What is your favorite Champagne under $80?

WINE TALK
1

As a big Champagne fan, I find a large number of strong releases under $80. I thought it would be fun to list some that I’ve really enjoyed and ask others what they really like.

I have included disgorgement dates when applicable.

Milan 1864 Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru (7/2011)
2002 Chartrogne-Taillet (01/2011)
NV Henri Giraud Brut Hommage a Francois Hemart
NV Gaston Chiquet Cuvee de Reserve Brut (4/12/2009)
2004 H. Billiot Millesime Grand Cru (9/2010)
NV Bollinger Special Cuvee
NV Pol Roger Brut
NV Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru ( 5/2010)
NV Dosnon & Lepage Recolte Noire
2002 Henri Goutorbe Special Club (5/2010)
2002 Pierre Gimmonet Special Club de Collection VV de Chardonnay (7/29/2010)

Roses

Ayala Brut Rose Majeur (7/2011)
A. Margaine Brut Rose (9/2011)
Milan Rose Glamour (7/2010)
Bruno Paillard Brut Rose (7/2011)
Rene Geoffroy Brut Rose de Saignee (3/2010)

What are your favorite Champagne in this price range?

2

Historically my favorite has been Bollinger Special Cuvée, but recently I was really floored by Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Ste. Anne.

3

Egly Ouriet Les Vignes De Vrigny 1er Cru. 100% Pinot Meunier from vines over 40 years old. Low dosage. Tasty stuff.

4

by far, among the ones in the list that I tried

I’d include also:
Tarlant Cuvée Louis; Prestige 1996 and 1998
Marie Courtin Concordance

5

Love that wine. Last purchased it at a little hole in the wall shop in Richmond, VA. Not easy to find around here.

6

In addition to a couple of my favs, your Bruno Paillard Brut Rose and Rene Geoffroy Brut Rose de Saignee, I`ll add:

NV Ruinart Brut Rose- hands down my fav in this category
NV Henri Giraud ‘Esprit’ Rose
NV Pommery Brut Rose
NV Philippe Prie Brut Rose- great QPR, well under $80
NV Godme Brut Rose
NV Billecart Salmon Brut Rose- the most consistently good rose over the last 10+ years,

BTW, seeing you`re from Atlanta, I just met Stephen Swartz and know Mike Wilson, both from Atlanta, and just shared a terrific weekend with them in Santa Barbara. We drank well [and I supplied the bubbly].

7

In multiple vintages, I’ve likes these (alphabetized):

Paul Bara
Chartogne-Taillet “Fiacre”
Gosset
Lassalle Cuvee Angeline
Phillipponnat Cuvee 1522
Pol Roger
Vilmart Grand Cellier d’Or

I’ve also frequently enjoyed Billiot’s NV Cuvee Laetitia, though their recent bottlings have not appealed to me as much.

8

Pierre Peters with 5-7 years in my cellar. Really tasty.

Cheers!

  • Frank
9

I agree with both points. [cheers.gif]

10

Push come to shove I would have to say C Bouchard Inflorescence or Paul Bara Special Club or Jose Dhondt Mes Vieilles Vignes (or maybe a few others) but I am thinking that the 2002 Bollinger Grand Annee is likely to crush them all for ~$10 more. Haven’t had a bottle yet though.

11

Camille Saves
Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve

12

+1

This is an amazing bottle for the price.

13

do you recall which one? thanks.

14

I’m glad you guys had a great time and drank well.

15

+1 on the Chartogne-Taillet Ste. Anne.
As for roses, Vilmar Cuvee’ Rubis.

Vintage Henriot '98 is also deeliteful!

16

We have a Jacques Picard Art de Vigne 2002 in the store and I see it is a Becky Wasserman selection.
My interest is picqued!

17

I believe it was River City Cellars.

18

I think the entire Gimmonet lineup is strong, but the Special Club is well, quite special.
The H Billiot may be a personal favorite. The vintage Brut may be one of the best widely available Champagnes in the market. The NV Brut is a great qpr when available at sub $40. I’m also a fan of NV Ployez-Jacquemart Brut (qpr), Frank Pascal and Larmandier-Bernier (especially the NV Cramant). Also a fan of Jean MIlan Terres de Noel especially the '02.

19

Love the Jean Milan too