The Champagne region of France is renowned for producing some of the world's finest sparkling wines - If it's not from Champagne, it's not Champagne. So do you want to taste the stars? Here are the top 5 champagnes from the fabulous region that are sure to impress any wine lover and are a must-try when visiting France:
Dom Perignon - This champagne is made by the prestigious Moët & Chandon house and is considered one of the finest in the world, it is truly a popular classic that you can't go wrong with. The wine is made using only the best grapes from the region and is aged for a minimum of 7 years before release. The result is a wine with a complex bouquet of flavors, including notes of citrus, brioche, and toast.
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame - This champagne is made by the Veuve Clicquot house and is a blend of 8 different grape varieties. Another popular choice, it is aged for 8 years before release and has a rich, full-bodied flavor profile with notes of red fruits, brioche, and a hint of vanilla.
Bollinger Special Cuvée - This champagne is made by the Bollinger house and is known for its distinctive style. The wine is aged for a minimum of 3 years and has a complex flavor profile with notes of toasted bread, nuts, and a hint of spice.
Krug Grande Cuvée - This champagne is made by the Krug house and is a blend of over 120 different wines from different vintages. The result is a wine with a complex bouquet of flavors and a long, rich finish.
Louis Roederer Cristal - This champagne is made by the Louis Roederer house and is considered one of the finest in the world. The wine is made using only the best grapes from the region and is aged for a minimum of 6 years before release. The result is a wine with a complex bouquet of flavors and a long, rich finish.
As a special mention, we're adding a less popular but still excellent champagne - Larmandier-Bernier Longitude. This champagne is made by the Larmandier-Bernier house, which is a small, family-owned producer located in the Cote des Blancs region of Champagne. The Longitude is a blend of Chardonnay grapes and is aged for a minimum of 4 years before release. It has a crisp and refreshing flavor profile, with notes of green apple, lemon, and white flowers, along with a hint of minerality. This champagne is perfect for pairing with seafood or as an aperitif. It is a great choice for those looking for a more unique and lesser-known champagne that still offers high quality and taste.
Each of these champagnes is exceptional in its own right, and all are considered among the best in the world. They each have their unique characteristics, which is why they are great. Dom Perignon is known for its complexity and aging potential, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame for its rich and full-bodied flavor, Bollinger Special Cuvée for its distinctive style, Krug Grande Cuvée for its complex bouquet of flavors, Louis Roederer Cristal for its complexity and aging potential.
If you ever have the opportunity to try one of these champagnes, don't hesitate to do so! They are truly some of the best wines in the world.
Sources: Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, Krug and Larmandier-Bernier.