What is your favorite champagne that satisfies the following criteria:
(1) Is a BdB
(2) Is at least premier cru or better
(3) Has a good balance of lees character and acidity
(4) Is priced in the US for under 100 USD/750ml
I recently had the Champagne Tellier Cramant GC 2019. It’s 70$ US where I am (!). I bought two cases. It’s that good. But are there other examples?
I’m curious about other’s responses but I don’t think (2) means nearly as much as a quality marker as similar classifications in, say, Burgundy. Happy to be enlightened though.
I like Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. Don’t know whether it is all premier cru or better, but you can look that up for yourself. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs | Ruinart
I agree, #2 doesn’t mean much for champagne. Great terroir to be found in many places, and a lot of it comes down to individual farming practices too.
As for nicely balanced BdB, I highly recommend Vintage Delamotte (if you shop around you can find under $100) and Charles Heidsieck.
Charles Heidsieck.
Another producer from Cramant is Diebolt-Vallois.
Their Cuvée Prestige is exclusively Grand Cru. They also have a BdB which is from 1er and Grand Cru villages (green label).
I like both very much with the latter being sharper and more linear, the former being a bit softer and with more depth. Both are moderately leesy to me.
Below USD 100 should be no issue.
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All producers we sell (and I like them):
Éléonore (try their entry Ambigramme)
A. Bergère BdB Soléra
Michel Rutat Lignum or Les Grillettes
Bouquin Dupont Cuvée Jarod
YMMV + depends on vintages/base years sometimes.
Plus 1
Would also add Doyard Vendemiare to this.
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