Best Christmas Champagnes: vintage and non-vintage bottles to buy

Champagne often plays a leading role at Christmas, so below are some top examples that reflect current drinking trends.

Champagne is used to being a major player during end-of-the-year festivities, but the game this year revolves around the revolution the region is undergoing, both qualitatively and economically – one that will reshuffle the cards for the entire region for years to come.

Scroll down to see our selection of the best Christmas Champagnes

Quality

A key trend today is that sub-regional terroirs, designated vineyards and, most glamourous of all, the rare clos (walled vineyard) plots, are increasingly marketed not only by the small, independent growers but also by the big Champagne houses.

The latter seek to up their game by adding more examples with terroir distinction to their range, alongside the traditional blends that personify the ‘house’ style that has long been their mantra.

Even if the stylistic signature associated with leading brands remains a commercial goal, the increasing number of special ‘terroir cuvées’ has revitalised the sector.

The trend has been led by the growers who are finely attuned to their terroir of origin, making Champagnes that are more precise and incisive. Their pure style stands out all the more so, as they often favour a lighter hand when it comes to applying the regional practice of ‘dosage’, the addition after disgorgement of a mix of sugar and wine known as the ‘liqueur d’expédition’ to balance the acidity.

Economy

At the same time, an economic revolution is underway in the region, propelled by the commercial pressures coming from the increasing appeal of Cava, Prosecco and English sparkling. Champagne producers are aware that they are faced with the challenge of reinventing themselves while becoming more attuned to consumer demand. And that means more organic products, more vintage Champagne and a better price-to-quality ratio.

Below are Decanter’s latest Champagne recommendations, all from bottles tasted and rated this year, meant to reflect the latest trends among the leading producers.

Some have the cachet of rarity and so belong to the ‘money-no-object’ category, but we have also included regular non-vintage bottlings from houses, supermarkets and small growers that have stood out in recent years in their push for even greater quality.

Christmas Champagnes: top rated and good value

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