In message >, Sammy
> writes

>It depends on the whim of the French person you're trying to impress but I'd
>be impressed (pleased) to be given any of them but especially the Ruinart,
>Billecart Salmon or Deutz.

I'm probably going to go for Deutz, then - one of the merchants whose
site I've looked at advertised magnums and will ship a single bottle.

>All of the wines you mention are bottled in magnum but whether they're
>available through your supplier(s) is another problem.

Very few offer magnums, it seems, though if I knew the language well
enough I'd phone or email and ask (a friend in Paris is working on a
translation for me at this minute).

This approach worked with a UK merchant recently and not only did they
add a magnum of Moet to the webpage at my request so I could then order
it online, they've kept it there since.

>The best (IMO) Champagnes are available a la UK; no need to find a French
>supplier. Most Fizz-heads will be impressed or at least delighted with
>anything from Bollinger, Billecart Salmon or Roederer.

I'm shipping it to an address in France - the only online UK supplier I
know that offers a cheap enough service for my needs only delivers in
the UK. Also seems pointless to me to re-import champagne to its country
of origin.

>BTW, traditionally the French like their Champagne younger and more acidic
>than us Brits but who knows about the person you're giving it to.

I don't know her, or her tastes - she's won the competition prize in the
magazine I produce for my client. We're offering 'a magnum of
champagne', so no promises made apart from that. Presumably she entered
the competition either because she likes champagne, or was just bored at
work. My budget is about UKP60 including delivery, or less if I can get
it cheaper.

>IMO, anyone un-impressed by a magnum of Roederer NV should at least respect
>the thought behind the decision to give it. Before they're killed.

The only champagne I've found online from the 4-5 French merchants I
tried that I've already heard of is Bollinger.

Many thanks for all the input, Sammy - much appreciated.

--
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