Champagne, the vintage French sparkling wine is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or Tuesday. There are lots of other exceptional sparklers from around the world to savour, but there are also plenty other great bottles available.
Here are top 4 picks for champagne bottles that will appeal to all tastes and budgets
1. Moet & Chandon Imperial
The brand’s blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier varietals in almost equal amounts balances the bottle’s crisp acidity and red fruit zip with flavours of toasted almonds and baked bread. Serve it with sliced stone fruit and a dab of fresh whipped cream for a naturally indulgent finish, or pair it with a traditional roast chicken to elevate your dinner party to a whole new level.
2. Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee
Despite being British, 007’s preferred bubbly is distinctly French. This bottle, which is also James Bond’s official champagne brand, has rich flavours of stonefruit and seductive spice that complement cheese plates, seafood dishes, and even a festive turkey feast.
3. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label
Veuve Clicquot, named for the Grande Dame of Champagne, is a well-balanced, pinot noir-forward wine that goes well with a first course and on its own. The word “veuve” in French means widow, a nod to Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, who took over the family’s champagne house after her husband’s death in the early 19th century and turned the brand into an international powerhouse.
4. Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
This vibrant, tangy champagne, which has apricot, baked bread, and red fruit flavours, is a great way to start a meal or to cool off in between a main course and dessert. A course of champagne, after all, says “celebration” more than anything else.