Who Is Tim?
My name is Tim Brinkmann and while I'd prefer to answer your questions in person at my store, you will always have 24-hour access to my wine and spirits knowledge on my Ask Tim page. My background and my passion both lie in the wine and spirits industry, with over 10 years experience as a spirits wholesaler and 9 years in fine wine distribution. I opened Brinkmann's Wine & Spirits because I love to discover new wines and spirits and I have a great appreciation for the evolution, growth, and maturity of existing brands. Please come visit me in the store so we can talk shop, or feel free to interact with me here. Just remember: Good, Better... Brinkmann's!

Updated November 18, 2009

Steven asks Tim –“It’s that time of the year for celebrations and of course with celebrations comes champagne. The only problem is there are so many varieties and price ranges. What should I consider when selecting a bottle of bubbly?”

Tim responds –

Well, first off, true “Champagne” comes only from grapes of the Champagne region of France, all others are referred to as “sparkling wines”. This doesn’t mean that sparkling wines are of lower quality; they were just produced in different parts of the world. Each has bubbles and there are many fine sparkling wines to choose from as well, for example, Asti Spumante is a very popular sparkling wine from Italy.  

Once you’ve decided between true Champage, or a more adventurous sparkling wine, then you can decide the sweetness you’d like. Often you see the labels proclaiming, “brut” or “doux” but what does that mean? Here is a guide to the sweetness of your bubbly:

  • Extra Brut/Brut Sauvage - Completely dry
  • Brut - Dry
  • Extra Dry - Medium dry
  • Sec - Slightly sweet
  • Demi Sec - Fairly sweet
  • Doux - Sweet

In the end, sweet or dry, Champagne or Sparkling, a celebration is a celebration. Pop the cork and get to toasting to your special occasion this holiday season.

Cheers! Tim