Champagne is the nectar of the gods (or at least, the nectar of those with enough money to afford it). Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to add a touch of luxury to your day, nothing quite says “I’m fancy” like a glass of bubbly.
Remember, it’s only champagne if it’s from the Champagne region of France; otherwise, it’s just sparkling wine. That said, with so many champagnes out there, how do you know which ones are worth the splurge?
Dom Pérignon
Dom Pérignon has earned itself a reputation as the king of champagnes. Named after the famous Benedictine monk who supposedly invented the drink, this vintage bubbly is courtesy of the prestigious Moët & Chandon house. Using only the finest grapes, the result is a champagne with a rich, creamy texture and complex flavors. Bottles begin at around $185 but can go as high as $84,700!
Krug
Fancy a bubbly with a bold, full-bodied flavor and intense aroma? Then you must give Krug a try. This champagne house has been around since 1843 and perfect for those who like their bubbly with a bit of edge. The Grand Cuvée is their top bottle, featuring notes of baking spices and apple pastry. We’ll drink to that.
Cristal
Remember Lorde’s song “Royals”? Cristal cracks a mention in the 2013 hit. Billionaires and rappers both like to indulge in a bottle of this bubbly which was created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. And don’t forget that Tupac fashioned a cocktail called Thug Passion using the Louis Roederer cuvée.
Veuve Cliquot
Most champagnes require a small fortune to acquire, but Veuve Cliquot can be considered a bubbly for the people. Known for being crisp, with notes of citrus, this champagne house is also one of the only ones which was run by a woman. The name Veuve, meaning “widow”, is derived from Madam Cliquot taking over her husband’s champagne business after she was widowed at 27.
