How to Buy Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Champagne vs. sparkling wine

• True Champagne comes only from France. Bubbly wines from the rest of the world are referred to as sparkling wine. They may have a variety of other names, depending on the region, including prosecco, cava and cremant. Generally speaking, these wines are less expensive than Champagne, but wine experts rank many on par with some highly rated French Champagnes.

• Nonvintage wines can be a good value. Made with grapes from different production years, they are less expensive than vintage bottles, though the combination of vintages may yield more consistent, good-quality wine. Without a year on the label, it's impossible to tell how long a nonvintage Champagne or sparkling wine has been sitting on the shelf. It's important, therefore, to buy sparkling wine from a trusted retailer with a high turnover.

• Champagne can pair well with food. Try it with milder, delicate flavors like pasta with mushrooms, risotto, fish and shellfish, or vegetable dishes. Contrary to popular belief, sparkling wines can be sipped throughout many meals. Critics are quick to note that Champagne isn't just a celebration wine or something you drink with dessert.

• Chemicals called TCA can produce cork taint, which smells bad and spoils wine. Tainted wines are described as smelling like canned mushrooms, mold, must, chemicals, wet earth or newspaper. Wine Spectator estimates that about 7 percent of all bottles are tainted. If you suspect your wine is tainted, bring it back to the shop and ask a salesperson to taste it.

• Sparkling wine should be stored in a cool, dark place. The temperature should, ideally, be between 53 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit with fairly high humidity. Bottles should be kept away from vibrations, like those produced by a washing machine.

• Long-stem tulip glasses are the best all-around Champagne glasses. To maintain the most bubbles, pour sparkling wine down the side of the glass, not directly into the middle.