Champagne suggestions (bottle, flavor, drink)

[mdtoaz]

So, my husband and I are settling on our new house on New Year's Eve. I thought I'd surprise him with a nice bottle of champagne for the occasion.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I don't want to break the bank, but I'm looking for something a little nicer than Asti. Probably something that's not too dry, but not supersweet either. I know it's not a lot to go on, but I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[Mooseketeer]

Congratulations on your first New Year'Eve in your New Home ! What a way to start 2008 !

I don't drink but my Step-Mother who was a bit of a connoisseur loved Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon. Of course they will all vary depending on the year and some vintages will be far superior.

http://nymag.com/restaurants/articles/01/champagnes.htm

[emeraldgirl]

I second the Veuve Clicquot suggestion. I would also recommend Pierre Jouet. If you go to a discount wine store like Total Wine it will be a few bucks cheaper than the grocery store. Pierre Jouet is around $35.00-$40.00, Veuve is a little bit more expensive but oh so worth it! Not too sweet, not too dry in my opinion.

[cindycat]

If you're thinking of something in more the under $20 range, try one of the cavas from Freixenet. They're from Spain and come in a range of sweetness. We buy the semi-dry by the case! The Cordon Negro varieties come in great looking black bottles.

Look at freixenetusa.com.

[BlueWillowPlate]

I agree with all of the previous recommendations: Veuve, Dom, Perrier Jouet, and good old Frexinet.
I'll add one: Nicolas Feuillatte
I hardly ever drink it, but I do so love champagne.
We'll definitely be having it for Christmas as well as New Year's.
Congratulations on your new house, we too are celebrating the holidays in a new home.

[Haven]

My favorites are Roederer and Scharffenberger. They run $20-$30 a bottle.

And I always love Korbel. Their Natural and Sec are my favorites, if you can find them. A good wine shop should have them.

I also love to put fresh or frozen raspberries in my glass. It adds a nice touch, and a really nice flavor.

Have a great time!

[ssg II]

Piper-Heidseick Cuvee "Sublime." About $35 a bottle and worth every penny.
Just a touch of sweetness. A beautiful wine.

[jlat]

I just discovered Duval - Leroy (1998) it runs about $25 per bottle and it is so really very good. It is not carried by Total Wine, but you can find it at other wine shops. It's going to be our new years champange.

good luck!!

[cautiousmom]

Bollinger Special Cuvee is my favorite, but kind of pricey.