Keith Goldston
Master Sommelier, The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
Pro Tip There’s no wrong time to drink Champagne—I always have several bottles in my fridge at home.
Worth the Splurge Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2000, a single vineyard brut Champagne priced at $4,140. It’s one of the greatest Champagne houses in France, and we have three bottles.
Try This A fun choice is the Ferrari Trento Italy crafted in the méthod champenoise style, a quality yet affordable prosecco that’s been well made for 100 years.
For the Party Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé. It’s one of the original sommelier darlings that’s grown bigger in production but never lost sight of high quality.
Seth Fair
Sommelier, A’bouzy
Perfect Pair If I could pick just one food, it would be raw oysters from the northeast. The savory and salty in the oysters pairs magically with the apple and brioche notes of Champagne.
Everyday Bottle Guests overlook Crémant, a French sparkling wine made in the same technique as Champagne, but with grapes outside of the Champagne region. Crémants are crafted with a wider array of grapes than Champagne and are a delicious alternative.
On Trend We get lots of requests for Champagne cocktails. We recently added four or five to the menu, including the A’bouzy mule.
Vanessa Treviño Boyd
Sommelier, Tribute at The Houstonian
Most Requested December and January are our big Champagne months, and bubbles are the biggest hit at private parties. At Tribute, locals and guests from around the world request Cristal frequently, but we have Champagne at every price point.
Everyday Bottle Franciacorta, the “Champagne” of Italy. So much precision and elegance. Vintage or nonvintage, the brand Ca’ del Bosco (cuvée prestige, rosé, brut, vintage brut, etc.) is available in good wine shops. Tête de Cuvée Rosé Champagne—the top range from a Champagne house: Pair with seared foie gras sans the fruit-based sauce accent.
Jack Mason
Master Sommelier, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Worth the Splurge Jacques Selosse Brut Rosé Champagne. An incredibly rare and unique Champagne that balances richness, focus and power.
On Trend The biggest trend that every Champagne house has been working on for several years is the Brut Nature/Non-Dosé/Zéro Dosage category. These wines do not have any sugar added after disgorgement.
For a Party My favorite magnum or Jeroboam for a large party is Krug Grande Cuvée. An extremely complex, rich style of Champagne made with over 150 different base wines, it’s the perfect way to start, maintain and end any party elegantly.
Photography by: Viktor Solomin/Stocksy