Pop the cork and let’s celebrate! Discover the best champagne to drink in 2024 without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a curated list of top-notch, best champagnes perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a champagne aficionado or a sparkling wine enthusiast, this list will take your sipping experience to the next level. Are you ready to toast to affordable luxury?
Short Summary
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Skip the guesswork and find the best champagne for any occasion with our top 10 list!
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Learn to pair flavors, pick a budget-friendly option or impress friends with knowledge on champagne vs. sparkling wine.
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Serve & store your bubbly correctly for maximum enjoyment, cheers to 2024!
Top 10 Champagnes In Australia Right Now
Australia has a thriving market for champagnes, from well-known French brands to local sparkling wines that rival their European counterparts. With such variety, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect bottle for your special occasion or casual get-together. Fret no more! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 champagnes in Australia right now (in no particular order), catering to different tastes and budgets.
These selections include popular classics like Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage and Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, as well as hidden gems like G.H. Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs. So without further ado, let’s dive into these exquisite champagne brands and find the best champagne for you.
1. Pol Roger Brut Reserve
If you’re seeking a champagne with a regal lineage, look no further than Pol Roger Brut Reserve. This exquisite grower of champagne boasts a story that dates back centuries.
It boasts a pale golden hue, accentuated by a fine stream of bubbles and an elegant nose of citrus and white flowers. On the palate, its persistent effervescence accompanies notes of green apple and brioche, leading to a creamy finish.
A testament to Pol Roger's craftsmanship, the Brut Reserve is a timeless expression of balance and elegance.
2. Deutz Brut Classic
Deutz Brut Classic is the champagne of champagnes, featuring subtle bubbles, powerful aromas, and a fresh taste that strikes the perfect balance between mineral and fruit flavors. This symphony of citrus, white flowers, and stone fruits is complemented by its bright acidity, making it a refreshing delight.
What makes Deutz Brut Classic so versatile is its ability to be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes. Crafted with only the finest grapes and aged for a minimum of three years, Deutz Brut Classic boasts a complex flavor profile and a silky finish. It has notes of:
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freshly baked brioche
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ripe pear
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citrus
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white flowers
These flavors add to its delightful taste.
3. Taittinger Brut Reserve
Taittinger Brut Reserve is a showstopper, offering a high-quality champagne with a crisp, fresh palate and a reputation for excellence. Its bright acidity adds to its refreshing taste, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
One sip, and you’ll understand why it’s considered a top-tier choice among champagne enthusiasts.
4. Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage
For those who crave luxury and iconic taste, Mot & Chandon Grand Vintage is the answer. Since 1842, these champagnes have been crafted with distinction, offering a unique flavor profile that includes notes of:
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ripe fruit
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toasted nuts
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brioche
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honey
This combination of flavors rivals even the most aged non vintage champagne.
A full-bodied experience, Mot & Chandon Grand Vintage is the perfect bottle to celebrate life’s grandest moments, or simply indulge in a taste of opulence.
5. G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut
G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon is a reliable, budget-friendly champagne with a signature red ribbon label that sets it apart from other champagnes. Hailing from the Champagne region of France, this bubbly boasts complex flavors of apple, citrus, and a subtle hint of toast, with fine bubbles that create a sublime drinking experience.
If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind, flavorful champagne without breaking the bank, G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Brut is a fabulous choice. So, go ahead and pop that bottle – you deserve it!
6. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
For the rosé champagne enthusiasts, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé is a must-try. This delightful champagne offers:
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A vibrant salmon pink color
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A delicate, elegant palate
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A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir grapes
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Aged on lees for 36 months
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Vinified as a red wine
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé offers an extra touch of sophistication.
Its delicate and refreshing taste, smooth finish, and hint of raspberry make Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé a tantalizing treat for the taste buds. To serve this delightful bubbly, chill it to 8-10°C and pair it with light dishes like seafood, salads, or white meat.
7. Bollinger Special Cuvee
Luxury and complexity meet in Bollinger Special Cuvee, a champagne with a rich history and a reputation for quality. Made from 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier, this champagne is a true testament to the art of winemaking.
Boasting yeasty and layered notes with zesty citrus and stone, Bollinger Special Cuvee offers an unmistakable scent of fresh bread-dough that makes it a flavor fiesta. It’s the champagne of choice for those who know that quality is key, and a perfect addition to any celebration.
8. Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut
Perrier-Jout Grand Brut is a lively and elegant French Champagne with delicate floral notes that sets it apart from its counterparts. This delightful, mid-weight Champagne boasts beautiful complexity, crafted from 40% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir, and 20% Chardonnay, making it a winning combination.
With its versatile food pairing potential, Perrier-Jout Grand Brut is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, no matter the occasion. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a lavish dinner party, this bubbly is sure to elevate your dining experience.
9. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
A fan-favorite, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label offers a well-balanced flavor profile and a distinctive yellow label that’s instantly recognizable. Its combination of citrus, green apple, and brioche notes makes it a delightful sip for any occasion.
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is more than just a pretty bottle – it’s a testament to the art of champagne-making and a staple for celebrations worldwide.
10. G.H. Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs
For those seeking a premium champagne experience, G.H. Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs is the answer. This ultra-exclusive cuvée is crafted from Chardonnay grapes, renowned for their elegance, purity, and freshness. With aromas of citrus, flowers, and white fruits, and delicate bubbles, it’s a delight for the senses.
To truly enjoy G.H. Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs, follow these steps:
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Serve it chilled at 8-10°C.
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Pair it with seafood, white meats, or light desserts.
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Enjoy the exquisite experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Champagne Pairing Suggestions
Pairing champagne with food is an art form, and finding the perfect match can elevate your dining experience to new heights. Whether you’re sipping on a crisp blanc de blancs or a fruity rosé champagne, there are endless possibilities for pairing your new found best chamoagne. But where to start?
For a classic and timeless pairing, try oysters, potato chips, and truffle – a heavenly combination that complements the bubbly’s delicate flavors. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, serve vintage champagne with something earthy and gamey, or add a fruity twist with some berries. The key is to experiment and find the perfect balance between champagne’s acidity and the dish’s flavors. Bon appétit!
How to Choose the Right Champagne for Your Budget
When it comes to choosing the right champagne for your budget, consider the cost and the reason for the celebration. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly option without compromising on quality, try JANSZ Premium Cuvée Non-Vintage Sparkling, which comes in at only $30.
Keep an eye out for labels that indicate “Premier Cru” or “Grand Cru,” as these signify that the champagne is from the finest of vineyards. And if you’re splurging on a vintage-dated bottle, look for standout years like:
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2012
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2009
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2008
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2006
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2004
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2002
No matter your budget, there’s a perfect bottle of champagne waiting to be popped and enjoyed when you serve champagne.
Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine: What's the Difference?
All champagne is a form of sparkling wine. However, not all sparkling wine can be called champagne. Confused? Allow us to explain. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine that hails exclusively from the Champagne region of France, whereas other sparkling wines may use similar production methods but come from different regions.
The distinction lies in the geographical limitations and special production regulations that set champagne apart from other sparkling wines. So, the next time you raise a glass of bubbly, impress your friends with your newfound knowledge on the difference between champagne and sparkling wine.
Serving and Storing Champagne
To ensure your champagne is served to perfection, it’s essential to follow some basic guidelines. First, chill your champagne to the ideal temperature of 7-9 °C. When it comes to glassware, opt for larger wine bowls made for grape varieties like riesling, chardonnay, and pinot noir, as these provide a glamorous and extravagant touch.
When pouring champagne, tilt the glass and let the bubbly flow down the side, filling it to about two-thirds. This will help preserve the delicate bubbles and avoid any mousse-related mishaps. Cheers!
Expanding Your Champagne Knowledge
Now that you’ve discovered the best champagne to drink in 2024 and learned how to serve and store them properly, it’s time to dive deeper into the world of champagne. Explore the Champagne region, uncover the tantalizing origin story, and learn about the traditional method champenoise used in champagne production.
Did you know that the mastermind behind champagne is Christopher Merrett, and that the delightful secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the sparkling bubbles, was once considered a flaw? As you continue to explore and enjoy this iconic beverage, you’ll uncover even more fascinating facts and stories that make champagne truly extraordinary.
Summary
In this blog post, we’ve explored the best champagne to drink in 2024, from well-known classics to hidden gems. We’ve also delved into proper serving and storing techniques, food pairing suggestions, and the differences between champagne and sparkling wine. With this newfound knowledge, you’re now ready to impress your friends and elevate your champagne game. So, go ahead and pop that bottle – let’s toast to the world of affordable luxury and amazing taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a decent bottle of Champagne?
For a nice bottle of Champagne, expect to pay at least $70. You can find good non-vintage options for between $60 and $120, like Moet & Chandon Imperial ($71).
What is the ideal temperature to serve champagne?
Serve your champagne chilled at 7-9 °C for a truly delightful experience.
What sets champagne apart from other sparkling wines?
Champagne’s unique taste and origin set it apart from other sparkling wines - it can only come from France’s Champagne region and must be produced according to specific regulations.
What are some classic food pairings with champagne?
Nothing complements a glass of bubbly quite like oysters, potato chips, and truffles - classic champagne pairings that never fail to impress.
What should I consider when choosing a champagne for my budget?
When selecting a champagne within your budget, opt for bottles that have been produced from ‘Premier Cru’ or ‘Grand Cru’ vineyards for the best quality.
Additionally, consider the cost and the occasion when making your choice.
