A good (non-cliche) champagne?

[Live_to_cook]

Yes yes we all know about Dom and Cristal and even Veuve Cliquot (spelling?)

What I'm looking for is something that's tasty, subtle and unusual in the $20-$30 range or thereabouts. (Leaving out Mumm's and Korbel, darn.)

Is there such a beast?

[Dlee]

Live to cook,

I am no wine, champagne, or alcohol expert. In fact I only will have an occasional drink in special occasion. I had Taittinger, last year, new year's, it was good. I have see for 30- 40 bucks.

D.Lee

[momoreg]

I like Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brut. It goes for around $30 a bottle.

Depends on how you are selling or serving. Sadly, most people are thrilled with the simple idea of champagne and you can get away with a lot. I have actually used at high-level State Department events a "champagne" that actually has a screw-off cap. Ick! But in truth, it wasn't bad -- especially considering the price.
For my own consumption, there is no champagne too dry but my taste is probably not what most people would enjoy.
There are several Spanish sparkling wines that are suitable and we can always look to Domaine Chandon which is produced in the US to French methods.
The answer to your question is "Are they looking at the label, toasting, or judging your choice?" What you save on product, you can spend on waiters perhaps.
Sorry to be so cynical.

I've had the Perrier Jouet and it is really good stuff. The French Champagnes have much smaller bubbles and holds up longer.

Enjoy

[cape chef]

Live_to_cook
There are a number of quality sparklers out there
Roderer estate, In Napa valley Made by the producers of Crystal.
Domain Canaraos, By Tattiangar
DVX Vintage Champagne from Mumm's
Shramsburg
Shaffenberger
Jordan makes a vintage sparkler call "J"
Duets
Perrier Jouqet (sp)
Moet Brut or white star
These are some that I have had a number of time and are of very high quality.
The roderer estate is particulay good N/V
cc

[Live_to_cook]

Thanks cc... plenty of suggestions to choose from.

Thanks for the spelling of Jouet Crudeau
Live_to_cook I forgot Pacific Echo From Mendaceno
cc

[m brown]

St. Michele from washington state is swell.
Gran Din (sp) for $4 a bottle is okay for mimosa mixing.

Moet Brut is pretty decent
Danielle

For New Year's tonight(and our anniversary) we're having a bottle of Pol Roger Brut Champagne (Extra Cuvee de Reserve).

For simpler parties and celebrations, we drink something local, Domaine Ste. Michelle (I like the Blanc De Blanc Century Cuvee Columbia Valley Sparkling Wine) and inexpensive (sale $8.50 or so).

[Pete]

There are quite a few good Spanish sparkling wines out there and they tend to be relatively inexpensive. Also, if you want a sweeter sparkling wine many of the Italian asti and muscato are pretty decent and you can find a number of them in your price range.

I am surprised that no one has mentioned Roederer Estate from California. These sparkling wine retail for $15-24 per bottle and are very, very good. I especially like the Reserve Brut-dry, but just enough fruit. Also, for a true French champagne check out Jacquesson Fils-very reasonably priced and also very good. The blush champagne from Jacquesson is truly superlalive, though pricier and usually you must request it from your wine purveyor. We received a bottle as a wedding gift and loved it!

[cape chef]

Foodnfoto,

I did make a reference to Roderer Estate
cc
PS Good stuff