Every day is a party for Champagne as the region’s allure continues to sparkle.

When Anne Fritz, a beauty editor and blogger of the TheJetSetGirls.com, meets up with friends and colleagues at posh watering holes like the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, she bypasses the classic martini or insistently trendy mojito, and instead opts for a glass of Champagne. “My friends call me a bubble-holic, but I just love the glamour of Champagne,” says Fritz. “It makes the night extra special.”
Fritz is not alone in her love affair with the French bubbly. Last year, Champagne imports rose 12-percent continuing a booming five-year growth trend, according to the U.S. Office of Champagne. Americans now only trail the British in Champagne consumption, though demand in emerging markets like China and Russia is rising.
So how did Champagne shift from a holiday and wedding staple to a more mainstream indulgence? “The conception of Champagne has changed,” says Pascal Boye, North and South American sales director for Nicolas Feuillatte Brands. “People are beginning to understand it’s not just for toasting anymore. It’s a fine wine that can be enjoyed with food.” Cathleen Burke-Visscher, senior VP of marketing for Kobrand whose portfolio includes Taittinger, adds that Champagne’s demographic has expanded as well. “We’re seeing younger consumers starting to enjoy Champagne.” She notes that as designer cocktail prices soar at trendy New York City spots, a glass of Champagne can be an affordable, or at least equitable option.
What’s in Stock? Champagne does not necessarily have to be synonymous with expensive. There are plenty of high quality yet affordable non-vintage Brut Champagnes that you can offer your customers this holiday season. Here are some tried and true brands (in alphabetical order):
CattierGuy
Charlemagne
Deutz
GossetCharles
HeidsieckHenriot
Jacquesson
Lanson
Laurent-Perrier
Moët & Chandon
Mumm Cordon Rouge
Nicolas Feuillate
Bruno Paillard
Perrier-Jouët
Piper-Heidsieck
Pol Roger
Pommery
Louis Roederer
Ruinart
Taittinger
Veuve Clicquot

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