Champagne Buying Guide: Where, How, What and When to Buy Champagne ?

Where to buy champagne ?

Champagne is a sparkling wine originating from the Champagne region in France. It is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, and is known to be one of the most prestigious wines in the world. There are many places where you can buy champagne, but here are some popular options:

The wine merchants

Wine merchants are wine specialists who can help you choose the champagne that best suits your tastes and budget. They can also give you advice on wine pairings and different serving methods.
Supermarkets:

Supermarkets often offer a large selection of champagnes at affordable prices. You can find famous brands as well as lesser known champagnes that can be just as delicious.

The wine cellars

Wine cellars are stores specializing in the sale of wines, including champagne. They often carry a selection of premium champagnes, with prices that can be higher than those in supermarkets.
Champagne producers:

If you want to buy directly from the champagne producers, you can travel to the Champagne region and visit the producers' cellars. You can taste their champagnes and buy bottles directly from them.

Online sites

Online sites also offer a large selection of champagnes, with prices often more advantageous than those in physical stores. You will be able to find champagnes from all regions, all styles and all prices.

It is important to note that champagne is a fragile product and it is important to ensure that the carrier is competent to avoid any damage during delivery.

There are many places to buy champagne, and the choice will depend on your preferences and budget. Wherever you decide to buy your champagne, be sure to choose a top quality product that will suit your tastes and needs.

How to buy champagne ?

There are many ways to buy champagne, but here are some key steps to follow to ensure you get the best possible bottle for your budget.
Determine your budget:

Champagne can vary widely in price, so it's important to figure out how much you're willing to spend before you start looking. There are affordable champagnes for less than 30€, but there are also bottles that can cost thousands of euros. It is important to set a budget to avoid overspending.

Learn the different types of champagne

There are three types of champagne: brut, demi-sec and sweet. Brut is the driest and most common, demi-sec has a little more sugar, and sweet is the sweetest. It is important to know what type of champagne you prefer before buying, as this will help you find a bottle that suits your tastes.

Understand the different brands

There are many champagne producers, each with their own history and production method. The most famous and expensive brands include Moët et Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon. There are also lesser-known winemakers who produce quality champagnes, but at more affordable prices.

Search champagne

It is important to look around to find the best price for the bottle of champagne you want to buy. You can find special offers online or at wine stores, or ask a wine expert for recommendations. It is also possible to go directly to the producers to buy bottles at often more attractive prices.

Storing and serving champagne correctly

Once you've purchased your bottle of champagne, it's important to store it properly to ensure the wine stays fresh and flavorful. The ideal temperature for storing champagne is around 7 to 10 degrees Celsius. It is also important to serve the champagne in champagne glasses to enjoy all the nuances of flavors and bubbles.

By following these steps, you should be able to purchase a bottle of champagne that suits your tastes and budget. Don't forget to take the time to taste and savor your champagne, as it is one of the most luxurious drinks.

Which champagne to buy ?

Choosing a champagne depends on many factors, such as the occasion, budget and taste preferences. There are many brands and cuvées of champagne on the market, each with its own characteristics and qualities.

For special occasions, such as weddings or celebrations, it is often preferable to buy a prestige cuvée, such as the Dom Pérignon cuvée or the Cristal de Louis Roederer cuvée. These cuvées are considered the best of their respective brands and are made from the best grapes in the Champagne region.

For tighter budgets, there are plenty of premium cuvées of champagne that don't cost as much. The Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon and Taittinger brands are popular choices for premium cuvées at reasonable prices.

It is also important to consider taste preferences when choosing a champagne. Brut, sec and demi-sec champagnes are the most common and suit most tastes. Brut champagnes have lower sugar levels, while dry and demi-sec champagnes have higher sugar levels. Sweet champagnes, like rosé champagne, are also available, but they have an even higher sugar content and are often reserved for desserts.

It is also important to consider the region where the champagne is produced. The Champagne region of France is the only place where champagne can be produced legally. Sparkling wines from the Champagne region are renowned for their quality and tradition, but there are also quality wines produced in other regions of the world.

Ultimately, choosing a champagne depends on many factors, and it's important to consider all of these before making a purchase. If you have any doubts, it is always a good idea to seek the advice of a sommelier or consult wine reviews for additional information on the different brands and cuvées available.

When to buy champagne ?

There are several suitable occasions for buying champagne. First, it is traditionally served at celebrations such as weddings, New Year's Eve parties and birthdays. Champagne is also an excellent choice to accompany festive meals, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve.

It's also a good idea to buy champagne for professional celebrations, such as product launches, award shows and graduation ceremonies. Champagne can also be used to celebrate more personal occasions, such as the achievement of an important goal or a promotion at work.

It is important to note that champagne is also an excellent choice to accompany certain types of dishes. Dry and mineral champagnes are often associated with seafood and oysters, while fruity and sweet champagnes go well with desserts.

It is also important to consider the quality of the champagne when buying. There are many types of champagne, ranging from inexpensive brands to premium brands. It is generally better to buy higher quality champagnes for important celebrations or to accompany festive meals.

Finally, it is important to consider the time of purchase. Champagne prices can vary considerably depending on the season and current promotions. It is therefore wise to buy champagne when the prices are lowest, such as during the sales or before the holidays.

There are many suitable occasions for buying champagne, ranging from wedding celebrations to dinner parties and professional celebrations. It's important to consider the quality of the champagne, the food pairings, and the time of purchase to get the best value. It's also important to remember that champagne is a symbol of celebration and happiness, so don't hesitate to open a bottle of it to celebrate life's big and small moments.