How to Spot Quality Champagne

Not all Champagnes are created equal. If you are new to drinking alcohol or are unaware of the range of Champagne, you might be struggling with knowing when something is considered ‘good’ Champagne and when something is ‘bad’ Champagne.

Of course, to each their own – your palate will be different than those of your friends, so what will taste good to you might be different than what tastes good to them.

Instead of taste alone, the point of determining whether Champagne is quality or not is knowing when you are getting the best bang for your buck.

Perhaps the most challenging way to find out if Champagne was of proper quality is from the potential headache you might feel after the fact.

To give you tips to avoid negative experiences, this article will discuss the different types of Champagne and what to look for when you are making your selection (to prevent yourself from being ripped off).

Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine vs. Prosecco
Alcoholic drinks can look deceiving; just because a drink is bubbly does not mean it is Champagne.

In some cases, it is actually sparkling wine or Prosecco. But what’s the difference and why does it matter?

Well, Champagne is sparkling wine – but it can only be labeled Champagne if it is derived from a specific area in northern France. Likewise, Prosecco is only labeled Prosecco if it is derived from a specific area in Italy.

There are other ways to distinguish between Champagne and Prosecco. For example, they also have different atmospheres of pressures, primary flavors, and production methods.

Sparkling wine essentially is the nondescript name for either of these types of bubbly drinks. Still, not all sparkling wine can be considered Champagne or Prosecco.

Types of Champagne
There are also a wide variety of Champagne types to distinguish from, including but not limited to:

• Brut Nature
• Brut
• Extra Brut
• Sec
• Demi-Sec
• Doux
• Blanc de Blanc
• Blanc de Noir

The primary difference between each of these is the sweetness or lack thereof. From top to bottom, brut nature is the driest, and doux is the sweetest.

How sweet a drink tastes is the result of the number of grams of sugar included in the Champagne; the sweeter the drink, the more sugar it likely contains.

In addition, it’s helpful to remember that Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir are different because of the difference in grapes used to make them.

Knowing the different types of Champagne can make a difference in your experience when making your selection and your overall learning experience.

Many people enjoy drinking Champagne or other drinks containing alcohol in the evenings, or with friends. If you find that you are struggling with an attachment to substances, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact the professionals at MyTherapist with any questions you might have about optimizing your health.

Typical Prices of Champagne  
For a low-quality type of Champagne, you can get a bottle for as little as $10. That said, Champagne will not be a great choice for avoiding a hangover.

To get a good bottle of Champagne for a reasonable price, aim a bit higher. An average quality bottle of champagne typically costs between $50-$60.

For the highest quality of vintage Champagne, a bottle can cost up to a few thousand dollars. That said, more expensive does not insinuate ‘best bang for your buck.’

Different brands of Champagne will also have a variety in prices, depending on the quality of the brand.

For example, Andre is typically known to be of lower quality, despite being more affordable. In contrast, Veuve is generally known to produce relatively good quality products and is usually priced more averagely.

Looking at the brand, the label, and the color of the bottle are all good ways to identify the quality of the Champagne at first glance.

When you are at a restaurant or bar, it can be harder to tell whether you are getting a good deal. Many restaurants will upcharge for their alcohol sales, so knowing whether you are getting ripped off can be challenging.

In most cases, a reasonable price for a glass of Champagne falls between $12-$18 at any given restaurant.

To make sure you are getting the best deal at a bar or restaurant, take a minute to look at the brands they have available. Remember, the most expensive choice will not always be the best choice.

Once you know whether you prefer your Champagne sweeter or drier, you can then begin to favor one brand over another.

Takeaway: Take Time to Experiment
Take your time getting to know your preferences to understand how to get the best experience for your money.

Experimenting with different flavors, tastes and brands can give you an idea of how much you value certain drinks; thus, you will likely have an easier time identifying what you want on a menu rather than focusing on what you think you should order.

 

 

Written by Marie Miguel who has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with MyTherapist.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.