A few weeks ago a friend asked for my advice on the perfect drink to celebrate the high points in life. It’s always interesting because I want to blurt out, “Champagne, of course,” but then I remember many other sparkling wines are equally appropriate to deliver the celebratory pop!
I consider a wedding the most important celebratory event of most of our lives. If you are going to splurge for Champagne, this is the occasion to do it. Events with a large number of guests are where this splurge becomes a challenge. Remember it doesn’t need to be the same brand or bottle served throughout the reception. People tend to remember tasting the first and last glass of the celebration, so remember this timing when considering the budget.
The golden wedding anniversary celebration deserves the paramount. But because the guest list will likely include several generations, it’s best to stay with familiar styles your guest will enjoy. These may be slightly sweeter or off-dry. Keep in mind this is also a group more likely than most to appreciate a vintage Champagne or a special bottle you’ve been holding out for the occasion.
A 21st-birthday celebration generally will involve younger guests and most likely not all able to savor the bubbly. For those who have cellared a wine for the occasion this is the ideal moment for your vintage Champagne to be opened. To keep things festive for everyone, consider serving an alcohol-free sparkling beverage.
Some christenings and bar mitzvahs are celebrated during the day and can stay with a more casual wine like a California sparkling or Spanish cava. If the menu includes sweets, a Moscato d’Asti will not only be an ideal pairing but a safe wine for serving a diverse crowd.