Champagne & Sparkling Sale
by Madison H. Brown
I had the pleasure of attending a housewarming recently, which was a merry and casual little potluck of sorts—we were loosely encouraged to bring “whatever, drinks or snacks, if you feel like it!” I bought some cheeses, charcuterie, a baguette, and a magnum of bubbles, which is my go-to for large get-togethers (everybody loves a big bottle). In the kitchen, I arranged my platter and popped the cork, nosing around in the cupboards for glasses to set out. As I poured, a friend poked her head into the kitchen, asking coyly, “Did I hear Champagne?” “Oh,” I laughed, “No, it’s—” But just then, two more smiling faces appeared at the pass-through counter, reaching for glasses and calling over their shoulder, “Madison brought Champagne!” I started again, “It’s actually from—,” but nobody heard me over the small stampede, and then we were gathered close, toasting our hostess and her lovely new home. We sipped, and there was an appreciative smacking of lips: “This Champagne is delicious.” “You spoil us with your fancy wines!”
It was not Champagne. It was Champalou’s Vouvray Brut.
Could I have told them? I certainly tried! I realized in that moment, though, that perhaps it didn’t really matter. Don’t get me wrong, my gal pals aren’t exactly wine aficionadas—this fizzy little fiction would be blasphemous in most oenophilic circles. And I’m not advising anyone to go around parading Vouvray pétillant as Champagne, especially the exquisitely refined, inimitable bottlings from our four stellar growers. But my point is that Champalou’s Brut is indeed delicious, and sparkling wines need not necessarily be “fancy” to feel like Champagne—to spark joy and festivity.
Whether your bubbly of choice is a luxurious and elegant Champagne, a rich yet mineral Vouvray Brut, a versatile Italian Prosecco, or an aromatic Alsatian Crémant, our annual Champagne & Sparkling Sale offers all of these and many more toast-worthy bottles for every occasion.
TAKE 20% OFF
all Champagne & Sparkling Wine >
now through end of year