We sat down with Leslie Hartman, sommelier at The French Room, who helped us pick a budget-friendly bottle along with a splurge-worthy selection in four categories of sparkling wines. “If you want to share your favorite champagne with your guests but don’t want to break the bank by serving it all night, consider toasting with the premium wine just after the ceremony is completed and having a less expensive sparkler to party with for the rest of the night,” she says. See below for her selections.
Champagne
High: Pol Roger
Low: G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge
When to serve: It’s the most traditional of sparkling wines, so make sure to pour champagne for your wedding toast.
Sparkling Rosé
High: Billecart-Salmon
Low: Gruet
When to serve: The crisp, rosy-hued wine is refreshing for a summer wedding or during a wedding-shower brunch.
Cava
High: Recaredo
Low: Codorníu
When to serve: If you’re serving champs on the wedding day, pour cava at the rehearsal dinner to spice things up.
Prosecco-Style
High: Bisson
Low: Bellini cocktail
When to serve: Prosecco has a better price point, so to save on your budget, you can pour it during the reception or as part of a sparkling cocktail.
