Why are so many sommeliers obsessed with Champagne? Oh, and not just any Champagne, but small-production and vintage Champagnes from tiny growers, often wines made in minuscule quantities with staggering price tags even for Champagne. Why do some somms champion these Champagnes seemingly to the exclusion of any other sparkling wine? Is it because these truly are the finest sparkling wines on the planet … or because they’re more concerned with putting a cool bottle on their Instagram feeds than exploring the world of wine?

On this week’s episode of the VinePair podcast, Adam and Zach explore that question, and whether sommeliers should be more concerned with impressing other sommeliers or in connecting with wines that their guests might actually be able to afford or even find.

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