I have new neighbors next door. I would like to buy a house warming gift for them, Champagne came to mind.

I'm looking for suggestions for a good brand for $100 or less. I have Binny's and Costco to shop.

Moet White Star would be a good start!

Veuve Clicquot is recognized as a "nice" champagne suitable for gift giving. Can be had for about $50 a bottle at Costco. It has an instantly recognizable orange label.

Pair that with a bottle of Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve also in the $50 range and that'd be a warm welcome without being over the top.

If you know for a fact they are champagne drinkers, go for a single bottle of expensive stuff. Or buy a case of the cheaper stuff that tastes better to us heathens.

quote:

Originally posted by rburg:
If you know for a fact they are champagne drinkers, go for a single bottle of expensive stuff. Or buy a case of the cheaper stuff that tastes better to us heathens.

Yup... Korbel

This is my wife's and my favorite champagne.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Veuve Clicquot is recognized as a "nice" champagne suitable for gift giving. Can be had for about $50 a bottle at Costco. It has an instantly recognizable orange label.

Pair that with a bottle of Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve also in the $50 range and that'd be a warm welcome without being over the top.

Miller High Life, the champagne of beers.

Personally, I consider Moet and Korbel to be swill. No offense, it is, after all, a matter of personal taste.

In the $45-50 a bottle range, I have found nothing better than Louis Roederer, this is not to be confused with Roederer Estates, which is California swill. Roederer can be a little hard to find, I will also buy Mailly or whatever Grand Cru that might be available in that price range which I haven't previously found disagreeable, vineyards such as Piper-Heidesik and Veuve Cliquot. $60 a bottle or above I'll take a pass so I have nothing to recommend in that area, but I am sure there are many fine wines that command that price.

The prices that I'm referencing are at Total Wine, a vendor of which there are many locations in my area. They tend to be somewhat cheaper than small wine shops or major grocery chains.

I'm not a big fan of champagne, myself. I'd rather have a bottle of Asti Spumante.
Find out if they like champagne beforehand.

Korbel is not champagne.

You might consider a Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco (equivalent in many ways to French champagne) as an alternative. The tastes can be every bit as good.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Veuve Clicquot is recognized as a "nice" champagne suitable for gift giving. Can be had for about $50 a bottle at Costco. It has an instantly recognizable orange label.

This.

quote:

Veuve Clicquot is recognized as a "nice" champagne suitable for gift giving.

Agreed. No better in that price range.

My suggestion

Moet & Chandon Champagne Nectar Imperial

Pommery non-vintage. It is our “house” champagne here in 1066 land, bought a case of it last year. It is not as “severe” as some brut champagnes. It has a floral note that most people like, but Veuve Clicquot orange label is good stuff, too.

My daughter is a Certified Sommelier living in California. I hesitate to ask her because she has expensive taste. She suggested Perrier Jouet Epoque. I gagged a little when I looked at the price. She then suggested Pol Roger Cuvee De Reserve, Its close, but over by a bit,my spending limit.

I'm now down to the Pol Roger and the Veuve Clicquot.

What do you experts suggest between these two.

Actually the Kirkland brand champagne is very good and gets great reviews. I’ve had it and it is very good, and we love bubbly. $20 on a bottle of champagne for neighbors you may end up not even liking.

Taittinger at around $50-60. Bollinger has one about $80 that is also good.

Another vote for Moët & Chandon