One of the world’s most iconic wines traces its origins back to the northeast of France. Yes, we’re referring to champagne. Not only is champagne fun to serve and drink, but it also tends to be tied to momentous occasions. If you’re looking to casually sip a glass of fine champagne, we’ve curated a list of the best champagnes.
Champagne is swimming in folklore, from stories of century-old bottles found in sunken ships (in great condition, mind you) to leaders like Napoleon who sabered and sipped the stuff in victory and in defeat. If there’s a wine for the big stage and moments of the greatest magnitude, it’s champagne.
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Christophe Mignon Brut Nature
Mignon has been dubbed the greatest champagne grower you’ve never heard of by prominent wine voices. This offering shows why an extremely expressive bubbler focused on the Pinot Meunier grape is so detailed that you’ll want to ditch the flute for a broader glass to explore the depth.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
This is such a stunning wine that you’ll likely hold on to the bottle once it’s finished as a reminder to buy more. Graceful and flavorful, it shows poached pear, peach, and wild cherry flavors, all dressed up in the most welcoming of textures.
Ruinart Brut Blanc de Blancs
This champagne made entirely from Chardonnay is as elegant as they come. Every celebration this year should be treated with relative brightness and optimism, and this wine provides that in the glass.
Lanson Black Label Brut
You may be tired of hearing about the juxtaposition of power and restraint happening simultaneously in wine (it’s a tired descriptor), but it’s really the situation here. The Lanson Black Label is dense and decadent while bashful and without ego.
Roederer Brut Premier
Roederer has become one of the most reliable names in all of champagne (his house is responsible for Cristal, among other coveted offerings). Better, you can get all the sophistication of a $300 to $400 bottle in this gem at a fraction of the price.
Champagne Le Mesnil Millesime Grand Cru Prestige
The Le Mesnil commune of Chardonnay is somewhat underrated and home to some fantastic producers. This is one of them, and this wine bursts from the glass with a joyous mix of effervescence and orchard fruit.
Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil 2007
Want to drink better? Try champagne the way it’s meant to be, made meticulously, and aged well over a decade for your enjoyment. This wine from small but storied champagne house Salon is far from inexpensive but incredibly rewarding in the glass, a sipper for your finer days ahead.
Champagne Philipponnat Royale Reserve
Pound for pound, Philipponnat champagne can compete with the best of them. This wine hits all ends of the palate, showing zesty, bread-y, nutty, and fruity notes quite harmoniously.
Krug Grand Cuvée
In Krug’s vast champagne-making history, there really hasn’t been a bad bottle. The Grand Cuvée is always opulent, a lovely wine that’s so well integrated it tastes like the work of magicians.
Bollinger La Grande Année Brut 2012
This high-scoring release from almost a decade ago is complex and great with fellow luxury items like fresh oysters or lobster. You’ll love its jovial character and lasting finish.
Tarlant Zero Brut Nature
Some of our favorite sips of champagne have involved those unique bakery shop flavors of dough, pastry, yeast, and pie crust. This wine has all of that and more, with a kiss of zest and brine that really gives it added personality and balance.
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