Champagne is a symbol of celebration and luxury. This sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France has been the drink of choice for special occasions for centuries. From weddings to New Year’s Eve parties, popping open a bottle of bubbly sets the mood for joyous festivities.
Choosing the right champagne brand can elevate your celebration to new heights. With so many options available, it’s helpful to know which brands offer the best quality and value. Some champagnes are light and crisp, while others are rich and complex. You’ll find champagne brands to suit every taste and budget, from affordable options for casual gatherings to premium bottles for milestone events.
1) Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon is a name that stands out in the world of champagne. Founded in 1743, it’s one of the most widely-known Champagne houses globally. You’ll find this brand at many high-profile events and celebrations.
The company owns the largest vineyards in France’s Champagne region. This gives them control over the quality of their grapes. They blend tradition with modern techniques to create their signature taste.
Moët & Chandon offers a range of champagnes to suit different tastes. Their Imperial Brut is a popular choice for many occasions. You’ll notice flavors of dried pineapple, biscuit, and white peach in this classic bubbly.
For special celebrations, you might consider their vintage Dom Pérignon. It’s named after the monk who supposedly invented champagne. This luxury option is perfect for marking major milestones.
When you choose Moët & Chandon, you’re selecting a brand with a rich history. It’s been the choice of royalty and celebrities for centuries. Your guests will appreciate the prestige and quality in every glass.
2) Veuve Clicquot
Veuve Clicquot is a champagne brand you can trust for your celebrations. Founded in 1772, it has a long history of producing quality bubbly.
The brand’s iconic yellow-orange label makes it easy to spot. You’ll find Veuve Clicquot at many high-end events and parties.
This champagne is known for its rich and toasty flavors. It’s a great choice if you want something that’s both tasty and stylish.
Veuve Clicquot is popular on social media too. Its bottles are very photogenic, making them perfect for sharing your special moments online.
You can pair this champagne with fancy meals. It goes well with rich meats in butter or cream sauces.
The brand has won awards for its quality. In 2021, it was rated the #1 best-selling and top trending Champagne brand by Drinks International.
Veuve Clicquot offers different types of champagne. You can choose from vintage and non-vintage options to suit your taste and budget.
3) Dom Pérignon
Dom Pérignon is a name that stands out in the world of champagne. It’s the ultimate choice for those special moments you want to remember forever.
This brand only makes vintage champagne. That means they use grapes from a single year’s harvest. Dom Pérignon waits until the grapes are perfect before picking them.
You’ll find Dom Pérignon at royal weddings and celebrity parties. It’s a favorite of those who want the best of the best.
When you pop open a bottle of Dom Pérignon, you’re tasting history. The brand started in the 17th century and keeps making amazing bubbly today.
The taste is light but rich. You’ll notice hints of fruit and maybe some toasty flavors. Each sip is smooth and elegant.
Dom Pérignon isn’t cheap. A bottle can cost anywhere from $250 to $1000. But for a truly special celebration, many think it’s worth every penny.
4) Krug Grande Cuvée
Krug Grande Cuvée is a top-tier champagne that offers you a luxurious experience. This prestigious brand is known for its rich and full-bodied taste.
You’ll find Krug Grande Cuvée to be a blend of over 120 different wines from more than 10 different years. This unique composition gives it a complex flavor profile that sets it apart from other champagnes.
When you choose Krug Grande Cuvée, you’re selecting a champagne that’s often described as the Rolls-Royce of Champagne. Its bold taste and elegant character make it a favorite among sommeliers and champagne enthusiasts.
You can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for a bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée. While it’s on the pricier side, many consider it worth the investment for special occasions.
This champagne pairs well with a variety of foods. You might enjoy it with seafood, poultry, or even aged cheeses. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for your celebrations.
5) Laurent-Perrier
Laurent-Perrier is a renowned Champagne house that’s been making bubbly since 1812. You’ll find it’s known for its light, elegant style.
The brand is famous for its Chardonnay-dominant blends. This gives their Champagnes a crisp, fresh taste that many people love.
Laurent-Perrier offers several options for your celebrations. Their Cuvée Rosé is a standout choice. It’s perfect for special occasions and has a beautiful pink color.
For a more affordable option, try the Laurent-Perrier Harmony Demi-Sec. It’s slightly sweet and pairs well with desserts or cheese plates.
If you’re looking to splurge, the Grand Siècle is their top-tier Champagne. It’s made from the best grapes of exceptional years.
You’ll find Laurent-Perrier Champagnes have a sleek, modern design. This makes them great for gifting or adding a touch of sophistication to your events.
6) Taittinger
Taittinger is a renowned Champagne house that offers elegant and sophisticated bubbles for your celebrations. Founded in 1734, this family-owned brand has a long history of producing high-quality Champagne.
Taittinger’s Champagnes are known for their light and fresh style. They use a high percentage of Chardonnay grapes, which gives their wines a delicate and crisp character.
You’ll find that Taittinger’s Brut La Française is a popular choice for many occasions. It’s a well-balanced blend with notes of peach, white flowers, and vanilla.
For something special, try Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne. This prestige cuvée is made only in exceptional years and is perfect for marking important milestones.
Taittinger Champagnes pair well with a variety of foods. You can enjoy them with seafood, poultry, or even as an aperitif. Their versatility makes them a great choice for any celebration.
When you choose Taittinger, you’re selecting a Champagne brand that combines tradition with innovation. It’s a reliable choice that will impress your guests and elevate your special moments.
7) Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a champagne lover’s dream. This elegant bubbly is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, giving it a distinctive flavor profile.
When you sip Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, you’ll notice its crisp and fresh taste. The champagne bursts with notes of citrus and orchard fruits, creating a lively experience on your palate.
Ruinart’s expertise shines through in this champagne. The house has been crafting fine wines since 1729, making it one of the oldest champagne houses in the region.
You’ll appreciate the supple bubbles that dance in your glass. These tiny pearls carry the champagne’s delicate aromas, enhancing your tasting experience.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is versatile for celebrations. It pairs well with light appetizers or can be enjoyed on its own as an apéritif.
The champagne’s elegant presentation matches its refined taste. Ruinart’s distinctive clear bottle showcases the golden hue of the wine, making it a striking addition to your table.
8) Bollinger Special Cuvée
Bollinger Special Cuvée is a top-tier champagne that’s perfect for your celebrations. This prestigious brand has been making fine champagne since 1829.
The Special Cuvée is Bollinger’s signature non-vintage champagne. It’s known for its rich, complex flavor and golden color.
When you pop open a bottle of Bollinger Special Cuvée, you’ll notice aromas of roasted apples and peaches. The taste is full-bodied with hints of pear, walnut, and spice.
This champagne pairs well with many foods. You can enjoy it with seafood, poultry, or even as an aperitif. It’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Bollinger Special Cuvée is priced between $80-$150. While it’s pricier than some brands, many champagne lovers find it worth the splurge.
You can serve this champagne chilled at about 45°F. Use a tulip-shaped glass to best appreciate its bubbles and aroma.
Bollinger Special Cuvée is a classic choice for weddings, anniversaries, or any time you want to add some luxury to your celebration.
9) Perrier-Jouët
Perrier-Jouët is a champagne brand with a rich history dating back to 1811. You’ll find this prestigious house known for its elegant and floral champagnes.
The brand’s most iconic offering is the Belle Epoque, featuring a distinctive bottle adorned with anemone flowers. This Art Nouveau design epitomizes sophistication and refinement.
Perrier-Jouët offers a range of champagnes to suit different tastes. Their Grand Brut is perfect for celebrations, known for its low sugar content and crisp taste.
For the best experience, serve Perrier-Jouët champagne between 50°F and 53°F. You can achieve this by chilling the bottle in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving.
When you choose Perrier-Jouët, you’re selecting a champagne that balances tradition with innovation. Its floral notes and elegant bubbles make it a standout choice for your special occasions.
10) Louis Roederer Cristal
Louis Roederer Cristal is a legendary champagne that stands out for its excellence. Created in 1876 for Russian Tsar Alexander II, it has become a symbol of luxury.
Cristal is known for its full-bodied and opulent character. You’ll find it offers a seductive taste that sets it apart from other champagnes.
This prestigious brand only produces Cristal in the best vintages. It’s made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, resulting in a complex flavor profile.
When you taste Cristal, you might notice hints of apple, vanilla, pear, white flower, and citrus. These flavors combine to create a truly unique drinking experience.
Louis Roederer Cristal is perfect for special occasions. Its reputation and quality make it an ideal choice when you want to celebrate in style.
History of Champagne
Champagne has a rich history spanning centuries. Its journey from a simple wine to a symbol of luxury and celebration is filled with fascinating developments and key moments.
Origins and Development
Champagne’s story begins in the Champagne region of France. Monks first made still wines here in the Middle Ages. The area’s cool climate led to a unique fermentation process. This created bubbles in the wine.
At first, winemakers saw these bubbles as a flaw. They tried to get rid of them. But over time, people started to enjoy the fizzy wine. In the 17th century, a monk named Dom Pérignon made big improvements to the process.
He found ways to make the bubbles more consistent. He also created the method of blending different grape varieties. This helped make champagne taste better and last longer.
Notable Historical Events
Champagne gained popularity among French royalty in the 18th century. King Louis XV allowed champagne to be shipped in bottles instead of barrels. This helped keep the bubbles intact.
The Industrial Revolution brought new technologies. These made champagne production easier and cheaper. More people could now enjoy it.
In 1866, Veuve Clicquot created the first brut champagne. This drier style became very popular. It’s still the most common type today.
During World War I, the Champagne region saw heavy fighting. Many vineyards were destroyed. But the industry bounced back. Champagne became a symbol of victory and celebration after the war.
Champagne Production Process
Making champagne requires careful steps and special methods. The process starts in the vineyard and ends with fermentation in bottles.
Vineyard Cultivation
Champagne grapes grow in a cool climate with chalky soil. You’ll find three main grape types used: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Vineyards in the Champagne region of France follow strict rules for growing and harvesting.
Growers often pick grapes by hand to protect their quality. They harvest early to keep high acidity and low sugar levels. This helps create champagne’s crisp taste.
After picking, workers quickly press the grapes. They separate juice based on quality. The best juice, called the cuvée, becomes premium champagne.
Fermentation Techniques
Champagne goes through two fermentation stages. The first turns grape juice into still wine. Later, winemakers mix different wines to create a balanced blend.
The second fermentation happens in the bottle. This is what makes champagne bubbly. Producers add yeast and sugar to the wine. Then, they seal bottles with temporary caps.
As yeast eats sugar, it makes alcohol and carbon dioxide. The CO2 can’t escape, so it dissolves into the wine. This process takes at least 15 months for non-vintage champagne.
After fermentation, bottles rest on their sides. Workers turn them regularly in a process called riddling. This moves dead yeast to the bottle neck for removal.
