhaps the most well marketed Champagne on the face of the planet.

Less: J. Laurens Brut Cremant de Limoux $14                     

            A great Cremant de Limoux or Cremant de Bourgogne will be equal to or even beat ‘Yellow Label’ for less that $20. We love Lucien                   Albrecht, J. Laurens and Martinolles.

Lux: Ace of Spades Champagne  $299                          

            It’s easy to disregard Jay-Z’s hyped Champagne brand, but Armand de Brignac is actually quite well made. It has creamy bubble finesse               and almond-orange notes.

Less: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs $59                 

            Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. Ruinart is a prestige Champagne, but at $60 a bottle, it’s less than half the price.

Lux: Bollinger Champagne  $60

             Bollinger is produced with a blend made primarily of Pinot Noir. Fruity and smoky flavors are more common in wines made with black                grapes.

Less: 2008 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs $33 

             Schramsberg finds their Pinot Noir in Alexander Valley and Carneros, CA. A slightly fruitier version but with the same crisp undertone.

Lux: Cristal Champagne  $199                              

          Cristal has a golden hue and honeyed nuances that carry on in a lingering finish. Cristal is a prestige vintage Champagne by family-owned             Louis Roederer.

Less: Berlucchi ’61 Brut $20                         

         Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to Champagne. While slightly less golden than Cristal and more simple on the palate, the style is just as rich.

Lux: Perrier Jouet Champagne  $38                                

        Perrier Jouet is offered at a value price for most Champagne at just under $40 a bottle. Perrier Jouet tastes of pear and a touch of creaminess.         It’s slightly sweeter than Veuve Clicquot.

Less: Adami Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut Bosco di Gica $20

        This Valdobbiadene Prosecco hints at sweetness while maintaining a clean dry flavor.

Lux: Krug Champagne  $140 – $220                                                                                          

       The process of making both Krug and Salon is a serious time investment. Aging Champagne imparts more tertiary aromas of croissants and          frangipane.

Less: Fratelli Lunelli Ferrari ‘Giulio Ferrari’  $100

       A truly great creamy Trento D.O.C, from Italy made in the same arduous style as Krug and Bollinger Grand Annee.