6 Classic Champagnes to Try in Winters 2022

Champagne is the epitome of celebration. Since the Champagne technique, also known as the Méthode Champenoise, came into existence, it became the top sparkling wine. A sparkling wine called Champagne belongs to the Champagne area of France. Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes are the main ingredients used for making Champagne. Champagne wine production is highly regulated, with strict quality standards for a second fermentation inside the bottle.  

The flavors of champagnes from various vintages, mixes, and manufacturers differ, and the percentage of the grape varieties used in the mix also affects the flavor. While Pinot Meunier offers characteristic acidity and lively aromas, Pinot Noir gives the wine a deeper hue and more sumptuous scents. Then, the Chardonnay contributes to a creamy, rich texture and delicate flavors of the ripe stone fruits. 

Champagne is one of the few wines one can relish day or night, and the cost of premium Champagne brands is the sole drawback. Fortunately, several fantastic Champagne brands are considerably more affordable alternatives. Here are the best and classic Champagnes that deserve your attention in 2022. 

Andre Brut 

For over 40 years, Andre Champagne has produced premium sparkling Champagne at competitive pricing. The country’s most well-known wine brand is this “California Champagne.” The best dry sparkling wine, Andre Brut, is created from a mix of crisp white wine grapes of Grand Cru grade, and the Andre Brut is a golden straw hue with citrus undertones. 

The drier Andre Champagne wines go well with meats like hog, rich fish, and shellfish. The sweeter wines go beautifully with desserts, mild cheeses, and fruit platters. For mixology enthusiasts, Andre Champagnes are a traditional option for mimosas and other Champagne drinks like a sparkling Pina Colada or an ice-cold Champagne Mojito. 

Krug Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne 

This cuvée, created using a combination of approximately 200 wines, is ideal for individuals who love Champagne with a rounded taste profile. This bottle needs to be enjoyed totally on its own, and it is rich with stone fruit and citrus with just a trace of spice and chocolate. 

Krug, founded in 1843, is undoubtedly the Holy Grail of Champagnes, to use a cliché. Every year, 250 distinct vineyard plots and up to 150 reserve wines from up to 12 different vintages are combined to create this bottle. 

With layers of complex baking spices, apple pastry, pear tart, and a noticeably chalky minerality, the Grande Cuvée embodies the pure essence of outstanding Champagne. It is bright, crisp, and vibrant. Each sip also exudes elegance, composure, and refinement, and its creamy texture and ultra-fine pearls distinguish it as a work of art.

Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve 

Duval-Leroy is the kind of brand that can provide frugal clients with a first-class experience at an economy-plus price point since it is a midsize Champagne producer without the quantity imperatives of the bigger brands. Compared to similarly priced offerings from the larger manufacturers, their Brut Reserve, for instance, contains a much higher amount of reserve wines. The foundation wine from earlier vintages is mixed with the current vintage to develop depth and consistency. 

On this reasonably priced offering from Duval-Leroy, the first Champagne house to produce a certified organic brut Champagne and the first to receive France’s ultra-sustainable HVE or High Environmental Value certification, look for notes of pear, berries, and chalky earth. 

Lelarge-Pugeot Les Meuniers De Clémence Extra Brut 2013 

A true rarity is a 100% hand-harvested Pinot Meunier champagne from an organic boutique grower in the town of Vrigny. The company, which has been producing Champagne and wine since 1789, is now run by the seventh generation of Lelarges. Manufacturers use minimal processing to create this Champagne, then age it in the bottle. It is exquisitely balanced with powerful, crisp, mineral, orchard fruit, citrus flavors, and a fine and delicate mousse. A fantastic wine that also pairs well with good seafood. Due to its individuality and high caliber, we believe it to be the most outstanding purchase.

Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV 

Pink Champagne was never famous until the rappers, or their entourages found it a few years ago and were willing to pay hundreds of pounds per bottle in exorbitant nightclubs. They knew that rose champagne pairs beautifully with seafood like oysters or lobster and fruity sweets. Taittinger is the last independent family-owned brand with a long history and a strong reputation. Despite this, the wine still comes reasonably priced while maintaining its superiority and fresh, crisp red fruit flavors. 

Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut 

Almost everyone’s favorite Champagne comes from this company. A well-known and adored Champagne house worldwide, Moet & Chandon came into existence in 1743, and that too, for a good reason. Mot & Chandon, the largest vineyard in the Champagne region of France with 1,200 hectares of grapes, combines tradition with Savoir-Fête, or celebration know-how, for glamorous occasions. 

The world’s most popular Champagne, Mot Imperial, is ever-sophisticated and alluring. The most recognizable Champagne, Mot Impérial, has been toasted by Hollywood’s biggest stars and featured prominently in some great motion pictures. This is the best classic Champagne at weddings, engagement parties, bridal showers, and party and brunch gatherings. 

Conclusion  

Always drink chilled Champagne, which goes well with various cuisines, from fatty cheese platters to mouth-watering seafood dishes such as oysters and baked salmon. These beverages go well with meals that contain red meat and fowl. Choose a Champagne, a doux, or a demi-sec sparkler if you want it to go well with dessert.