As the new year approaches, celebrate with a glass of cool, bubbly champagne. Top Sommelier Phillip Cooper says champagne goes well with many foods. He advises looking for blends with chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, at a moderate sweetness level (like Brut or Dry). This type offers a friendly, festive taste.
Our team has picked out the best champagnes and sparkling wines for 2024. You can choose from top-notch vintage champagne to budget-friendly sparkling wine. There’s something for everyone’s palate and purse.
The Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne stands out for its balanced, ripe fruits. It’s loved by many. For a special treat, the Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne is called a work of art. Its delicate bubbles and rich taste set it apart.
Key Takeaways
- Champagne and sparkling wine are great for welcoming the new year. They pair well with different dishes.
- Look for blends of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier with a lighter sweetness for a great party drink.
- This list has the finest champagnes and sparkling wines. From classic champagnes to more affordable options, we’ve got you covered.
- The famous Veuve Clicquot Brut and luxurious Dom Pérignon Brut are exceptional choices.
- Whether you want to splurge or stay within budget, we have outstanding choices for your New Year’s celebration.
Prestigious Vintage Cuvées for New Year’s Eve
Welcoming a new year calls for something special. There’s no better drink than prestigious vintage champagne. It’s the best way to bring in 2024 with style, as detailed in the top picks.
Armand De Brignac Blanc De Noirs Assemblage No. Four (A4)
One of the great offerings is Armand De Brignac Blanc De Noirs Assemblage No. Four (A4). It’s made entirely of Pinot Noir grapes and left to age for seven years. Known for its rich taste and smooth feel, this luxury champagne promises a lavish experience.
Billecart-Salmon, Nicolas François Brut 2008
Billecart-Salmon presents the exceptional Nicolas François Brut 2008. This blend combines top Crus from Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir) and Côte des Blancs (Chardonnay). It brings together stone fruit, sweet orange, and floral notes beautifully. It’s a true testament to the brand’s dedication to excellence.
McCollum Heritage 91 Blanc De Blancs, 2017
The McCollum Heritage 91 Blanc De Blancs, 2017 represents a top choice. Hailing from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, it’s a 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine. Aged five years on lees, its luxurious texture and complex taste set it apart. It’s a standout option for toasting the new year.
Crisp and Refreshing Alternatives
Classic French champagne is always the top pick for celebrations. But, many other sparkling wine choices can bring something new and refreshing to your glass. The Graham Beck Ultra Brut from South Africa and the Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc De Noirs from Oregon’s Willamette Valley are two great examples.
Graham Beck Ultra Brut
The Graham Beck Ultra Brut stands out with its focus and purity. It’s full of racing freshness, subtle spice, and crisp Fuji apple flavors. Made without added sugar, this South African sparkling wine is perfect for new year’s eve champagne toasts or to refresh your taste buds during a meal.
Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc De Noirs, 2019
From Oregon’s famous Willamette Valley, the Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc De Noirs, 2019 is truly special. It offers a unique feel, combining ripe Fuji apple sweetness with a hint of citrus. Low in added sugar, this Pinot Noir based French champagne wine is a great twist on the usual best champagne 2021 selections.
Unique Terroir-Driven Expressions
The Champagne region is famous for its unique terroir. Some producers are especially skilled at capturing this special environment in their wines. Christophe Baron is one of these winemakers. His Champagne Christophe Baron, Crouttes Sur Marne, 2018 is a perfect example. It shows how the land where grapes grow can greatly affect a wine’s taste.
This sparkling wine is made from Pinot Meunier grapes that grow in the Marne Valley. The vines were planted many years ago, between 1925 and 1969. Only magnums of the Champagne Christophe Baron, Crouttes Sur Marne, 2018 are available. It proves Baron’s dedication to using grapes from a single vineyard, in a single year, with no extra sugar added. The result is a sophisticated Champagne. It has a sparkling freshness and deep flavors that mirror the valley’s terroir.
This Champagne stands out because it uses Pinot Meunier grapes in a unique way. While most Champagnes are made with a mix of grapes, this one focuses on Pinot Meunier. The Champagne Christophe Baron, Crouttes Sur Marne, 2018 has a strong sense of place. Its character reflects the Marne Valley’s terroir. It’s a great choice for those wanting to discover Champagne in a new light.
Rosé Sparklers for Celebrations
Rosé sparkling wines add a touch of joy to any event as 2024 approaches. They serve as the perfect choice for welcoming the new year with grace and style. The selection includes various rosé champagnes and sparkling wines that capture the spirit of the occasion.
Ernesto Catena Alma Negra Brut Nature Rosé
The Ernesto Catena Alma Negra Brut Nature Rosé brings a unique brightness to celebrations. Produced in Argentina, it blends Malbec and Pinot Noir grapes grown with biodynamic farming methods. This mix results in a lively and expressive taste.
Ruinart Brut Rosé (In Second Skin Packaging)
Ruinart’s famous Brut Rosé comes in distinctive second skin packaging, making it instantly recognizable. It offers a lovely flavor with hints of wild strawberry and citrus. This combination balances freshness with a touch of elegance in this unique champagne.
Champagne Palmer Rosé Solera
The Champagne Palmer Rosé Solera is a must-try, showcasing flavors of raspberry, currant, and spice. It finishes with a refreshing minerality. This champagne promises to leave a lasting impression on party guests.
Classic Champagne Styles for Any Occasion
Looking for the best champagne 2021 and top champagne brands? Classic styles are always a hit. They’re perfect for all kinds of parties and events. The french champagne we’re highlighting is top-notch, showcasing the Champagne region’s skill and unique touch.
Legras & Haas Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Brut
Legras & Haas brings us a luxury champagne that’s packed with flavor. You’ll taste rich brioche, apples, pie crust, and lemon cream. Being from a Grand Cru vineyard adds an extra layer of elegance to this sparkling wine.
Champagne Delamotte Brut
Delamotte, the fifth oldest Champagne house, is known for its finesse. Their Brut is light and elegant. It has a smooth texture and flavors like brioche, pear, apple, and just a hint of citrus.
Barons De Rothschild, Blanc De Blancs
The Barons De Rothschild, Blanc De Blancs, is celebrated for its refined taste. It’s made purely from Chardonnay grapes. Enjoy flavors of lemon, pear, and a hint of spice in each sip. It’s a perfect choice for special moments.
Clos Du Chateau De Bligny Cuvée 6 Cépages
Clos Du Chateau De Bligny created a unique sparkling wine. This blend uses six grape varieties beautifully. The result is a delightful mix of apple and pie crust. It showcases the region’s rich variety in every glass.
best champagne 2021: Top-Rated Bubblies to Enjoy
The best champagne 2021 list by the third source presents top-rated sparkling wines. At the top is the Veuve Clicquot Brut NV Champagne. It’s loved for its ripe fruit flavors that shine in parties. The list includes the Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne. It’s called a “game changer” for its elegance and complexity.
Looking for budget-friendly choices? The Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blue Label and Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne NV are great picks. They provide luxury feels and quality without the big price tag.
Champagne | Price | Rating |
---|---|---|
Veuve Clicquot Brut NV | Varies | Consistent, well-balanced |
Dom Pérignon Brut | $400 | 99 Decanter |
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blue Label | Varies | Rich, creamy |
Taittinger Brut La Francaise NV | Varies | Excellent value |
Are you ready to celebrate and looking for something special? This best champagne 2021 selection has it all. You can choose from prestigious vintage champagne or french champagne that’s a great deal. It’s perfect for any toast or party drink.
Veuve Clicquot: The Iconic Yellow Label
Veuve Clicquot stands out among French champagne makers. It’s best known for its Brut Yellow Label. This is a middle-ground, sparkling wine loved for its balanced taste. It’s perfect for any celebration or just a friendly gathering.
Today, Veuve Clicquot looks after 390 hectares (963 acres) of vineyards. They span over many top spots in the Champagne region. An amazing 86% of their vines are rated as the top quality of Champagne, proving the excellence of their ingredients.
Their vineyards grow a mix of 47% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, and 17% Pinot Meunier grapes. Though their vineyards supply a part of their grapes, most come from 400 trusted growers. These partners share Veuve Clicquot’s dedication to quality and tradition.
Veuve Clicquot is also big on being green. They use green practices wherever they can. They’ve dropped harmful chemicals, grown with nature in mind, and protected the land. This way of working adds a special touch to their celebrated French champagne.
The process of making their famous Brut Yellow Label is quite detailed. Each year, the Veuve Clicquot team looks at 700-800 base wines. They handpick 30-45% reserve wines from many places to get the perfect taste. This mix focuses on Pinot Noir for depth, Chardonnay for finesse, and Meunier for a smooth finish.
Splurge-Worthy Champagnes for Special Occasions
The Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne is a top pick for grand celebrations. It’s known worldwide in the realm of French champagne. This champagne has a light body with a rich touch, making it special. The use of Chardonnay grapes in each bottle adds to its renowned taste.
People who love this top-tier luxury champagne call it a “game changer” and “elegance in a glass”. Its fine bubbles and complex flavor make it perfect for marking any special occasion. If you’re looking to impress, this could be the drink for you, whether it’s for a celebratory event or to toast the upcoming new year’s eve.
Budget-Friendly Champagne Recommendations
Sparkling wine isn’t always about spending big on top luxury brands. The Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blue Label is praised for being both top quality and affordable.
This brut Champagne is known for its balance and creaminess. It’s perfect for pairings with sweets or toasting a special moment. For New Year’s Eve or just a regular night, it’s a great option.
Best Value Champagnes for the Money
The Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne NV is a top pick for affordable quality. It blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Many experts place it high on their lists. Even with its top quality, it’s often cheaper than similar ones. This makes it a great value for your money.
This Champagne is known for its great taste and balance. It feels creamy in your mouth and isn’t too light or too heavy. It’s a great choice with dessert. It’s also perfect for special occasions when you want to celebrate but without breaking the bank.
Food-Friendly Champagnes for Dinner Parties
Planning a dinner party means choosing the right champagne to go with your food. The Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Aÿ Champagne is praised for this. It has gentle bubbles and uses mostly Pinot Noir grapes. So, it pairs great with different meals, like sushi or cheesy parmesan dishes.
The Bollinger Special Cuvée stands out by matching light and strong flavors. Even James Bond has enjoyed this champagne. It brings a fancy touch to any party, big or small. With its flexibility and elegance, it’s a top choice to wow your dinner guests.
Rosé Champagnes for Festive Gatherings
As the new year nears, rosé Champagnes become a top pick for parties. The Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial is especially good for these fun times. It is a dry brut with a lively taste and a bright red color that wows everyone. It’s among the best choices from Moet & Chandon’s collection.
Rosé Champagnes are becoming more popular, accounting for about 8.5% of all Champagne sold today. They are usually pricier than other types, especially non-vintage rosé, which can be as costly as vintage Champagne. Cuvée de prestige rosés, like Cristal or Dom Perignon Rosé, can cost between AU$500-700 a bottle.
The making of rosé Champagnes involves special steps like blending and maceration. These methods bring out unique flavors, from light and fresh to deep and complex. Given their variety and taste, top brands like Louis Roederer and Bollinger are favorites.
Looking for a bubbly start to the year or a sophisticated drink for a celebration? There are many rosé Champagnes to fit different tastes. The Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial is a standout for its quality and appeal at gatherings.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Celebrations with Top Champagnes
The article shared a variety of top champagne and sparkling wines for 2024. It talked about everything from famous vintage cuvées to crisp alternatives and terroir-driven expressions. Whether you’re going for a Dom Pérignon or a value pick like Taittinger Brut, there’s something for every budget.
Looking at these suggestions will make your 2024 toasts special. You can choose from Pinot Grigio sparkling wines to top Champagne. There’s a bubbly for every taste, from Non-Vintage champagnes to Vintage and Prestige cuvées.
But champagne isn’t just for special events. It goes great with many dishes, from seafood to desserts. The champagne recommendations cover a wide range of food pairings. The Champagne Pointillart Leroy has been praised for its quality and value. You can rely on these French champagnes for any dining moment.
FAQ
What are some of the best champagne and sparkling wine recommendations for celebrating the new year?
Some top picks for the new year include Armand De Brignac Blanc De Noirs A4, Billecart-Salmon’s Nicolas François Brut 2008, and McCollum Heritage 91 Blanc De Blancs. Graham Beck Ultra Brut and Argyle Spirit Hill Vineyard Blanc De Noirs are also refreshing choices.
What are some unique, terroir-driven champagne expressions to try?
Try the Champagne Christophe Baron, Crouttes Sur Marne, 2018. It’s made with Pinot Meunier grapes from Champagne’s Marne Valley. This special champagne is elegant and fresh.
What are some top rosé sparkling wine options for celebrations?
For a great rosé, consider Ernesto Catena Alma Negra Brut Nature Rosé, Ruinart’s Brut Rosé, or Champagne Palmer Rosé Solera. They’re perfect for adding something special to any gathering.
What are some classic champagne styles suitable for any occasion?
Look into Legras & Haas Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Brut, Champagne Delamotte Brut, Barons De Rothschild Blanc De Blancs, and Clos Du Chateau De Bligny Cuvée 6 Cépages. These champagnes are known for their balanced and elegant tastes.
What are some of the best-rated champagne and sparkling wines to enjoy in 2024?
In 2024, consider Veuve Clicquot Brut NV Champagne, Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne for a splurge, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blue Label for a deal, and Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne NV for great value.
Why is the Veuve Clicquot Brut NV Champagne a go-to choice for celebrations?
The Veuve Clicquot Brut NV Champagne is well-loved for its balanced taste with ripe fruit notes. Its yellow label and quality make it a go-to for many celebrations.
What makes the Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne the ultimate splurge-worthy option?
Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne offers a rich yet light taste and fine bubbles. It’s a favorite for its complexity and elegance, making it perfect for special occasions.
What are some budget-friendly and value-oriented champagne recommendations?
For a great budget option, try Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Blue Label. Taittinger Brut La Francaise Champagne NV offers value and quality comparable to more expensive choices from the same brand.
What are some food-friendly champagne options for dinner parties?
Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut Aÿ Champagne is a fine choice for pairing with dinner. Its soft bubbles and Pinot Noir grapes make it a great compliment to various dishes.
What are the top rosé champagne recommendations for festive gatherings?
Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial is a top rosé pick. It’s known for its lively taste and beautiful color, perfect for impressing at any celebration.