Finding exceptional Champagne in a smaller market, though, can be a challenge. Generic options are easy to come by; truly great bottles, the ones with character, story, and staying power, require a shop that knows the difference. That's exactly what Metro Wines has built over the past several years on Charlotte Street in Asheville, NC. As the city's top-rated wine shop for seven consecutive years, Metro Wines brings the kind of Champagne selection you'd expect from a world-class wine destination, with the personal service of a neighborhood shop that genuinely knows its customers.
True Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine: Why It Matters
Not all bubbles are Champagne, and the distinction is more than geographic snobbery. True Champagne comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France, produced under strict appellation rules (AOC) that govern everything from the grape varieties used to the minimum aging requirements before release. The traditional method, known as méthode champenoise, involves a secondary fermentation that takes place inside the bottle itself, producing those fine, persistent bubbles that are the hallmark of the style.
Prosecco, Cava, and other sparkling wines are made differently and express different characters. They're worth exploring in their own right, and Metro Wines carries excellent examples of each. But when you're reaching for Champagne specifically, for a celebration, a gift, or simply because you want the real thing, there's no substitute. Our comprehensive guide to Champagne and sparkling wine walks through the full landscape if you want to go deeper before your visit.
What Makes a Great Champagne Selection
The Champagne category is considerably more nuanced than most people realize, and that nuance is exactly where a knowledgeable wine shop earns its place.
Grower Champagnes vs. Négociant Houses
Most Champagne comes from large houses, including Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Laurent-Perrier, that purchase grapes from across the region and blend them into a consistent house style. Grower Champagnes, by contrast, are made by the same families who farm the vineyards. With the "RM" (Récoltant-Manipulant) designation on the label, these bottles offer a more specific, site-driven character that large-house blends rarely achieve. They're also frequently better value. Metro Wines actively seeks out grower producers who bring something distinctive to the category.
Style and Sweetness
Champagne comes in a range of styles defined by their dosage: the small amount of sugar added after disgorgement:
- Brut Nature / Zero Dosage: Bone dry, no added sugar, all about the wine's natural acidity
- Extra Brut: Very dry, with just a whisper of sweetness
- Brut: The most common style; dry with a balanced finish
- Extra Sec / Extra Dry: Slightly sweeter than Brut, despite the confusing name
- Demi-Sec: Noticeably sweet, ideal with desserts
Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Blancs is made entirely from Chardonnay, typically from the Côte des Blancs, and tends toward bright acidity, citrus, and elegance. Blanc de Noirs is made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, both red grapes, but produced using white winemaking techniques. The result is often richer and more structured. Both styles have devoted followings, and our staff can help you identify which suits your taste.
Vintage vs. Non-Vintage
Non-vintage (NV) Champagne blends wines from multiple years to achieve a consistent house style; it's the workhorse of the category and the right choice for most occasions. Vintage Champagne is made from a single exceptional harvest and aged for a minimum of three years. These bottles offer a snapshot of a specific year and are worth seeking out when the budget allows.
Champagne for Every Occasion in Asheville
Part of what makes Champagne special is its versatility. It fits celebrations of every scale and formality, and Asheville offers plenty of occasions worth marking. A long weekend after a visit to the Biltmore Estate. An anniversary dinner in the River Arts District. A wedding weekend with out-of-town guests who deserve something memorable. A quiet Tuesday when spring finally arrives and that feels like celebration enough.
Metro Wines can help you find the right bottle for any of these moments. Looking for a crowd-pleasing NV Brut that won't break the bank? We have excellent options. Want a prestige cuvée for a once-in-a-decade milestone? We can source bottles that make the moment. Searching for a thoughtful wine gift for a Champagne lover who's hard to shop for? Our staff excels at that too. Whatever the occasion, the right bottle is a conversation we'd love to have with you.
Pair Your Champagne with a Meal at Quench! Wine Bistro
Champagne is one of the most food-friendly wines in existence; its acidity and effervescence cut through richness beautifully, making it an ideal companion for everything from fried chicken to oysters to a well-composed cheese board. If you're looking to build a complete experience around your bottle, consider pairing your Metro Wines Champagne selection with a meal at Quench! Wine Bistro, the sister restaurant to Metro Wines located in Reynolds Village in Woodfin.
Chef Sam's farm-to-table menu draws on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that align naturally with the kind of thoughtful, small-production Champagnes Metro Wines favors. The kitchen's approach is precise, ingredient-forward, and genuinely delicious, creating exactly the kind of meal that a well-chosen Champagne deserves. Quench! also holds Wednesday wine tastings that are worth planning around. Check their site for current reservations and upcoming events, then let Metro Wines help you select the bottle that anchors the evening.
Why Shop Metro Wines for Champagne in Asheville
Metro Wines has been named Asheville's top wine shop for seven consecutive years, and it's not an accident. The shop on Charlotte Street combines the breadth of selection you'd find in a major wine market with the depth of knowledge and personal attention that larger retailers simply can't match.
A few things that set Metro Wines apart for Champagne seekers specifically:
- Curated selection with real expertise: Every bottle on our shelves has been chosen deliberately, with a preference for producers who make wine with intention and integrity
- Sourcing beyond the obvious: If you're looking for a specific grower Champagne, a particular vintage, or a bottle you haven't been able to find elsewhere in Asheville, we can often source it; don't hesitate to ask
- Staff who love this stuff: Champagne isn't just a category for us; it's a passion, and that shows in the conversations you'll have in the shop
- Free parking: Convenient access right off Charlotte Street
- The Asheville School of Wine: For those who want to go beyond shopping and actually learn about Champagne, our School of Wine offers guided tastings and educational events throughout the year
We're also proud to offer the personalized service that makes discovering great Champagne genuinely enjoyable. Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or you're starting from scratch, we'll meet you where you are. Learn more about who we are and what drives the way we do business.
Ready to find your perfect bottle? Contact us ahead of your visit, browse our selection online, or simply come in and let the conversation begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Champagne and Prosecco?
Champagne is produced in the Champagne region of France using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation occurring inside the bottle. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made using the Charmat method, in which secondary fermentation takes place in a large tank. The result is a different bubble structure and a different flavor profile; Prosecco tends to be fruitier and lighter, while Champagne typically displays greater complexity, more yeasty character, and finer, more persistent bubbles.
What is a grower Champagne?
A grower Champagne is made by the family that farms the vineyard, rather than by a large house that purchases grapes from across the region. These bottles carry the "RM" designation and tend to reflect a specific place and style. They're often considered more distinctive than large-house Champagnes and frequently offer excellent value for their quality level.
How should I store Champagne after buying it?
Non-vintage Champagne is best enjoyed relatively soon after purchase, ideally within one to three years. Store it on its side in a cool, dark place away from vibration, ideally between 50–55°F. If you have a vintage or prestige cuvée you're planning to age, a wine refrigerator set to cellar temperature is ideal. Our staff can give you more specific guidance based on the bottle you've chosen.
What food pairs well with Champagne?
Champagne's acidity and effervescence make it one of the most versatile food wines available. Classic pairings include oysters, fried foods (the bubbles cut beautifully through fat), soft cheeses, charcuterie, and light seafood. Blanc de Blancs tends to pair best with delicate dishes; Blanc de Noirs can handle richer preparations. Demi-Sec styles pair well with fruit-based desserts.
Can Metro Wines source a specific Champagne I'm looking for?
Absolutely. One of Metro Wines' key strengths is our ability to source bottles that aren't readily available in Asheville's broader retail market. If you're looking for a specific grower, a particular vintage, or a prestige cuvée for a special occasion, get in touch and we'll do everything we can to find it for you.
Conclusion
Great Champagne doesn't have to mean a trip to a major city or an online order that arrives with no context and no conversation. In Asheville, Metro Wines brings the knowledge, selection, and sourcing ability to make genuine Champagne discovery possible right here at home. Come visit us on Charlotte Street, and let's find the bottle that makes your moment worth remembering.