Original champagnes were sweet, but as the process of making them became more refined, the drier types gained popularity, and today brut, the driest, is the most popular of all. There are many types of brut champagnes, and many of the non-vintages are reasonably priced.
Instructions
1. Begin by buying one or two bottles of less-expensive champagne and drink them. If you like them, buy another bottle and save it. Then try one or two more, and again, get another bottle if you liked them. Don't bother buying and storing one you didn't like. Some reasonably priced bruts (under $50) are Henri Abele NV, Piper-Heidsieck, Tarlant, Pommery, Lucien Albrecht, and Perrier Jouet NV Grand Brut, and Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label.
2. Buy a few moderately priced bottles and try them right away or save them, depending on your budget. Good bruts under $100 are Bollinger, Laurent Perrier, Taittinger Brut Millesime 2000, Dellamotte Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil sur-Oger 1999, and Henriot Vintage Brut 1996. Buy a second bottle of those champagnes you like, and save them.
3. Collect expensive champagnes one at a time and always save them for special occasions. A well-stocked champagne collection must include the big names like Moet and Chandon Dom Perignon and Krug, but don't forget the better quality varieties of Veuve Clicquot, Louis Roederer and Bollinger.
4. Spice up your collection with some roses. Try Laurent & Perrier NV Brut Rose, Moet and Chandon NV Rose Imperial, Dellamotte Brut Rose and the very good and inexpensive non-appellation Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose.
Tags: Brut Rose, save them, another bottle, bruts under, Laurent Perrier, Lucien Albrecht