Raise Your Glass

Serving champagne usually signals a celebration. And that's exactly what every wedding should be--a celebration (maybe later I can clue you in on what types of weddings are not celebrations. . .hehehe)! Champagne toasts have long been a part of wedding receptions, but you must know that all champagnes are not created equal. In fact, there is really only one true champagne. It is but one variety of sparkling wines. And it has to be made in the Champagne region of France to be considered a true champagne. Keep reading to find out more about the sparkling wines that you can incorporate into your wedding feast.

Champagne: sparkling wine made of chardonnay, pinot meunier and pinot noir grapes in France's Champagne region; can be very dry (extra brut) to very sweet (doux)

Vintage Champagne: made from grapes harvested in a single year; vintage champagne is of the highest quality and price

Nonvintage Champagne: this is a blend of grapes from different years; also known as "classic" champagne

Blanc de Blancs: best used as an aperitif, this wine is made with all chardonnay grapes

Blanc de Noirs: made with pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes; this sparkling wine is very rare and tres expensive

Rose: a dry (brut), pink champagne

Cava: made from native Spanish grapes in northeastern Spain, this wine is meant to drunk young (meaning that it should be less than five years old)

Sparkling Reds: these are made primarily in Shiraz (Australia), but some may come from the Burgundy region of France

Italian Sparkling Wines: Asti and Moscato d'Asti is sweet and fruity, with the Moscato being a bit drier; both are made from muscat grapes; Spumanti and Prosecco is made from champagne and other grapes and prosecco grapes, respectively; both make great aperitifs

I prefer a sweet sparkling wine like a Moscato or an Asti, but I am never too good to pass up a fine champagne like a Clicquot or Perignon. I mean, that's just the type of girl I am. What's more, sparkling wines go great with almost any type of food, so you don't have to worry as much about wine and food pairing.

Champagne toasts definitely add an air of luxury to any wedding, but don't feel you have to break the bank to give every guest a round of Moet & Chandon. Toast with whatever is in your hand at the moment and reserve a few bottles at the bar for any guest who wants a taste of the bubbly. Trust me, no one will even notice. . .

except me. . .

but I'm supposed to.

I want to hear from you! What different ways can you think of to serve the bubbly at your wedding? Leave your answer in the comments section.
Photo Credit: About.com, Map-of-France