Champagne is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a brilliant food wine. For consistency and quality, turn to the big Champagne brands and you’ll never go wrong. Remember that “Non-Vintage” (NV) is not a dirty word here: NV Champagnes are blends of wines from the best growing seasons. But if you can find one, try a Champagne made by a Grower-Producer. These winemakers control every aspect of grape cultivation and vinification, from the vine to the finished bottle, which is unfortunately a rarity these days. Like a growing number of consumers, we believe that glossy ad campaigns don’t make a wine taste any better.