I’m a longtime fan of Veuve Clicquot and have all too infrequently enjoyed Veuve’s La Grande Dame and Brut Rose Reserve. --- But for everyday Champagne, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV is an excellent choice.

It’s a nonvintage Champagne with the distinctive orange-colored label the shade of egg yolks. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is made from two-thirds black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and one-third Chardonnay, in a classic style that is full-bodied and complex, with wonderful citrusy crispness. The price for Clicquot Yellow Label ranges from $29 for a 375 ml. split to $300 for a party-size 3-liter bottle. A standard-size 750 ml. bottle will run you $50 here.

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is wonderful when paired as an aperitif with French Gruyere cheese puffs called gougeres. And, for you fashionistas, Veuve also offers Yellow Label NV Brut in a stylish neoprene "ice jacket" bottle that’s portable and oh-so-chic. It’s got top-stitch seams and leather trim—a tailored, insulated cooler bag with a side zipper and functional neck strap. Ensconced in the ice jacket, your chilled bottle of Veuve will retain its temperature for about two hours—perfect for a picnic or camping, bargain priced at $50.