Top 22 Champagne Houses and Producers You Need to Know

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Explore top-rated champagnes for holiday celebrations! Discover expert recommendations from RVF, Le Figaro, and iDealwine for festive sparkle. Cheers!

Discovering the Best Champagne for Your Holiday Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches, many wine enthusiasts turn their attention to champagne—the quintessential drink for festive celebrations. With a multitude of houses and vineyards to choose from, selecting the right bottle can be overwhelming. Thankfully, resources like iDealwine have compiled rankings from esteemed publications such as Revue du Vin de France, Le Rouge et le Blanc, and Le Figaro to guide you through this effervescent world. This article serves as your ultimate guide to the best champagnes, ensuring that your holiday tables sparkle with exceptional choices.

The Top 10 Champagne Houses According to RVF

The Revue du Vin de France (RVF) is well-regarded for its expertise in champagne evaluations. In their recent assessment, they revisited the top houses after eleven years of tastings, revealing exciting regional developments. Here are some standout selections:

Notable Non-Vintage Brut Champagnes

• Intense Mag 20 Extra-Brut AR Lenoble: A beautifully balanced wine with aromatic and delicate notes.
• Special Cuvée Brut Bollinger: A model champagne—powerful, complex, and flavorful.
• Brut Réserve Charles Heidsieck: Rich and indulgent, ideal for holiday festivities.
• Royale Réserve Brut Philipponnat: A stunning representation of its house’s style.

Prestige Cuvées Worth Exploring

The RVF also highlights exceptional prestige cuvées:

• Cristal 2016 by Roederer: Rated 99/100, it epitomizes luxury.
• Dom Pérignon Rosé Brut 2009: Scoring 97/100, this harmonious blend is a masterpiece.
• Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rosé 2012: At 96/100, it offers a delicate balance between pinot noir and chardonnay.

In their evaluations, RVF considers factors like consistency across vintages and how well each house expresses its signature style.

Insights from Le Figaro’s Champagne Tastings

To further refine their rankings, Le Figaro conducted extensive tastings under controlled conditions. Their passionate committee shared insights on several standout champagnes:

Exceptional Tasting Notes

• Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2006: Rated at an impressive 97/100 for its fresh aromas of beech wood and brioche.
• Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra-Brut 2014: Also rated at 97/100; it captivates with exotic aromas and subtle oxidative notes.
• Louis Roederer Cristal 2016: Scoring 96/100 for its exquisite notes of tobacco and pineapple.

The Elegance of Gastronomic Champagnes

Champagnes like Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration No.26 (95.5/100) showcase floral and mineral qualities that enhance gourmet dining experiences. The Grande Année Bollinger 2015 (98/100) is celebrated as a "luminous" high-fashion wine that invites exploration.

The New Wave of Champagne Producers

The evolution in champagne production has given rise to exciting new talents. The Rouge et le Blanc publication recently evaluated emerging producers who are crafting remarkable champagnes that deserve attention:

Rising Stars in Champagne

• Elise Bougy: Known for her alluring and supple wines.
• Bonnet-Ponson Cuvée Perpétuelle: A charming expression reminiscent of fresh apricots and peaches.

These newer producers are redefining quality in the champagne sector by focusing on craftsmanship while honoring traditional methods.

iDealwine’s Essential Champagne Selections

To assist you in starting your champagne collection or finding the perfect gift, iDealwine presents its must-have selections that combine price with pleasure:

Recommended Champagnes for Every Occasion

• Cuvée Jeanne Brut Premier Cru by Virginie Bergeronneau: An exclusive cuvée bursting with white fruit notes.
• Brut Blanc de Blancs Jardins du Mesnil Grand Cru by André Robert: Defined by freshness and citrus nuances.
• Brut Réserve Taittinger: An excellent aperitif representing its house’s heritage.

Festive Choices for Celebrations

Consider offerings like Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut or Roger Coulon’s L’Hommée Extra Brut Premier Cru for memorable gatherings this season. Each bottle promises delightful flavors that complement festive meals.

Conclusion

With an abundance of high-quality champagnes available today, it’s easier than ever to elevate your holiday celebrations. By exploring recommendations from trusted sources like RVF, Le Figaro, and iDealwine, you can confidently select bottles that will impress your guests while honoring the rich tradition of champagne making. Cheers to sparkling moments filled with joy!

FAQ Section

What are some top-rated non-vintage champagnes?

Some highly rated non-vintage options include:

• Intense Mag 20 Extra-Brut AR Lenoble
• Special Cuvée Brut Bollinger
• Brut Réserve Charles Heidsieck

How do I choose a good prestige cuvée?

Look for ratings from reputable sources such as RVF or Le Figaro; high scores often indicate superior quality.

Can I find affordable yet high-quality champagnes?

Yes! Selections like Cuvée Jeanne Brut Premier Cru provide excellent value without sacrificing taste.

For more detailed information on specific wines or recommendations tailored to your palate preferences, consider visiting authoritative wine publications or local wine shops specializing in champagnes.

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