Champagne
FlagshipChampagne / France (exclusively), Reims, Epernay, Cote des Blancs, Vallee de la Marne, Montagne de Reims
ABV11.5-13%. Vintage and prestige cuvees may push slightly higher.
Tasting Notes
Brioche, green apple, citrus, chalk, toast, almond, white peach, pear, ginger, honey. Blanc de Blancs: lean, citric, mineral. Blanc de Noirs: richer, red fruit, more body. Vintage: toasty, complex, autolytic. Young NV: fresh, bright, appley. Aged: biscuity, nutty, honeyed.
Brand Guide
Well
Nicolas Feuillatte, Piper-Heidsieck ($35-45)
Call
Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon ($45-60)
Premium
Bollinger, Pol Roger, Taittinger ($55-80)
Top Shelf
Dom Perignon, Krug, Salon ($150-400+). Grower Champagnes (RM on label) are the best-value secret: Pierre Gimonnet, Laherte, Egly-Ouriet ($40-80)
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The Story
The sparkling wine that defined celebration, now essential in cocktails from French 75 to Mimosa.