Lanson Champagne

Of the many booze options we tasted at yesterday's Food Network gala tasting, the most surprising was Lanson Champagne. Apparently very popular in other countries - it's the #2 champagne in the UK and the house bubbly at Wimbledon - Lanson is largely unknown here even though it is one of the oldest champagne houses, founded in 1760. But we highly recommend both the NV Black Label Brut and the light, dry delicious rose - both among the best champagnes in the price range.

Lanson Black Label Brut retails for around $30 - $35 with the best price we've found being $30.95 at Sherry-Lehman. The rose is much harder to find but if you do it's well worth the price, generally $10 more a bottle.