I’ve been enjoying champagne a lot recently, but I do not have long experience with the region. This got me thinking about which ones I have enjoyed the most and which represent the best value.
My main conclusions: there’s lots of good champagne out there and prices seem to be on the rise even over just the last year or two.
That said, my favorite bubblies regularly available under $40: Aubry, Agrapart 7 Crus, and Taittinger La Francaise.
What are yours?
Charles Heidsieck NV, I’ve sold it in the past, but 40-50% reserve wine makes it a great candidate.
Duval Leroy Brut can be had for under $30 here in San Diego.
At right around (slightly over) $40 , I prefer Agrapart Terroirs to the 7 Crus. Others I have enjoyed recently are Henriot Souverain and Lenoble Brut Intense.
Appreciate the Agrapart suggestion, will look for it.
Thanks, Kris
I just tried these two back to back. Both excellent, but the 7 Crus was more generous and fun. Maybe the Terroirs needs some age.
right now i like nv pol roger for under $40
Easy one for me: NV Philipponnat Non-Dosé. What a bottle of wine. IIRC, Allen Meadows and Josh Raynolds both liked it a lot too. Just under the wire at $39. I’ve gone through multiple bottles, and have recently reloaded again.
Cheers,
Warren
My favorite is pure sugary low class sex. Mumm Carte Classique.
I will add Roederer Nv to the list. Agrapart Terroir was great last week.
Unfortunately, Charles Heidsieck is not at this price point any longer in my area. I’ve found the quality of Piper-Heidsieck to have significantly improved with recent releases.
Gaston-Chiquet Tradition is good at around $30
I like the Chartogne Taillet Cuvee St. Anne in this price range, but then again I like pretty much everything they make.
Lassaigne Montgueux is pretty damn tasty at $39.
DISCLAIMER: I sell it.
I would definitely second this choice, although I can’t find it for under $40.
Ditto. Same price here on the east coast. Just had the DL Cuvee Paris Leroy Nieman and it was absolutely stunning albeit >$40.
Another vote for Agrapart 7 crus.
I’ll say this, hoping none of you actually listen…
Savart l’Overture in the high $30s.
Or squeeze out a few more dollars and go for L’Accomplie at $45
Roederer nv and Agrapart 7 crus are my staple “cheap” champagnes. Sub $30 Ive been going with cava lately. There are a few reasonably good ones out for just over $20.
Obviously over here there’s a lot of choice of grower champagnes and small champagne houses. I’ve been trying all of the ones sold in my local shops over the past year, the best of which I’ve found to be Bernard Brèmont GC Brut or Rosé. They sell here for 18 to 20€, but you can find them in the US for around $40. The Brut is quite full-bodied with a pleasing biscuity taste, the rosé is of the fruity kind but again with that slight biscuity touch which gives it a feel of elegance. They’re both much better than stuff like Moët, Mumm or Piper and in a blind test we preferred them to Bollinger, VC and Pol Roger, so I recommend giving them a try.