Kevin JohnsonChampagne bottles offer more than refreshing drinks. Celebration is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the pops of champagne. A bottle of bubbly is a perfect gift for many occasions. It can help family and friends bond as they celebrate life achievements. Although all champagnes are bottled within 100 miles of the Champagne region of France, each bottle is unique. The main champagne types include Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé. You can buy non-vintage or vintage champagne. Each type has a unique flavor profile and notes. But which are the best champagne brands?
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the 15 best champagne brands:
1. Moët & Chandon
Moët is the world’s leading champagne brand, founded in 1743 by Claude Moët. This French fine winery is also among the world’s largest champagne producers. Top-selling Moët champagnes include the Brut Imperial Rombauer Zinfandel, Nectar Imperial Rosé, and Ice Imperial Prisoner Red Blend.
Image source: Moet
The LVMH-owned Moët & Chandon is a prominent champagne house. The brand sells millions of bottles yearly. In Aug 2024, Moët was named the official champagne producer for the 2024 US Open. Fans sampled Moët & Chandon champagnes and the limited-edition Moët & Chandon x US Open Golden Goblets as they cheered their favorite tennis players. [1]
Pros: Moët exemplifies the essence of the Champagne region and has a longstanding history of inspiring celebrations globally. However, the brand’s main selling point is its high-quality and extensive champagne collection. Moët bottles exude an unrivaled charm thanks to their unique blends and harmonious balance.
Cons: Moët is a luxury brand catering to the high-end market. Its champagnes are expensive.
Price Range: $50-$6,160
2. Veuve Clicquot
Veuve Clicquot is a Reims-based champagne brand founded in 1772. This Champagne house cemented its place in the global market thanks to Madame Clicquot. She created the first vintage champagne and invented a champagne clarification process. In Jun 2024, the brand hosted its annual Bold Woman Award at the Royal Opera House. The event celebrates innovative female entrepreneurs in honor of Madame Clicquot’s legacy. [2]
Image source: Veuve Clicquot
Pros: Veuve Clicquot has been a champagne-making pioneer for over 250 years. The brand embodies Madame Clicquot’s innovative spirit and devotion to product quality. It produces high-quality champagnes, including the Yellow Label Brut, La Grande Dame Yayoi Kusama, and Veuve Clicquot Rosé.
Cons: Most Veuve Clicquot’s champagnes cost more than the market’s average.
Price Range: $50-$473
3. Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer is a renowned Champagne house established in 1776. Its champagnes include Collection 242 Brut and Cristal. The brand adheres to stringent vineyard practices, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality estate-grown grapes. In Jul 2024, Louis Roederer unveiled its new Collection 245 multi-vintage blend. This blend includes 55% from the 2020 vintage, 35% from the 2012 Perpetual Reserve, and 10% oak-aged Reserve wine. [3]
Image source: Louis Roederer
Pros: Louis Roederer uses centuries-old traditions to craft exceptional sparkling wines. The brand produces high-quality champagnes with elegance and finesse across generations. Each Louis Roederer bottle reflects the brand’s craftsmanship and innovative champagne-making techniques, perfect for connoisseurs and collectors.
Cons: Louis Roederer caters to the high-end market. You’ll need over $350 to get your hands on the Louis Roederer Collection 245. However, Louis Roederer also offers champagnes for less than $100.
Price Range: $90-$13,790
4. Pol Roger
Pol Roger is a family-owned champagne brand founded in 1849 in Epernay, France. The brand produces around 110,000 champagne cases yearly. In Apr 2024, Pol Roger launched its newest cuvée, the Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018. The house only vintage-dated champagnes when climatic conditions allow its vineyards to deliver grapes with outstanding ripeness. [4]
Image source: Pol Roger
Pros: Pol Roger produces high-quality champagnes with complex flavors and a rich, creamy texture. Its bubbly bottles appeal to champagne enthusiasts seeking well-balanced, luxury expressions. The brand combines Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes to craft elegant and sophisticated champagnes.
Cons: Pol Roger’s top-end champagnes cost hundreds of dollars per bottle.
Price range: $40-$450
5. Billecart-Salmon
Billecart-Salmon is a champagne brand founded in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. François’s cousins, Mathieu and Antoine, took over the house in 1973 and rebuilt it. The two brothers bought new vineyards and added 80 ha of grand cru. In Jul 2024, Billecart-Salmon released the 2012 Louis and Elizabeth Salmon Rosé. [5]
Image source: Billecart-Salmon
Pros: Billecart-Salmon has refined the champagne-making traditions of its two founding families for seven generations since 1818. The brand is committed to crafting distinct champagnes. It is known for its elegant, refined, and timeless cuvees.
Cons: Billecart Salmon targets champagne enthusiasts seeking refined bubbly for romantic dinners and intimate celebrations. Its aromas, delicate taste, and lingering finish may not meet the needs of connoisseurs who enjoy bold, bright drinks.
Price Range: $55-$1,220
6. Krug
Krug is a Reims-based Champagne house founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug. The brand is known for its comprehensive vintage sparkling wines. In Mar 2024, Krug released its 2011 spirited vintage champagne. The house presented this vintage with the Grande Cuvée blend based on the same harvest to help samplers compare both offerings. [6]
Image source: Krug
Pros: Krug’s champagne-making expertise spans over six generations. It is the go-to brand for vintage champagnes. Each Krug bottle blends several vintages aged for at least 10 years, perfect for discerning palates. You can buy the Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne to celebrate promotions, graduations, or weddings.
Cons: Krug’s champagnes are crafted for seasoned drinkers, not beginners. They are perfect for connoisseurs who savor complex champagnes.
Price Range: $92-$2,995
7. Dom Perignon
Dom Perignon is a champagne brand founded by the Moët & Chandon house to cater to the higher-end market. The brand honors Dom Perignon, a passionate and innovative Benedictine monk who contributed to the champagne-making industry. In Jul 2024, the house unveiled its two new vintages: Dom Perignon Vintage 2015 and Vintage 2006 Plenitude 2. [7]
Image source: Dom Perignon
Pros: Dom Perignon champagnes are symbols of luxury and craftsmanship. The brand caters to wine enthusiasts seeking a luxurious, nuanced bubbly. For example, Prince Charles and Diana chose Dom Perignon for their 1981 wedding. It is the go-to brand for vintage expressions with rich, complex flavors and a creamy texture.
Cons: Dom Perignon only produces exclusive champagne bottles. The brand has released around 45 vintage expressions in the past 100 years. Its champagnes are expensive.
Price Range: $150-$5,300
8. Taittinger
The Taittinger family has cultivated vineyards and produced champagne since 1734. It is one of the oldest champagne houses. The brand has been FIFA’s Official Champagne since the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014. In Jun 2024, FIFA and Taittinger extended the partnership to the end of 2030. Taittinger champagne is perfect for you whether you love sports or not. [8]
Image source: Taittinger
Pros: Taittinger has refined its grape growing and champagne production techniques for 290 years. The brand is rooted in family tradition and produces bubbly with finesse, luxurious appeal, and timeless sophistication. Its innovative blending practices seamlessly combine the finest grapes from exceptional vineyards.
Cons: Taittinger is a premium champagne brand. Its top-end bottles are pricey. However, you can find affordable Taittinger champagnes, like the Brut Reserve and Brut Prestige Rose, for around $50.
Price Range: $50-$742
9. Ruinart
Ruinart is a champagne brand founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart. This Champagne house is known for its Chardonnay-dominant expressions. However, climate change is disrupting the unique flavor of Chardonnay grapes. Due to temperature changes, recent harvests have pronounced textures and aromatic, fruitier, and spicier profiles. In Jul 2024, Ruinart released its first new cuvée in 20 years. This cuvée can help the brand overcome the effects of climate change. [9]
Image source: Ruinart
Pros: Ruinart is one of the oldest champagne houses, steeped in existence. Each champagne bottle proclaims the brand’s over 290 years of history. Its Chardonnay-dominant expressions are aged in centuries-old chalk cellars, delivering unique flavors. You can buy the Ruinart Blanc De Blancs to explore the purity of Chardonnay grapes.
Cons: Ruinart doesn’t offer cheap champagnes for around $50. However, these bubbly wines are worth every penny.
Price Range: $100-$800
10. GH Mumm
GH Mumm is a Pernod Ricard champagne brand founded in 1827 by three wine-savvy brothers. This Reims-based house produces celebratory cuvees with luxurious vibes and design features. Its champagne bottles stand out thanks to their signature red ribbons. As GH Mumm nears its 200th anniversary, the brand seeks to assess its heritage based on modern cultural trends. This assessment can help GH Mumm reinvent itself. [10]
Image source: GH Mumm
Pros: GH Mumm uses Pinot Noir grapes to add richness and structure to the blends. This unique approach delivers lively champagnes. GH Mumm is the go-to brand for foodies, chefs, and culinary experts seeking gastronomy champagnes that pair nicely with different foods.
Cons: GH Mumm champagnes primarily serve celebratory occasions. However, they are affordable.
Price Range: $44-$70
11. Henriot
Henriot is a family-owned champagne house established in 1808 by Apolline Henriot. The founder’s commitment to vineyards and terroirs helped the brand cultivate a unique savoir-faire. The modern Henriot house serves consumers globally. In Jun 2024, Henriot appointed Jackson Family Wines as its exclusive US importer. This deal will help deliver Henriot champagnes to more Americans. [11]
Pros: Henriot has over 200 years of champagne-making experience. The brand produces high-quality champagnes with finesse, craftsmanship, and elegance from chardonnay and other grapes.
Cons: Henriot’s unique tastes may not satisfy all drinkers.
Price range: $45-$110
12. Perrier-Jouët
Perrier-Jouët is a Champagne house founded in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose Jouët. The brand produces around 3 million vintage and non-vintage cuvee bottles annually. In May 2024, Perrier-Jouët reopened the Belle Epoque Society for visitors to explore its vineyards and cellars in the Epernay region. [12]
Image source: Perrier-Jouët
Pros: Perrier-Jouët has refined its winemaking techniques for over 200 years. The brand is committed to sustainability and doesn’t compromise biodiversity and ecological standards. It produces champagnes from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and other varietals with the highest environmental certification (HVE), perfect for eco-conscious consumers.
Cons: Perrier-Jouët is a high-end champagne brand. Its top-end sparkling wines can be pricey.
Price range: $36-$550
13. Piper Heidsieck
Piper-Heidsieck is a Reims-based Champagne house founded in 1785 by German immigrant Florens-Louis Heidsieck. Heidsieck established the brand with Piper and produced a cuvée for French royals. In Mar 2024, Piper-Heidsieck was named the Official Champagne of the Miami Open. [13]
Image source: Piper-Heidsieck
Pros: Piper-Heidsieck has produced several award-winning champagnes. Its rich history spans over 200 years. This B Corp-certified brand is dedicated to environmental and social responsibility. Piper-Heidsieck champagnes blend three popular grape varietals, perfect for different celebrations and palates.
Cons: Piper-Heidsieck has a limited champagne variety.
Price range: $35-$460
14. Nicolas Feuillatte
Nicolas Feuillatte is the oldest champagne producer association. The union represents 82 co-operatives and 5,000 winemakers, who cultivate around 2,100 hectares of vineyards. Nicolas Feuillatte was founded in 1976. As of Jul 2024, Nicolas Feuillatte was France’s best-selling champagne brand and the third-largest champagne seller globally. Its portfolio includes the Non-Vintage Réserve Exclusive Brut, Grand Cru 2015 Blanc de Noirs, Organic Extra-Brut, and Palmes d’Or 2008 Brut. [14]
Image source: Nicolas Feuillatte
Pros: Nicolas Feuillatte is known for its quality and consistency. The brand selects its grapes from 5,000 vineyards to create unique blends. It provides affordable to luxurious cuvees for all consumers and celebrations.
Cons: Nicolas Feuillatte is a relatively young brand with less than 50 years of experience. It doesn’t offer centuries-old champagnes like other top winemakers.
Price Range: $30-$940
15. Beau Joie
Beau Joie is a new champagne brand founded in 2011 by Jon Deitelbaum. The brand crafts its champagnes from a classic blend like 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. In May 2024, Beau Joie presented its sparkling wines at the annual Dan’s Rosé Soireé in the Hamptons. Attendees sampled over 20 rosé wines from the world’s best wineries. [15]
Image source: Beau Joie
Pros: Beau Joie offers high-quality and affordable champagnes. Its bottles have cutting-edge aesthetic designs, making them perfect gifts for friends and family. You can buy Beau Joie champagne to add a touch of sophistication to formal events or casual occasions.
Cons: Beau Joie is less than 15 years old. It doesn’t have centuries-old champagnes and heritage like other top brands.
Price range: $50-$120
References & more information
- Tingley, A. (2024, Aug 6). Moët & Chandon Is the Official Champagne of the 2024 U.S Open. Variety
- Benett, D. (2024, Jun 14). Inside Veuve Clicquot’s glittering Bold Woman Award 2024. The Standard
- VJ Staff (2024, Jul 15). Louis Roederer launches Collection 245. Vino Joy
- Pol Roger (2024, Apr 3). Maison Pol Roger announces the launch of the Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2018. PolRoger.com
- Rose, A. (2024, Jul 16). Billecart-Salmon launches Louis Salmon and Elisabeth Salmon Rosé 2012. The Real Review
- Fallowfield, G. (2024, Mar 1). Krug launches ‘spirited’ 2011 vintage Champagnes. The Drink Business
- Dom Perignon (2024, Jul 11). Dom Perignon’s Révélations 2024. PRNewswire
- FIFA (2024, Jun 25). FIFA and Taittinger Extend Official Champagne Agreement Through 2030. Inside.FIFA.com
- Mileham, A. (2024, Jul 10). Ruinart releases the first new cuvee in 20 years. The Drinks Biz
- WARC (2023, Mar 17). GH Mumm reinvents itself. WARC.com
- Champagne Henriot (2024, Jun 4). Champagne Henriot Appoints Jackson Family Wines as its New Importer in the USA. Wine Business
- Vitisphere Staff (2024, May 8). Perrier-Jouët reiterates its confidence in wine tourism. Vitisphere.com
- WIA Staff (2024, Mar 11). Piper-Heidsieck Announces Partnership as the Official Champagne of the Miami Open. Wine Industry Advisor
- Drinks Writer (2024, Jul 17). Nicolas Feuillatte: Chief Winemaker Guillaume Roffiaen about the best-selling champagne brand in France. Drinks.com
- Peterson, O. (2024, May 20). Beau Joie Champagne Is Flowing at Dan’s Rose Soiree. Dan’s Papers
- Featured Image by Tristan Gassert
Tell us what you think? Did you find this article interesting? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Add comment