Wine
5 affordable champagnes of 2022
After my previous article about 5 great and premium champagnes for 2022, here is a selection of 5 champagnes that you can easily find on the shelves of large retailers. These are champagnes produced by 5 reknown Champagne houses, produced in large quantities, and whose consistency and quality make them safe bets, year after year. You should expect to pay between 35 and 45 euros per bottle. Even if you can keep them for 2 or 3 years in a good wine cellar, they are not champagnes for aging. These cuvées are made to be enjoyed as soon as they are released and then purchased. They should be served chilled between 8 and 10°C.
About Alexis Caraux
French sommelier teaching French wine all over the world. Alexis is offering a special coupon code KEY16 to Key16 followers including a 25% CELEBRATE 2022 sales discount for his online course-
CHAMPAGNETaittinger Cuvée Brut Réserve
The Brut Réserve cuvée from Taittinger is the entry-level champagne from this famous estate located in the heart of Reims. This cuvée is made from 40% Chardonnay as well as 60% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The high proportion of Chardonnay is to be noted, quite rare among non-vintage champagnes. A fresh and airy champagne, with slightly brioche notes, offering a wide aromatic palette. A great classic for a successful aperitif, or to celebrate any festive moments like anniversaries.
Winery Taittinger
Grapes 40% Chardonnay
40% Pinot Noir 20% Pinot Meunier Region France / Champagne
Allergens Contains sulfites
Price Starts at € 35
CHAMPAGNEGossetGrande Réserve
The Gosset estate, located in Epernay, is one of the oldest Champagne houses. Sixteen generations have succeeded each other since the end of the 15th century, taking care of the vines, but also in the trading of Champagne wines. A true signature of the house, the Brut Grande Réserve cuvée is elaborated, maintaining the balance between freshness, fruitiness, and vinosity of the wine. It is a blend of the three emblematic grape varieties of Champagne: chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Aromas of almonds, toasted breads and dried figs intertwine in the mouth around fine bubbles that will delight your guests.
Winery Gosset Grapes Chardonnay Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Region France / Champagne Allergens Contains sulfites Price Starts at € 35- € 40
CHAMPAGNEBollinger, Spécial cuvée
In my previous post, I was mentioning the “Grande Année” vintage wine from Bollinger. Here is a much more affordable cuvée, which will undoubtedly be unanimous, a real "antechamber" to the premium vintages from Bollinger. This wine stands out from other champagnes with the addition of reserve wines vinified in oak barrels, giving it a vinous aspect, a true signature of the house. This is a blend where the pinot noir grape variety is the dominant one. Always showing a pale golden yellow color. Its nose is complex and brings beautiful aromatic notes of ripe apple, apricot, grapefruit, then lightly toasted bread. This is a champagne you can enjoy over an entire meal. Indeed, the wine has enough strength to stand up to many tasty dishes! Why not a creamy poultry? The Spécial Cuvée brings the necessary freshness to balance rich dishes.
Winery Lucien Collard Grapes Pinot Noir Chardonnay Region France / Champagne Allergens Contains sulfites Price Starts at € 40 - € 45
CHAMPAGNE Veuve Cliquot,Brut carte jaune
Here is the most famous widow in Champagne: the Veuve Cliquot, with its easily recognizable orange label! The Brut Carte Jaune cuvée is the entry-level of Veuve Cliquot. I love the finesse of its bubbles as well as its balanced and so seductive texture! The notes of white fruits with light toasted flavors bring roundness and a lingering finish. Exemplary regularity and legendary finesse: a must-have that rhymes with celebrations. A cuvée to toast as an aperitif, but also delicious to be paired with fishes!
Winery Veuve Cliquot Grapes Pinot Noir Region France / Champagne Allergens Contains sulfites Price Starts at € 37
CHAMPAGNEMoët and Chandon, Brut Impérial
The Moët and Chandon head office is located in the heart of Epernay. I really recommend visiting the champagne cellar if you ever pass by. But be careful not to get lost in the dozens of kilometers of underground galleries, home to one of the largest champagne production sites. Indeed, the Brut Impérial cuvée is one of the best-selling champagnes in the world. Whether you are in Europe, Asia, South America or anywhere else, you can easily find and buy of bottle of Brut Imperial. This is a classic and shows remarkable regularity. The Brut Impérial is a blend in which the three Champagne grape varieties are blended, each of which bringing its own touch and completing the aromatic palette of the wine: predominantly apple, pear and white flowers, supplemented with brioche flavors. Serve chilled as an aperitif with cheese gougères!
Winery Moët & Chandon Grapes Chardonnay Pinot Noir Pinot Meunier Region France / Champagne Allergens Contains sulfites Price Starts at € 35
Cheers!
