A Champagne For Every Occasion Part Deux

I had such a blast writing last week's blog post about the as-yet-untapped versatility of Champagne that I decided we needed a follow-up. I also loved hearing your comments and learning that I am not the only person in the world who drinks Champagne on her couch alone, while eating popcorn.

Without further ado, please enjoy three more unexpected situations where Champagne is completely appropriate. And one more that's just not.

After the Kids Have Gone to Bed - Korbel Brut

Yeah yeah...I know it's easy to make fun of Korbel because of those old commercials. The ones that featured someone throwing her Champagne glass into the fireplace because, "The Champagne's not Korbel!" But for an everyday sparkler, this brand is hard to beat. Very crisp and refreshing, it's just the thing after you've read Goodnight Moon six times and thoroughly checked all closets for monsters. And if you think I'm exaggerating with the "everyday" thing... a certain couple I know (ahem, FoodieDaddy) happens to crack open a bottle of Korbel nearly every night after the kids go to bed. Now, even after a 10% case discount, that's well over $3,000 per year spent on Korbel. So I don't know if I can really get behind that sort of volume. But once or twice a week, why not?

Chinese Takeout Night - Mionetto Il Moscato

You're tired from work, bored with what's in your cupboard and you sure as heck don't feel like cooking. Time to speed-dial your favorite Chinese place. Or Thai. Or Indian. It doesn't matter, all three pair swimmingly with sparkling wine, especially those that are off-dry. A teeny bit of sweetness goes a long way towards offsetting spicy foods. This fruity and fragrant Italian Moscato will keep your General Tso under control. Another great choice is Gruet Rose. Mostly for bragging rights--who doesn't want to be able to claim they've had sparkling rose from New Mexico?

You've Washed That Man Right Out of Your Hair - Iron Horse Blanc de Blancs

Ladies, I know it may seem like a pink sparkler may be the obvious choice to assert your womanhood and celebrate terminating your relationship with That Jerk. But trust me, a blanc de blancs is just what you need: the purity of the all white grapes (blanc de blancs must be made with 100% Chardonnay) is symbolically perfect for starting with a clean slate, and also for washing that bitter taste out of your mouth. The Iron Horse price tag of $35-$40 per bottle shows that this is a special occasion, but not so special that you won't have money left over for a mani-pedi or a good massage. Just be sure not to buy the Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee by mistake; you don't want to end the night all depressed.

Funerals and Wakes

Ummmm, no. Unless you are mourning the Widow Clicquot herself, the festive sound of a Champagne cork popping (and the oohs and ahhhs that accompany it) has no place in a house of mourning. Nor do exclamations of  "Cheers!" or "This is going straight to my head!" Maybe, MAYBE if you are some kind of crime fighter and your archenemy has bit the dust, some bubbly is appropriate. Alone in your room, paired with sinister laughter, of course. But other than that, Champagne and the deceased are not a good match.

Tune in next week when I return to the land of the non-bubbly. Until then, be sure to follow my bubbly self on twitter @SavingsHSimas.