Oaked and Unoaked wines

[stevebody]

Bob,

Judging from my experience, you're going to have to work to find a bottle of truly BAD Champagne - "Champagne" defined as the stuff from the Champagne region of France and not just any other bubbly. I've been sampling them for over ten years as part of my work and I've found maybe three in that whole time that were truly unpotable. Champagne is just one of life's great pleasures and almost every producer in that appellation makes nice wine. It's all a matter of taste, of course, but I'd rather drink a Champagne over an American, Australian, or Spanish Cava, any day.

That said, some of the New World bubblies AND many of the Cavas and especially the Italian Franciacortas are spectacular. The Ferrari Brut, Perle, and Riserva will stand toe-to-toe with any Champagnes for balance, delicacy, mousse, and flavor. At a bargain price, the Mionetto wines, Proseccos mostly, are fun and extremely well made. And for sheer fun and value, the Cavas are unbeatable.

The Russian stuff you mentioned I know zip about. Love to learn more, if I can find some but they're not imported into Washington state, at this point.

General Rule: (And I doubt anyone on this forum would mount a serious rebuttal) Champagne is still the class of the sparklings and probably always will be.