Summary
When you plan a celebration with bubbly, choosing the right sparkling wine is essential. While opting for a generic grocery store variant might be simpler, only vintages from France’s Champagne region truly earn the title of “champagne.” Moreover, a small village in France even claims to have invented sparkling wine centuries ago.
Here is a curated list of the best authentic French champagnes and sparkling wines suitable for various budgets. Therefore, you’ll be prepared for holidays, New Year’s Eve, wedding toasts, celebrations, or any special occasion.
01. Alfred Gratien Cuvee Paradis Brut NV Champagne
This impressive bottle of champagne, priced at over $100, offers a fabulous experience for those who can indulge. British Airways even serves it in first-class. Unlike many larger brands, this sparkling wine is hand-crafted under the careful supervision of a third-generation cellar master. It is full-bodied, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, delivering enticing aromas of walnuts, honey, and white fruit—a truly sumptuous choice!
02. Champagne Leclerc Briant Cuvée Extra Brut NV
This exemplary French champagne offers remarkable quality at an affordable price point. Wine-Searcher rates it 86 out of 100, proving it doesn’t reach triple digits in cost. It pairs well with seafood and harmonizes perfectly with rich French desserts such as fruit tarts or chocolate mousse. Expect hints of green apple, butter, and hazelnut, making it an ideal festive option for the holiday season.
03. Krug NV Grande Cuvee Brut Champagne
This complex and enjoyable champagne is fermented exclusively in small oak casks. It combines three different champagne grapes for a remarkable explosion of flavor. The result is a creamy bouquet with a nutty, toasty finish, earning a remarkable 96 points from Wine Spectator.
04. Antech Blanquette de Limoux Grande Reserve 2003
The monks of the village of Limoux claim to have invented sparkling wine a century before it became popular in Champagne. This wine has been produced in the Pyrenees foothills for nearly five centuries, giving credence to its historical significance. Local legends suggest that Dom Perignon traversed this region and appropriated the recipe, branding it as his own.
05. Marquis de la Tour NV Brut Sparkling Wine
Marquis de la Tour NV Brut is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an economical sparkling wine. The affordable price should not undermine its quality. This Loire Valley sparkling wine is vibrant, displaying intense, tart, and dry characteristics, coupled with notes of bread, fruits, and almonds. The Wine Enthusiast Network awarded it a score of 86 points, declaring it a “best buy.”
06. Moet & Chandon NV White Star Champagne
If you’re searching for high-quality champagne that remains budget-friendly, the Moet & Chandon NV White Star is an exceptional choice. This champagne boasts a clean, dry taste and a full-bodied profile; it’s light on tannins while offering delightful hints of pear, peach, and nut. Moet & Chandon produces this alongside both Vintage/Grand Vintage and Non-Vintage/Brut Imperial, with the White Star label signifying the non-vintage option.
