Choosing the right champagne for your wedding is a crucial step in creating a festive and memorable atmosphere. This emblematic drink adds a touch of elegance and refinement to your reception, while celebrating the union of the bride and groom in style. But with so many different vintages and houses to choose from, how do you find your way around? Here are our tips for selecting the champagne that will enhance your big day.
Bubbles of happiness: which champagne should you choose for your wedding?
Choosing a quality champagne is essential to make a lasting impression at your wedding.Guests will remember the taste and finesse of the bubbles enjoyed during this unique event. But quality does not necessarily mean exorbitant prices!
Big houses vs. independent winegrowers
The major champagne houses, such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot or Mumm, are safe bets offering exceptional vintages. But their reputation comes at a price, with often high prices. An interesting alternative is to turn to independent winemakers, who offer high-quality champagnes at more affordable prices.
Champagnes from independent producers offer excellent value for money.
Choosing according to your budget and preferences
Define your champagne budget in advance to guide your choice. Expect to pay between €20 and €50 per bottle for a quality champagne. Don't hesitate to ask the advice of a wine merchant, who will be able to guide you according to your tastes and budget. Some even offer tastings to help you choose.
Good to know
If your budget is limited, choose an excellent crémant rather than a cheap champagne. The important thing is the quality of the wine!
When champagne sparkles: when should it be served?
Champagne is the star of your wedding, to be enjoyed throughout the day. But there's always a champagne to go with it! Here are our recommendations for making your reception sparkle.
The vin d'honneur, the realm of champagne
The wine of honor is the perfect time to introduce your guests to the champagne of their choice. Choose a brut or extra-brut champagne, with its fine bubbles and thirst-quenching freshness. We recommend around 3 glasses per person.
Champagne and food pairings for dinner
To accompany your reception menu, choose a champagne that enhances the flavours. A blanc de blancs will be perfect with fish or seafood, while a blanc de noirs will go divinely with white meats.
Champagne and dessert: the gourmet match
How about serving champagne with dessert? It's a bold and festive option! To accompany the tiered cake or cake, opt for a semi-dry champagne, which will add a touch of sweetness. Allow for an average of one glass per person.
Unravelling labels: how do you read a bottle of champagne?
Brut, vintage, premier cru... Champagne labels are full of complex information. Here are a few keys to decoding them and choosing the right bottle.
Mandatory information
All bottles of champagne must bear the word "Champagne", the brand name, the nominal volume and the alcoholic strength. The name of the producer and its commune also appear on the packaging.
Deciphering specific terms
Brut Champagne is the most common, with a sugar content of less than 12 g/l. An extra-brut will be even drier. Conversely, a demi-sec will be sweeter, ideal for dessert. Crus (Premier Cru and Grand Cru) indicate the best terroirs, while a vintage indicates that the wine comes from a single year.
Choose a champagne to suit your tastes and your wedding dinner menu.
Here's to you! Tips for serving champagne like a pro
To bring out the full flavours of champagne, it is essential to serve it under optimum conditions. Our practical advice will help you enjoy this sparkling wine like a true connoisseur!
The ideal temperature
Champagne is best drunk chilled, between 8 and 10°C. Place the bottles in the fridge about 4 hours before drinking, or 15 minutes in a bucket filled with water and ice cubes for express freshness.
Preparing the flutes
For the best tasting experience, use champagne flutes. Their shape helps to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aromas. Make sure they are clean and free from any traces of fat, which could cause the effervescence to fade.
Opening the bottle without incident
Remove the cap and the wire that holds the cork in place. Tilt the bottle slightly and turn the cork gently in your hand. Let the pressure gradually push it outwards, to avoid the sound of the cork popping!
The art of serving champagne
Hold the bottle by the base and tilt the flute at 45 degrees. Let the champagne slide down the wall to preserve the bubbles. Fill the bottle a third full, wait for the foam to settle and then top up to 2/3 full. All you need for a sparkling tasting experience!
Where to find the rare pearl? The best places to buy your wedding champagne
There are several options for finding the perfect champagne for your wedding. Here's an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the different outlets.
Superstores
Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer champagnes at attractive prices, but the choice is limited to the best-known brands. You won't find the rare pearl, or any valuable advice from connoisseurs.
Wine merchants, allies of choice
Wine merchants are true experts who can guide you towards the ideal champagne. They offer a wide choice of cuvées, some of which are confidential, and can organise tastings to help you refine your selection. An invaluable ally with whom you can share your passion for wine!
Buying direct from the producer
By purchasing your champagne directly from the estate, you will discover unique vintages and benefit from the expert advice of the winemaker. Some offer delivery, or even preferential rates for large quantities. It is also an opportunity to forge special ties with the producer and add a charming story to your reception!
The Château des 3 Fontaines, the perfect setting for your wedding
To make your champagne tasting truly memorable, celebrate your wedding at the Château des 3 Fontaines ! This exceptional venue will provide a dream setting for carefully selected sparkling wines.
An enchanting setting for your reception
The Château des 3 Fontaines welcomes you to Provence in the heart of a landscaped park 10 hectares. Its lush gardens and elegant reception areas will perfectly complement your wedding reception and dinner. The combination of historic charm and modern comfort will make your special day a timeless experience.
Expert guidance in choosing your champagne
The team at Château des 3 Fontaines and their partners are at your disposal to guide you in choosing the ideal champagne according to your tastes and budget. We can direct you to renowned houses or lesser-known winemakers who produce real gems! Our wine list is sure to satisfy even your most discerning guests.
Areas dedicated to tasting
At Château des 3 Fontaines, we are committed to enhancing the service of your champagne and selected wines. Our outdoor spaces are ideal for a bucolic reception, while the ballroom will elegantly host your gala dinner. Our professional waiters will be on hand to ensure that the party sparkles until the end of the night!
In conclusion, champagne is the guest of honour at your wedding, accompanying every special moment of the day with sparkle. To make your reception a timeless occasion, choose this sparkling wine with your heart and with the advice of professionals. Château des 3 Fontaines is here to guide you in your selection and offer your champagne the most beautiful setting possible. Let's raise a glass to your happiness and that of your guests!
