I hope it doesn't sound to be a silly question: what is your recommended champagne for celebrating something important in your life? I hope it's easily accessible and doesn't break the bank

I'd suggest a visit to a Paul Ullrich shop. It's an Aladdin's cave of all things alcoholic, with very knowledgeable and courteous staff. Better still, they do lots of events where you can try before you buy. The only downside is, you go in for one item and tend to come out with more. We went for a bottle of Metaxa 7*, also bought bottles of Mythos for CHF1.50 a piece that were close to their sell by date, and I had to peel myself away from a bottle of Chase Marmalade vodka.

https://www.ullrich.ch/ullrich/filiale_talacker.php

https://www.ullrich.ch/uploads/files...eptember17.pdf

Or get a bottle of Veuve Clicquot from Denner for about Fr 45

We don't have expensive tastes, and find that decent value improves our enjoyment of a drink.

For a party with a few bottles I'd go for the Coop Bio Prosecco, something like 15 CHF.

We like the Charles Bertin Rosé champagne, 30 CHF or so.

If I was spending more, I'd drink the champagne at home as an aperitif and spend more on a meal out afterwards.

Pol Roger the basic at around 40sfr is great the NV and extra dry for around 70-80 for a bit better or the Winston Churchill for very special. All available at Movenpick

when it comes to champagne, no need to go for big names as the production is HEAVILY controlled in terms of standards and methodologies.

Just consider what you like in sweetness Brut or Sec.

Thank you for your suggestions. Now I have a list to work on

That sounds like interesting research...

I admit, not a good research idea during daytime

As long as the sun is over the ̶y̶a̶r̶d̶a̶r̶m̶ milk bottle, you'll be fine...

The expression is believed to have originated in the north Atlantic where the sun would rise above the upper mast spars (yards) of square sailed ships around 11am. This coincided with the forenoon ‘stand easy’ when officers would go below and enjoy their first rum tot of the day. Eventually the phrase was adopted universally as meaning it is a suitable time to have an alcoholic beverage.

Champagne recommendation: it's a bit above the price of a 'celebration' champagne; but if you have a taste for the stuff, Bollinger R.D. 2002 is sensational. Really concentrated with that classic 'old champagne' smell of digestive biscuits.

Second this.

I recall several posts by Odile long ago about the Swiss Mauler "champagne". I never tated it, but remember her praising it highly.

"Champagne" in quotes since it is not made in Champagne

Below 40 CHF: I got a stock of German Riesling sparkling wine from the Mosel. Retails around 20 EUR and is easily on par or better with any Champagne below 70 CHF. But it doesn't have the brand and lable... so when you do need that...

mid level: Veuve Cliquot tastes for me better than the bunch of average champagne brands and certainly better than any of the budget ones. I also like their rose.

If I got something serious to celebrate and want to break the bank: Krug is my favourite among all the more pricey champagnes I had.

That opinion might be driven by Lokalpatriotismus, not taste.

We really like CAVA, in particular Codorniu

And I suppose you have tasted Mauler to make such a judgement?

You should try Slammer´s bubble special grand Cuvée.
For this you will need your Soda Stream bubbler and some cheap tetra-pack plonk at 5 CHF the tanker. Believe me it is great and you will not notice the difference.

@FR
Taittinger all the way, especially Taittinger Rose.

Elizabeth Avril if you can find it... hard to beat.

Yes. It's an ok-ish sparkling wine. Pretty average in every aspect of taste, but at a Swiss price. I can get better sparkling wines in Alsace, Germany, Luxembourg... you name it.