Hi, I would appreciate any recommendations for champagne to pour at a moulin rouge themed 60th and 30th birthday party (my wife and son). We will have a champagne lady dispensing champagne from a hoop skirt as guests arrive and a speciality cocktail (based on absinthe, honey, lemon and champagne) mixed by a bartender (as well as the usual sparkling water, wine, juice, etc). foods will principally be a crepes bar and passed appetizers (french cheese puffs, etc).
Any recommendations for a reasonably priced champagne (150 guests, so i assume a couple of cases in the $25-$40/range?) would be appreciated.
If you want multiple cases, the best thing would be to talk to your local wine shop & see what is available in the quantities you are looking for. It will at least give you an idea of where to start.
As a wine geek, if you wanted 2 cases, I’d suggest getting two different cases. If you’re looking for everything to be the same, then the number of bottles you want may dictate your choice for you.
If it does not have to be Champagne then Schramsberg is widely available in most states.
My local Costcos carry many Champagnes in that range. Lanson black, Piper, Jacquart (which I think is awful), Taittinger, probably others. And of course there is ample quantity.
Given the theme and the crowd, I wouldn’t go with a smaller producer or one that makes more steely wines. In my head, it seems like a Gatsby-esque sort of party, right? Moet will be too obvious, but maybe a bigger house like Henriot could work.
thanks–yes definitely over the top. My son has arranged for an aerialist and engaged a lighting consultant, and we fortunately have a friend who owns a movie prop house who will be supplying a few items. My son likes to plan parties! and my wife explains that she only turns 60 once. i may need to start selling some of my cellar to fund this extravaganza
When I went to the Moulin Rouge in Paris in 2003, admission included a bottle of Ayala (black label). I’ve bought that for $30 recently and it is good.
Mumm Cordon Rouge label looks very old style French- and it has a red stripe. It also makes me think Moulin Rouge.
Sounds fun!
Jean Philippe “JP” Moulin has his own label. He used to be the winemaker for Ruinart.
Also, you can save some money and buy Cava or Prosecco and make Moulin Rouge Cocktails. There’s a recipe on the internet.
If you’re simply looking for a nice, inexpensive champagne, let us know what’s available at your local retail stores or Costco, and you can get more specific recommendations.
Cheers,
Warren
I think what you want and what the party demands is something more playing to the masses rather than a geeky crowd. There’ve been some great suggestions here, but this entire situation doesn’t feel like one where going even slightly under the radar will work. Just be ostentatious and don’t apologize for it. In reality, how often does one really get the chance to go for all the shit you ever imagined and it’d be fine?
