Champagne: Delicious, Refreshing, Bubbly
Chances are that if you’ve entered a New Year’s Eve celebration or any semi-formal party, you’ve had a glass of champagne. Technically speaking, champagne is a specific kind of sparkling wine–only sparkling wines that come from the Champagne region of France hold the official champagne title. Historically speaking, champagne is often associated with royalty or wealth.
This may be because it was somewhat difficult to keep a bottle of champagne stored as pressure from the bubbles would shatter bottles. This problem was solved when Adolphe Jaquesson invented the muselet to help with corking, but it was still somewhat rare to serve. Champagne did not become truly popular until the muselet was invented to assist with corking; champagne production skyrocketed in the 19th century and today it is the drink for formal dinners, elegant parties, or significant celebrations.
If you are looking for a sparkling wine with a sweeter flavor, champagne is your game. While it does come in both white and red varieties, it is much more common to drink white champagne. The bubbles in the drink make it fun to serve to company and create a unique texture that sets it apart from still wines.
While there are many different manufacturers of champagne, some kinds stand out above the rest. In order to ensure you get the most delicious bottle of champagne, we have compiled a list of the best tasting champagnes available on the market. While you can certainly use these champagnes as mixers, they are absolutely delicious served on their own.
Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée
Price: $65
Pairs With: Fish (especially sushi), poultry, cashews
The first champagne on this list a beautiful, rich golden bubbly. It is incredibly aromatic and has a very complex profile. This wine’s flavors stem from roasted apples and peaches, mixed with spicier flavors like black cherry and currant fruit. The finish is well-balanced and is sure to linger in your thoughts. Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee is a formidable blend of sweet and spice, creating the perfect balance.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label
Price: $60
Pairs with: Prawns, creamy pasta, salmon
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label is a beautiful and tasty champagne, straw-yellow in coloring. Its aroma is rich and complex with notes of apple, cream, and other brisk scents. The taste of ginger and grapefruit pair well with an underlying spice and smokiness; it’s fresh, but savory. This champagne has a medium finish and leaves a crisp, light flavor in your mouth. It’s youthful yet mysterious, a one-of-a-kind experience.
Laurent-Perrier Brut
Price: $48
Pairs with: Poultry, oysters rockefeller, deviled eggs
The next champagne on our list is a pale golden color, with very fine bubbles. The aroma is very zesty and fresh, with just a whiff of earthy minerals. Notes of citrus fruits, poached pair, and preserves create a vibrantly fruit flavor profile. It has a very easy finish that will be pleasant to even first-time champagne drinkers. Because it is such an easy sip, Laurent-Perrier Brut is perfect for your next dinner party.
Champagne Moutard Brut Rosé de Cuvaison
Price: $45
Pairs with: Salami, cherry tart, butter cookies
The first rosé on this list, this champagne is a light pink-red in color. Its aroma has tangy and sweet competing notes, making one think of lemon, peach, and spice. Tastes of raspberry, almond, and peppercorn create a unique and savory flavor. The finish is gentle and slightly chalky, a unique appeal to your palate. If you’re looking for a champagne that will remind you of summer and exotic lands, Champagne Moutard Brut Rose de Cuvaison is the perfect choice for you.
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2009
Price: $219
Pairs with: White fish, almonds, mushroom dishes
Although this champagne carries a pretty price tag, one sip of this yellow-amber bubbly will reveal its true worth. The smell of candied fruit and vanilla mingle well with hazelnut and citrus compote. Upon drinking, you’ll notice a delicious but light flavor composed of cherry, liquorice, and hints of powder. Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2009 has a complex finish that is both energetic and full. It is hard to put your finger on a single element that makes this champagne so delicious, but it will leave you wanting another taste.
Ruinart Brut Rose
Price: $90
Pairs with: Smoked salmon, chocolate, prosciutto
Ruinart Brut Rose has a unique rosy-orange hue and fine, sustained bubbles. Scents of currant and pastry toy with the senses, creating a very pleasant and alluring aroma. The flavor profile contains notes of strawberry, raspberry, cream, and even orange zest; it is sweet, but not so sweet it overpowers your senses. The finish is hard to hard to describe but is well-balanced and lingers. This sparkling wine is sure to thrill your taste buds and impress company when you offer them a sip.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Price: $90
Pairs with: Custard, steamed vegetables, shellfish
The last champagne on the list also comes for Ruinart: its lovely golden color will draw you. Upon pouring, you will notice the aroma of fresh flowers, lemon, and apples. The flavors of this champagne include notes of ripe grapefruit, honey, acacia, and even some smoky minerals. It has a vibrant, crisp finish and a soft aftertaste. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is not quite as strong an impression at first, but you’ll certainly appreciate the tasty flavors and light sweetness of this champagne.
We don’t know about your, but our mouths are certainly watering after reading over this list of the best tasting champagnes. Next time you are planning a dinner with friends or building a menu for a party, we hope that you remember these champagnes and give one a try. Each is delicious in its own way and there is sure to be at least one on this list that will captivate your taste buds. Champagne is certainly the perfect drink for a special occasion, but it is also delicious for a quiet night with someone special. Try one of the champagnes listed here if you are looking for a tasty, intriguing beverage.