When it comes to celebrating special occasions, there’s no better way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication than with a bottle of fine champagne. With so many excellent options available in the UK, choosing the best champagne can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top champagnes available in the UK for 2021, exploring their unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and price points.
Understanding Champagne
Before we dive into our top picks, it’s essential to understand what makes champagne so unique. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France. The production process involves a second fermentation that takes place in the bottle, resulting in the characteristic bubbles and complex flavor profile.
The Three Main Grape Varieties
Champagne is typically made from a blend of three main grape varieties:
- Chardonnay: Known for its crisp acidity and flavors of green apple, citrus, and floral notes.
- Pinot Noir: Adds depth and complexity to the blend, with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earthy notes.
- Pinot Meunier: Contributes a fruity and floral character to the blend, with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and rose petal.
Top Champagne Picks for 2021
Based on expert reviews, ratings, and consumer feedback, here are some of the best champagnes available in the UK for 2021:
1. Krug Grande Cuvée
- Price: Around £120-£150 per bottle
- Flavor Profile: Complex and elegant, with flavors of toasted bread, apple, and citrus
- Rating: 95+ points from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator
Krug Grande Cuvée is a prestige cuvée champagne that embodies the house’s commitment to quality and excellence. This champagne is a blend of over 120 wines from different vintages, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
2. Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne
- Price: Around £100-£130 per bottle
- Flavor Profile: Crisp and refined, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and toasted bread
- Rating: 95+ points from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator
Dom Pérignon is one of the most iconic and sought-after champagnes in the world. This prestige cuvée is produced by Moët & Chandon and is known for its elegant and refined flavor profile.
3. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame
- Price: Around £80-£110 per bottle
- Flavor Profile: Rich and complex, with flavors of toasted bread, apple, and citrus
- Rating: 94+ points from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame is a prestige cuvée champagne that showcases the house’s expertise and craftsmanship. This champagne is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
4. Bollinger Grande Année
- Price: Around £60-£90 per bottle
- Flavor Profile: Full-bodied and complex, with flavors of toasted bread, apple, and spice
- Rating: 94+ points from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator
Bollinger Grande Année is a prestige cuvée champagne that embodies the house’s commitment to quality and excellence. This champagne is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, resulting in a full-bodied and complex flavor profile.
5. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle
- Price: Around £50-£80 per bottle
- Flavor Profile: Elegant and refined, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and toasted bread
- Rating: 93+ points from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle is a prestige cuvée champagne that showcases the house’s expertise and craftsmanship. This champagne is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, resulting in an elegant and refined flavor profile.
Best Value Champagnes
While prestige cuvée champagnes are undoubtedly exceptional, they can be quite pricey. For those on a budget, here are some excellent value champagnes that offer great quality and flavor at a lower price point:
1. Lanson Black Label Brut Champagne
- Price: Around £30-£50 per bottle
- Flavor Profile: Crisp and refreshing, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and toasted bread
- Rating: 90+ points from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator
Lanson Black Label Brut Champagne is a great value option that offers excellent quality and flavor at an affordable price. This champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, resulting in a crisp and refreshing flavor profile.
2. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve Champagne
- Price: Around £25-£40 per bottle
- Flavor Profile: Elegant and refined, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and toasted bread
- Rating: 90+ points from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve Champagne is another excellent value option that offers great quality and flavor at a lower price point. This champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, resulting in an elegant and refined flavor profile.
Conclusion
Choosing the best champagne can be a daunting task, but with this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a prestige cuvée or a great value option, there’s a champagne out there to suit your taste and budget. Remember to always consider the flavor profile, price point, and rating when making your selection. Cheers to finding your perfect champagne!
Table: Top Champagne Picks for 2021
| Champagne | Price | Flavor Profile | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krug Grande Cuvée | £120-£150 | Complex and elegant, with flavors of toasted bread, apple, and citrus | 95+ points |
| Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne | £100-£130 | Crisp and refined, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and toasted bread | 95+ points |
| Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame | £80-£110 | Rich and complex, with flavors of toasted bread, apple, and citrus | 94+ points |
| Bollinger Grande Année | £60-£90 | Full-bodied and complex, with flavors of toasted bread, apple, and spice | 94+ points |
| Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle | £50-£80 | Elegant and refined, with flavors of citrus, green apple, and toasted bread | 93+ points |
Best Value Champagnes
- Lanson Black Label Brut Champagne: £30-£50, 90+ points
- Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve Champagne: £25-£40, 90+ points
What makes a good champagne?
A good champagne is one that has a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and flavor. The best champagnes are made from high-quality grapes, typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which are carefully selected and blended to create a unique taste experience. The champagne-making process, including fermentation, aging, and bottling, also plays a crucial role in determining the final product’s quality.
When evaluating a champagne, look for characteristics such as a fine mousse (the bubbles), a rich aroma, and a complex flavor profile. A good champagne should also have a long finish, leaving a pleasant aftertaste on the palate. Additionally, consider the champagne’s aging potential, as some bottles can improve with time, while others are best consumed young.
What are the main types of champagne?
There are several types of champagne, each with its unique characteristics and flavor profiles. The main types of champagne include Non-Vintage (NV), Vintage, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rosé. Non-Vintage champagnes are blended from grapes from multiple years, while Vintage champagnes are made from grapes from a single year. Blanc de Blancs champagnes are made from Chardonnay grapes, while Blanc de Noirs champagnes are made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.
Rosé champagnes, on the other hand, are made by adding a small amount of red wine to the blend, giving them a distinctive pink color and flavor. Other types of champagne include Prestige Cuvée, which is a high-end champagne made from the best grapes, and Demi-Sec, which is a sweeter champagne. Each type of champagne has its unique characteristics, and the best one for you will depend on your personal taste preferences.
What is the difference between champagne and prosecco?
Champagne and prosecco are both types of sparkling wine, but they are made from different grapes and produced using different methods. Champagne is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes grown in the Champagne region of France, while prosecco is made from Glera grapes grown in the Veneto region of Italy. The champagne-making process involves a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives champagne its characteristic bubbles and flavor.
Prosecco, on the other hand, is made using the Charmat method, which involves a second fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This method is less expensive and produces a lighter, fruitier wine. While both champagne and prosecco can be enjoyable, champagne is generally considered to be of higher quality and more complex in flavor. However, prosecco is often more affordable and can be a good option for those on a budget.
How do I store champagne?
To preserve the quality and flavor of champagne, it’s essential to store it properly. Champagne should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar or a wine fridge, at a consistent temperature between 10°C and 15°C (50°F and 59°F). The bottles should be placed on their side to prevent the cork from drying out, and the storage area should be humid to prevent the cork from shrinking.
It’s also important to keep champagne away from light, as it can cause the wine to degrade. Avoid storing champagne near a heat source, such as a radiator or oven, and keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as the wine can absorb odors easily. If you don’t have a wine fridge or cellar, a cupboard or closet can be a good alternative, as long as it’s cool and dark.
How do I serve champagne?
Serving champagne can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you can ensure that your guests enjoy it to the fullest. First, make sure the champagne is chilled to the right temperature, which is between 8°C and 12°C (46°F and 54°F). Remove the foil and wire cage, and gently twist the cork to release it slowly.
When pouring champagne, hold the bottle at an angle and pour slowly to prevent the wine from foaming too much. Fill the glasses to about two-thirds full, and serve immediately. You can also add a splash of juice, such as orange or grapefruit, to create a champagne cocktail. When serving champagne with food, consider pairing it with delicate flavors, such as seafood or caviar, to avoid overpowering the wine.
What are some popular champagne brands in the UK?
There are many excellent champagne brands available in the UK, ranging from well-known houses to smaller, independent producers. Some popular champagne brands in the UK include Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Laurent-Perrier. These brands offer a range of champagnes, from Non-Vintage to Vintage and Prestige Cuvée.
Other popular champagne brands in the UK include Bollinger, Krug, and Dom Pérignon. These brands are known for their high-quality champagnes, which are often aged for many years to develop complex flavors. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider brands like Lanson or Nicolas Feuillatte, which offer excellent value for money.
Can I return a bottle of champagne if it’s corked or faulty?
If you’ve purchased a bottle of champagne that’s corked or faulty, you may be able to return it to the retailer or supplier. In the UK, consumers have the right to return faulty goods, including wine, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If you’ve purchased a bottle of champagne that’s corked or faulty, contact the retailer or supplier and explain the issue.
They may ask you to return the bottle or provide evidence of the fault, such as a photo of the cork or the wine. If the retailer or supplier agrees that the champagne is faulty, they may offer a refund, replacement, or store credit. It’s essential to check the retailer’s returns policy before making a purchase, as some may have specific procedures for handling faulty goods.