Know your bubbly

1997 Vilmart + Cie Coeur de Cuvée ($119.99)

L.R. Hunley, manager of Piazza Discepoli's White Oak location, recommends some bottles for big and small budgets alike:

"This is the only one that's vintage. ... 'Coeur de Cuvée' means 'the heart of the cuvée (or best of the grape juice).' Why is this so special and interesting? Because there were only 100 cases produced, of which less than 30 cases came to the U.S. and even less came to the Midwest, as in maybe a case. I have a whopping two bottles of it.

"The taste is magical, lingering, almost borderline haunting - memorable!"

A final word of wisdom

"Have a target price point in mind, because it helps weed out a lot of (bottles), and don't be afraid to mention it," Hunley says. "If you're looking for true Champagne, maybe steer away from the familiar names and try a grower/producer champagne. You'll find them more interesting and get more bang for the buck."

In other words, big name brands - many of which buy grapes from various growers to fill their bottles - aren't always the best.

"Grower/producers I liken to this - when you buy a Grand Mark or a Möet or a Veuve (Clicquot), it's like buying a Mercedes-Benz with a Yugo engine," he says. "With grower/producers, you're getting the best quality fruit for a fraction of the cost. With Möet and Veuve, you're paying for golf balls with logos on them; these grower/producers, you're paying for their heart and soul, their work in the vineyards and a better quality."