Advice on champagne

[Plutonus]

Could I ask why you are so keen to track this one down? There are so many wonderful Champagnes readily available. And it's the perfect opportunity to try them out. As many of them as possible!

Alas this is why I'm keen, trying to decide on my favourite demi-sec and the only way to do it is to try as many as possible!

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Is it really necessary to pay somewhere north of $40-50 to get a champagne worth drinking? I say champagne as I am referring to the French muck.

Yes. Yes. Yes it is.

 

[burmans]

Is it really necessary to pay somewhere north of $40-50 to get a champagne worth drinking? I say champagne as I am referring to the French muck.

Not sure why you are asking others about this. Any wine (and this includes champagne) is only worth what you think it is, if you have to ask it implies you cant see the extra value in champagne yourself. The fact that this thread is no-doubt full of champagne lovers who implicitly then do see some value in paying extra for good champagne should not sway your personal decision if you don't. It is after all you who will have to pay for the wine you drink, and you therefore should be buying for your own tastes, unless of course you are trying to impress someone else.

PS. Some of those $50 plus champagnes can be bought close to $35 from time to time if that helps!

 

[prozac]

The reason I ask is that generally the discussion centres around champagne in that pricepoint. I do not profess to know much about champagne so was hoping for a little edumacation. Is it necessary to pay a higher price for champagne for something drinkable, and is everything below that level just swill? Is there anyone on this thread who owns up to drinking something lesser known and lesser priced and finds it quite passable?

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

The reason I ask is that generally the discussion centres around champagne in that pricepoint. I do not profess to know much about champagne so was hoping for a little edumacation. Is it necessary to pay a higher price for champagne for something drinkable, and is everything below that level just swill? Is there anyone on this thread who owns up to drinking something lesser known and lesser priced and finds it quite passable?

Yep.. Australian sparkling
In my opinion.. it's not worth the risk.. some cheap Champagnes are terrible (cheap French sparklings even worse).. so when I am in budget mode I go with a very enjoyable Australian sparkling...

 

[Mr_Orange]

Yep.. Australian sparkling
In my opinion.. it's not worth the risk.. some cheap Champagnes are terrible (cheap French sparklings even worse).. so when I am in budget mode I go with a very enjoyable Australian sparkling...

Just to counter that, I can't think of an Australian sparkling that I have tried that wasn't swill.

Personally, I stick to Champagne.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

The vintage Yarra Burn is passable for an Australian sparkling.
Mumm is one real champagne which is often discounted locally.

 

[JohnM]

At the moment BWS, in WA at least, has Lanson Black Label at $35 (claiming normally $68) which is very good value for a quite good Champagne (considerably better than Mumm IMHO). They also have 2XGold Label for $110.

 

[Blackswan]

At the moment BWS, in WA at least, has Lanson Black Label at $35 (claiming normally $68) which is very good value for a quite good Champagne (considerably better than Mumm IMHO). They also have 2XGold Label for $110.

Where did you see that? Their website says 2 for $85

 

[esseeeayeenn]

At the moment BWS, in WA at least, has Lanson Black Label at $35 (claiming normally $68) which is very good value for a quite good Champagne (considerably better than Mumm IMHO). They also have 2XGold Label for $110.

It's all a question of personal taste. I find the Lanson too acidic, particularly if you're drinking more than a glass or two.

 

[robd]

No idea about discounts. It's an alien world to me.
I think my work here is done.

To answer my own question, I went in-store and found the Verve at $59 but it is listed as 'Super Saver' price $59 and therefore no further discounts (according to the checkout person). Bugger :evil:

Wish I could get more of Dans Secret Selection Tatt?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Is it really necessary to pay somewhere north of $40-50 to get a champagne worth drinking? I say champagne as I am referring to the French muck.

If you want a decent champagne then yes otherwise some Australian an NZ sparkings are excellent. (Tasmanian or Nautalis, CB from NZ.) Or why not give a good Italian Valdobbiadene Prosecco a try, even Innocent Bystander Prosecco is a nice (and v cheap) drop.

 

[JohnM]

Where did you see that? Their website says 2 for $85

Two of which - the Black or the Gold? If the Gold, then 2 for $85 is a real bargain.

I saw the prices in-store today - along with the periodic 30% off 6 wines or more (the Lansons were priced as separate specials from that).

 

[JohnM]

It's all a question of personal taste. I find the Lanson too acidic, particularly if you're drinking more than a glass or two.

Of course - I prefer the more zippy styles.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

This may be of interest to some... First Choice Liquor is offering Cliquot for $53 each. Single bottles. On sale 25 Nov-1Dec.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Didn't we get Veuve via Cellarmasters at $40 a bottle a couple of months ago ?
I stocked up a couple of Xmas cases. Still have some Krug left over for the chosen few

 

[TomVexille]

It's all a question of personal taste. I find the Lanson too acidic, particularly if you're drinking more than a glass or two.

Nail on the head there.

Personally the Lanson Black is possibly my favorite amongst the "cheap & decent" champagnes (Lanson, Möet, Mumm).

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Didn't we get Veuve via Cellarmasters at $40 a bottle a couple of months ago ?
I stocked up a couple of Xmas cases. Still have some Krug left over for the chosen few

Pick me pick me

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

To answer my own question, I went in-store and found the Verve at $59 but it is listed as 'Super Saver' price $59 and therefore no further discounts (according to the checkout person). Bugger :evil:

Wish I could get more of Dans Secret Selection Tatt?

Both Dan and Vintage Cellars have Taittinger for just under $50 (in a 6)...

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Just to counter that, I can't think of an Australian sparkling that I have tried that wasn't swill.

Personally, I stick to Champagne.

Maybe you have better self control (or a better budget) than I do
And Mr Orange.. don't get me started on your complete disrespect of Australian Sparkling!!
I think we need a thorough thrash-out of ideologies.. your cellar first