12 Great Champagnes For Every Budget
Celebrate 2020 with bottles of bubbly at every price point.
Champagne isn’t the most inviting or easy to understand product, so when it comes time to find the right bottle of bubbly for the big night, the choice among brands can be a little daunting.
A lot of the sparkling wine world (and Champagne in particular) is about marketing, and it tends to be the case that in order to cut through that you need time and patience.
We don’t have any either, but to help with your last minute end-of-year plans, we went in search of great bottles of Champagne at a variety of price points. Hopefully this will help you get through the buying process fast and painless, so when it comes time to pop the cork, you can sit back and enjoy.
Nicolas Feuillatte 2017 Limited Edition ‘Enchanted Vine’ Brut Reserve
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Grabbing an affordable bottle of champagne doesn’t mean that your holiday celebrations have to lack for style. We like this attractive 2017 limited edition version of their brut reserve to add some color to New Years or whatever else you’re preparing for. It’s especially good for hostess gifts. ($36)
G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon
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Don’t let Mumm’s history as a bargain brand deceive you: this a great Champagne for any part of the night’s celebration. Tons of up-front fruit flavors followed by hints of vanilla and honey make it a simple and easy crowd pleaser. ($45)
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
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Veuve Yellow Label is a well-balanced champagne with an “everybody’s happy” taste and a price point that’s just butting up at the top of the affordable range. We like this bottle for prep time if you’re hosting, or stashing away as a reward for a party well hosted the morning after. ($50)
Moët Ice Imperial
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Moët’s Ice champagne is designed for–you guessed it–drinking over ice. We normally like this for summer for that exact reason, but in addition to being great for tropical weather, over-ice Champagnes are a great way for large groups to stay cool is high volume party situations. Just be prepared to explain what the hell you’re doing to wary guests. ($60)
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2008
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A gorgeous vintage-dated champagne, this is a great year and it’ll be 10 years old by the time the ball drops. Maybe it’s a bit sentimental, but this Champagne seems just right for reflecting on the last decade. It’s citrusy and floral, with some additional layers of fruit and complex flavor for when those deep thoughts start flowing in intimate situations ($65)
Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé
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Not every champagne pick has to be justified with some elaborate brand history. Including a rose champagne on this list is just as smart as including one in your holiday plans. Pink bubbles are the ideal celebratory toast, especially in the Instagram age. This one happens to be 100 percent pinot noir grapes and a delicious, fruity bottle, in addition to being highly postable. ($100)
Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année 2007
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The favored Champagne of James Bond, Bollinger is also a go-to for anyone who’s trying to upgrade his bubbly game. We like this bottle as a wealth-proving step up from the bottom of the range, but it’s also one of their better cuvees, so you’ll impress discerning eyes. That leaves more time for whatever spy work you have planned. ($130)
Dom Perignon Vintage 2009
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Dom Perignon is like a classic car: history draws you in, iconic branding tells you you’re doing the right thing, and quality production means you’re always getting something good. We’re convinced everyone should keep at least one bottle on hand at all times, because no champagne looks better in an ice bucket at the end of the night–especially when that night is the last of the year. ($200)
Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 2006
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Pol Roger was the favorite of Winston Churchill and, in appreciation of his hundreds of bottles of patronage, they named a cuvee after him. The 2006 is the current in-store option, and at $250 it may be better suited to your personal victories than sharing with a party, but that shouldn’t keep you from having one to celebrate with your closest allies. ($250)
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2006
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Perrier-Jouët comes in at the higher price point of our rosé selections, and that’s justified in intensity. Red fruit notes, nuts, honey and caramel with hints of orange and grapefruit make this a really tasty pink pleasure to help you welcome in the new year. ($280)
Krug Vintage 2002
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With orange and licorice notes, and just a hint of chocolate, this is one of the more complex and delicious champagnes on the market. Krug is always a nice way to splurge whether you’re out for the night or in for the night. 2002 may take a bit of time to get your hands on in some parts of the country, but you’ve got time if you want to do things right. ($350)
Armand de Brignac Blanc de Blancs
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At the top of our list is the pricey Blanc de Blancs from Armand de Brignac, also known as Ace of Spades. You’re paying for prestige, bottle design, and hype, but the champagne inside is damn good. It’s a status simple, but an enjoyable one wherever you’re planning on showing off for the new year. ($700)
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