France the Target

France is always the target in the wine world.  Most prominent wine regions try to emulate France in their wine-making techniques in an attempt to knock them off the horse or beat them at their own game. There have been tasting contests in the past, most notable 'The Judgement of Paris' wine tasting in 1972. I do believe that outside wine regions have made up ground on the French but when all is said and done, Napa Valley's Schramsberg Tete de Cuvee 'J.Schram' will never reach the height and precision of Krug's entry level 'Grande Cuvee' mv.

Definition: Champagne, is a wine that must be made up of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier.  These varietals can be but do not have to be blended. It must come from the Champagne region of France and anyone that thinks sparkling wine is interchangeable with Champagne has committed blasphemy.
Champagne est ni Cava, ni Prossecco, ni Cremant, ni Franciacorta ni Vin Mousseaux (Sparkling Wine) et etc.  It is worlds apart from any other sparkling wine if you are a person that places an emphasis on the details. It is not difficult to decipher the quality and harmony of Champagne when one tastes it side by side to other sparkling wines. Once one has discovered Champagne there is no need to look back.  Find the desolate corner in your refrigerator and occupy it with wine that is compressed to 6 atmospheres. Be reminded that the cost of wine is not always synonymous of quality.

Thierry Fluteau Blancs de Noirs Brut nv - $29
Bruno Paillard Preimer Cuvee Brut nv - $44
*Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs 'Grand Cru' Brut nv - $45
Ayala Brut Majeur nv - $49
Aubry Premier Cru Brut nv - $49
Jean Lallement Brut Reserve nv - $59
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut nv - $60
Gosset Grand Brut Rose nv - $65
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose nv - $70
Krug Grande Cuvee Brut mv -  $100

It is a challenge to stop after ten suggestions but do not feel limited to these. There is plenty of fine Champagne.