- Last updated on May 12, 2023
Our Best Champagne Selection
- Best Overall: Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne (Millésimé) 2014
- Best Value: Pierre Gobillard Brut Authentique Champagne
- Best under $40: Bernard Remy Carte Blanche Brut Champagne
- Best Blanc de Blancs: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs
- Best Blanc de Noirs: Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne N.V.
- Best Brut: Bollinger La Grande Année Brut Champagne 2014
- Best Non Vintage: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne N.V.
- Best Non Vintage runner-up: Veuve Clicquot Brut (Carte Jaune) Champagne N.V.
- Best Vintage: Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne 2012
- Best Rosé: Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne N.V.
- Best Rosé runner-up: Ruinart Brut Rosé Champagne N.V.
- Best under $50: Jean Vesselle Réserve Brut Champagne
- Best under $50 runner-up: Michel Turgy Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut
- Best under $50 Rosé: Moutard Rosé de Cuvaison Brut Champagne N.V.
- Best under $50 Rosé runner-up: Charles Ellner Rosé Brut Champagne N.V.
- Best under $60: Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne N.V.
- Best under $100: Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut Champagne 2012
- Best Gift: Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut Champagne 2012
18 Best Champagne Reviewed
Find below the reviews for our wine selection of the 18 Best Champagne so that you have all the info you need to pick what’s best for you.
Vivino’s tips: 98 points by James Suckling (2013 Vintage)
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Ripe Apple, Toasted Hazelnuts, Candid Citrus Fruit, Honeysuckle
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne (Millésimé) 2014 is a stunning and iconic champagne that represents the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication.
From the first sip to the last drop, this champagne is a true masterpiece, revealing an intricate and complex character that is both elegant and powerful.
The champagne boasts a beautiful pale golden color with delicate and persistent bubbles, creating an enchanting visual experience.
The top three things that make Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne 2014 stand out compared to its peers:
Unique blend: Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne 2014 is made from a unique blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes sourced from the best vineyards in the Champagne region.
The Pinot Noir gives the wine structure and body, while the Chardonnay adds finesse and elegance to the final blend.Long aging period: The wine is aged for six years in the cellars before it is released, which is longer than the minimum aging period required for Champagne.
This extended aging process allows the wine to develop a more complex flavor profile and a smoother texture.Exceptional quality: Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne 2014 is produced in limited quantities, with only the best grapes from the best vineyards used in its production.
This results in a wine that is of exceptional quality and highly sought after by collectors and Champagne enthusiasts.
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne (Millésimé) 2014 is a champagne that is truly worthy of any special occasion or celebration.
This is a champagne that will impress even the most discerning palate and it is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the finest things in life, and it is sure to be a highlight of any wine collection.
Read our full review here.
Wine’s tips: 93 points by Wilfred Wong
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Ripe Apple, Pear, Citrus Fruit, Brioche, Cream
Pierre Gobillard Brut Authentique Champagne is a wine that offers a great value for money, combining quality, authenticity and elegance.
It is a champagne that reflects the personality and the passion of the Gobillard family, who have been making wine in Hautvillers since 1780.
It is a champagne that will impress your guests and delight your senses.
Read our full review here.
Wine’s tips: 93 points by Decanter
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Pear, Citrus, Grapefruit, Brioche, Cream
Bernard Remy Carte Blanche Brut Champagne is a champagne that delivers a lot of quality and pleasure for a reasonable price.
It is a champagne that showcases the freshness, the fruitiness and the elegance of the Champagne region.
It is a champagne that is made with care and passion by the Remy family, who have been in the wine business for over 50 years.
It is a champagne that will make you happy and satisfied.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 97 by Wine Enthusiast (2007 Vintage) | Featured in Vivino’s 2020 Wine Style Awards: French Champagne Vintage (2002 Vintage)
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Apple, Pears Peaches, Toast, White Flowers
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is an exquisite Champagne that embodies elegance, finesse, and refinement.
Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the best vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, this wine is a pure expression of the terroir and the winemaking expertise of Taittinger.
Its fine bubbles and delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and brioche lead to a crisp, clean palate with a creamy texture and a long, lingering finish.
This Champagne is perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning wine lover.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Among top 1% of all wines in the world
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Apple, Apricot, Red Fruit, Brioche, Toast, Mineral.
Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne is a unique and elegant wine that showcases the best of Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Champagne region.
Its delicate aromas, crisp acidity, and mineral-driven finish make it an ideal wine to pair with seafood and light appetizers.
While it can be enjoyed now, it also has the potential to age and develop further complexity over the years.
If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne is definitely worth trying.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 43% more. | 96 by Wine Spectator
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Lemon, Peach, Hazelnut, Almond, Honey.
Bollinger La Grande Année Brut Champagne 2014 is a standout champagne that showcases the exceptional quality of the grapes and the skill of the winemaker.
This vintage champagne offers a complex bouquet of aromas, a rich and full-bodied palate, and a long and persistent finish.
It is an excellent choice for special occasions, pairing beautifully with a variety of dishes or enjoyed on its own.
Bollinger has once again produced a top-quality champagne that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.
Treat yourself or your loved ones to a bottle of Bollinger La Grande Année Brut Champagne 2014 and celebrate life’s special moments in style.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 93 by Wine Spectator.
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: White Peach, Green Apple, Pear, Citrus Fruit, Brioche, Cream.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne is a delicate and refined wine that showcases the best of Chardonnay grapes grown in the Champagne region.
The chardonnay is the very soul of Ruinart. The grape, mainly harvested from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims terroirs, is at the heart of all our cuvées.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, intensely aromatic, is the Ruinart Taste emblem.
Its fresh and vibrant aromas, crisp and clean palate, and bright acidity make it an ideal wine to pair with seafood and soft cheeses.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a delicious and elegant wine to enjoy, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne is definitely worth trying.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 42% more. |
Featured in Best wines between $40 and $80 right now
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Pear, Citrus Fruit, Brioche, Cream
Veuve Clicquot Brut (Carte Jaune) Champagne N.V. is a classic champagne that’s perfect for any celebration.
Its rich and complex flavors, crisp acidity, and creamy texture make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods.
With a history dating back to 1772, Veuve Clicquot has become one of the most iconic champagne brands in the world.
This non-vintage brut is a testament to their commitment to quality and consistency, and is a great introduction to the world of champagne for those new to the wine.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 100 by Falstaff Magazine.
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Pear, Citrus Fruit, Toast, Almond, Honey, Cream, Licorice, Vanilla.
Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne 2012 is an exceptional wine that embodies elegance, finesse, and refinement.
Its complex aromas and flavors make it a perfect Champagne for special occasions, and it is sure to impress even the most discerning wine lover.
This Champagne is a testament to the winemaking expertise of Dom Pérignon and the terroir of Champagne.
Treat yourself or your loved ones to a bottle of Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne 2012 and experience the ultimate in luxury and sophistication.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 37% more.
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry, Citrus Fruit, Brioche, Cream.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne is a beautifully crafted wine that embodies elegance, refinement, and sophistication.
Its delicate pink color, fine bubbles, and complex aromas and flavors make it a perfect Champagne for any celebration.
This Champagne is sure to impress even the most discerning wine lover, and it is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a unique and memorable wine experience.
Treat yourself or your loved ones to a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne and celebrate life’s special moments in style.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 French Champagne wines in California right now
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry, Citrus Fruit, Brioche, Cream.
Ruinart Brut Rosé Champagne is a beautifully crafted and well-balanced wine that is a true representation of the Ruinart style.
Its delicate yet complex aromas, crisp acidity, and elegant finish make it a perfect accompaniment to any special occasion or romantic evening.
Whether you’re a seasoned Champagne lover or new to the world of bubbly, Ruinart Brut Rosé is definitely worth experiencing.
So pop open a bottle, sit back, and enjoy the luxurious taste of this exceptional Champagne.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 43% more.
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Ripe Red Fruits, Apricot, Almond, Baked Bread.
Jean Vesselle Réserve Brut Champagne Grand Cru is a champagne that offers a great expression of the Pinot Noir grape, combining richness, complexity and elegance.
Its delicate color, fine bubbles, and complex aromas and flavors make it a perfect Champagne for any occasion.
It is a champagne that reflects the history and the tradition of the Vesselle family, who have been making wine in Bouzy since 1735.
It is a champagne that will seduce your palate and elevate your mood.
Read our full review here.
Wine’s tips: 90 pointy by Robert Parker
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Lemon, Pear, Brioche, Honeysuckle.
Michel Turgy Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Reserve Selection is a champagne that will enchant you with its purity, elegance and complexity.
It is a champagne that showcases the excellence and the diversity of the Chardonnay grape, grown in one of the most prestigious terroirs in the Champagne region.
It is a champagne that is made with passion and care by the Turgy family, who have been in the wine business for over a century.
It is a champagne that you deserve to enjoy and share with your loved ones.
Read our full review here.
Wine’s tips: 91 points by Vinus
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Raspberry, Rose Petal, Brioche.
Moutard Rosé de Cuvaison Brut Champagne is an exquisite champagne that embodies the Rosé style with finesse and elegance.
It is a perfect choice for celebrating special moments or enjoying everyday pleasures.
It is also a great value for money, as it offers the quality and elegance of Champagne at an affordable price.
If you are looking for a rosé that can make you smile and sparkle, you should definitely try Moutard Rosé de Cuvaison Brut Champagne.
Read our full review here.
Wine’s tips: 91 points by Wine Spectator
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Raspberry, Rose Petal, Brioche, Spice.
Charles Ellner Rosé Brut Champagne is a delightful and sophisticated sparkling wine that will impress your guests and make any occasion memorable.
It is a rosé champagne that combines freshness and finesse, with aromas and flavors of red fruits, citrus, flowers, brioche, and spices.
It is a wine that reflects the expertise and tradition of Charles Ellner, a family-owned champagne house that has been making quality wines for over a century.
Treat yourself or someone special to a bottle of Charles Ellner Rosé Brut Champagne.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 5 by The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Green Apple, Pear, Citrus Fruit, Brioche, Cream
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne is a complex and refined wine that showcases the best of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes grown in the Champagne region of France.
Its delicate and fresh palate, elegant aromas, and lively acidity make it an ideal wine to pair with a wide range of dishes, from fresh seafood to creamy cheeses.
If you’re a fan of Champagne, Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne is definitely worth trying.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Among top 1% of all wines in the world.Â
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Apple, Citrus Fruit, Toast, Almond, Honey, Cream, Straw.
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Apple, Apricot, Citrus Fruit, Brioche, Almond, Honey, Cream, Straw.
La Grande Dame is Veuve Clicquot’s prestige cuvée, crafted in honor of the legendary Madame Clicquot, who revolutionized the Champagne industry in the 19th century.
Made from the finest grapes grown in the top vineyards of the Champagne region, La Grande Dame is a masterpiece of elegance, complexity, and finesse.
Flavors of citrus, pear, and red fruits are complemented by notes of honey, almonds, and toast, leading to a long and elegant finish.
La Grande Dame 2012 is a wine of exceptional quality and character, a true masterpiece of Champagne craftsmanship.
It is a wine to be savored on special occasions, paired with exquisite dishes such as lobster, truffles, and foie gras.
Treat yourself or your loved ones to a bottle of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut Champagne 2012 and celebrate life’s special moments in style.
Read our full review here.
Buying Guide to Champagne
It’s not just about which Champagne you should buy. There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.
The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview of all these topics.
Champagne Overview
Here you find an overview of where Champagne is most commonly planted.
The grapes permitted to produce Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier [1], Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc [2], Petit Meslier [3] and Arbane [4].
The first three are used in nearly all Champagne and represent the majority.
Grapes
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
ABV
10.5%-12.5%
Main Regions
France: Champagne
Other Regions
Australia
Germany
Italy
New Zealand
Spain
USA: California (Napa Valley, Sonoma)
Grapes
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
ABV
10.5%-12.5%
Main Regions
France: Champagne
Other Regions
Australia
Germany
Italy
New Zealand
Spain
USA: California
Champagne Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Champagne.
Color
Pale Lemon
Persistent Bubbles
Nose
Apple, Pear
Lemon
Strawberry
Brioche, Toast
Palate
Mineral
Saline
Cream
Brut Nature to Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Color
Pale Lemon
Persistent Bubbles
Nose
Apple, Pear
Lemon
Strawberry
Brioche, Toast
Palate
Mineral
Saline
Cream
Brut Nature to Dry
High Acidity
Light Body
Champagne Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Champagne.
Appetizer
Mac & Cheese,
French Fries,
Creamy Potato Leek Soup,
Salads
Meat
Turkey
Lemon Chicken
Fried Chicken
Fish
Oyster
Lobster
Sashimi
Fish & Chips
Fried calamari
Cheese
Cream Cheese (Camembert)
Appetizer
Mac & Cheese,
French Fries,
Creamy Potato Leek Soup,
Salads
Meat
Turkey
Lemon Chicken
Fried Chicken
Fish
Oyster
Lobster
Sashimi
Fish & Chips
Fried calamari
Cheese
Cream Cheese (Camembert)
Serve and Store Champagne
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store Champagne.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Flûte
Serve at
43 - 50 °F
6 - 10 °C
Store for
Up to 4 years for N.V.
Up to 10 years for V.
Finest bottles 10+ years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Flûte
Serve at
43 - 50 °F
6 - 10 °C
Store for
Up to 4 years for N.V.
Up to 10 years for V.
Finest bottles 10+ years
What are the Champagne Styles?
There are primarily 6 Champagne wine styles:
Blanc de Blancs
It’s a white sparkling wine made only with white grapes, and usually Chardonnay.Â
Blanc de Noirs
It’s a white sparkling wine made only with black grapes which are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
RoséÂ
As seen in the winemaking guide, Rosé can be made either by maceration, by blending white and red wine, or by adding liqueur d’expédition.
To become sparkling they then follow one of the methods described above.
Prestige Cuvée
When you read Prestige Cuvée you are about to buy the best wine that a given producer can offer.
Non-Vintage
This is usually the standard offering and it means that the wine is made from grapes harvested across various vintages.
Vintage
It means that grapes are all from the same vintage if it’s in Champagne (France), or that most of the grapes are from the same vintage in other areas.
In Champagne, vintage wine is made only on the best years and for this reason, you should expect a higher price for it.
Our Verdict
Champagne is the most famous sparkling wine in the world. Apple, lemon, and toast are typical Champagne’s aromas.
The flavors, intensity, and styles vary depending on the producer and his secret blending formula.Â
What to do next?
Be sure to serve your Champagne at the right temperature. Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro!
Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Prosecco vs Champagne, Brut vs Extra Dry, white, red, and rosé wines?
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Champagne.
What does Champagne mean?
The name Champagne comes from the French region Champagne where the wine is produced.
What is Champagne history?
The oldest trace of sparkling wine is from France. It dates back to the beginning of the 16th century produced with the so-called Ancestral method.
A century later this method was refined into the so-called Traditional method.Â
Over time the champagne production increased significantly with exponential growth in the 19th century.
Where does Champagne grow best?
Champagne’s grapes grow best in cool climates, like the Champagne region in northern France.
The cool climate slows the grapes ripening, allowing them to maintain a high level of acidity which is perfect for sparkling wines. Â
When is the perfect time to drink Champagne?
Traditionally Champagne is the perfect wine for celebrating an event. You should not limit to that though.
Champagne is extremely versatile, you can have it on its own or with an aperitif or throughout a meal.
I’m gonna say it, for me every day is a perfect day for Champagne!
Is Champagne sweet?
The Champagne sweetness level depends on the amount of sugar added during the dosage.
The most popular type is Brut with less than 12 grams of sugar per liter, aka g/l. Here are the sweetness levels:
- Brut Nature less than 3 g/l.
- Extra Brut less than 6 g/l.
- Brut less than 12 g/l.
- Extra Dry between 12 to 17 g/l.
- Sec/Dry between 17 to 32 g/l. Despite the name, it’s noticeably sweet.
- Demi-Sec/Medium Dry between 32 to 50 g/l.
- Doux/Sweet 50+ g/l. This is the sweetest level.
You can find here the sweetness level for white, red, and rosé wine for comparison.
What are the Champagne Producers’ Types?
There are many Champagne producers on top of the Champagne houses.
That’s why on the Champagne label, you’ll find one of the following abbreviations to identify. the type of Champagne producer. They are as follows:
CM: Coopérative de manipulation, i.e. the cooperative member put their grapes together to make the wine.
MA: Marque auxiliaire, i.e. the brand that’s selling the wine is not related to the producer
NM: Négociant manipulant, i.e. these are companies that buy grapes and make the wine out of them. The majority of large brands fall in this category.
ND: Négociant distributeur, i.e. the wine is sold by a wine merchant using his own name.
RC: Récoltant coopérateur, i.e. the wine produced by the co-operative, is sold by a co-operative member under his own name and label.
RM: Récoltant manipulant, i.e. the wine is made by a grower using his own grapes, using a 5% maximum of purchased grapes.
SR: Société de récoltants, i.e. similar to CM but they are not a co-operative just an association.
When is the International Champagne day?
There is an informal Champagne day and it’s the 31st December of every year! Yes, that’s New Year’s Eve night!
Has Champagne sweetness level changed over time?
Yes it has. In the mid 18th century, Perrier-Jouët decided not to sweeten the wine before exporting it to the UK. Years later the designation Brut was created for the UK market.
In which bottle sizes come Champagne?
The most typical bottles used to ferment Champagne are the standard bottles, 750 ml, and the magnums, 1.5 liters.
Having said that you can find in other sizes up to the Melchizedek, 30 liters.
What’s Champagne's typical price range?
Champagne is a very expensive wine, right? Wrong 😋!
Ok, some are but the good news is that there is one for every pocket, especially if you are after the wine experience more than the name.
What I mean is that you can have a wine made in the same way as Champagne with an amazing price-quality ratio.
Cava or Franciacorta are great examples. Learn more about it here.
Generally speaking, this is what you should expect in terms of price:
- Up to $30 Cava and Franciacorta.
- Up to $60 Champagne brand names, mostly Non-Vintage.Â
- Up to $100 Vintages.
- $100+ Premium/Luxury.
