What's a good champagne (under $50) to get for a special occasion?

Question

must be tasty. not too fruity, not too tart.

Answer 1

Cheap champagne is always disappointing. In that price range I recommend Prosecco, which is dry but not tart.

Good brands like Bisiol or Valdo are available worldwide. Always look for one that comes from the Valdobbiadene area (nr Venice).

Steer clear of Cinzano or any other non-Prosecco spumante, as they are never nice.

You can also try Cava, although I am not as knowledgeable on that (but I'm sure someone can recommend a good one!)

Answer 2

You can't go wrong with a bottle of Korbel Extra Dry from the NAPA valley.  It's not only good champagne, but they're very nice people and their vineyard is top of the line and a very pleasant experience.

Answer 3

Most cheaper champagnes are pretty bad:) .... but you can get a very nice bottle of cabernet or merlot for that price

Answer 4

I agree that Korbel is your best bet.

Answer 5

if it's a special occasion, you really should splurdge. cheap chamagne is exactly that - cheap.

"Veuve Clicquot" is an excellent brand of chamagne. the majority of the bottle start at around $75. you can find bottles for as low as $35. they are not bad, by any mean, they just aren't rare, or vintage, or from the best year. even though it may not be vintage, it's still a whole lot better than a crappy, cheap bottle (the kind that tastes like pee and gives you a headache, lol).

go to your local wine shop and talk to them - they'll help you out.

Answer 6

korbel brute.

Answer 7

While you should stay away from the bottom row of champagne at the local liquor store ie. mumms, martini & rossi asti, yellow/pink, etc they usally leave you with a good headache, filled with sediment and taste marginal.  

I would however suggest Korbel Rose - It has 91  tasting points out of 100 and can be bought for 15-20 dollars not $75. Very good wine for the price and to get 90 tasting points and above on any scale is not easy, especially for a cheaper bottle of wine.

For a celebration champagne brings something that a cab or merlot can't and Korbel Rose is a good Champagne for under 20.

Answer 8

Mums is VERY good and not too expensive.