Territories matter, and cuvées are essential—an art that Champagne has elevated to its highest expression. There are “everyday” labels—quotes intended, as opening a bottle of Champagne is always a special gesture and an experience that doesn’t go unnoticed—and then there are the “unforgettable” labels: selections, cuvées, and special vintages in limited editions. These wines generally have higher price points and, while they pair beautifully with food, they also carry a “meditative” quality. In short, sips and glasses that leave a lasting impression and define the styles and philosophies of renowned houses and great winemaking personalities.
The 10 hall of fame champagnes selected in 2024
The ten labels we present to you have been selected as part of an extensive feature in the December issue of Gambero Rosso, dedicated to French sparkling wines. Tasters Giuseppe Carrus, Nicola Frasson, William Pregentelli, Pierpaolo Rastelli, Lorenzo Ruggeri, Marco Sabellico, and Marzio Taccetti selected over 60 Champagnes divided by subzones, from the Aube to the Montagne de Reims, concluding with a Hall of Fame section for those glorious cuvées that, even in terms of price, play in a league of their own.
97
Plénitude 2 Vintage 2006
Dom Pérignon
Épernay
Here we have a true standout. It seems that nothing is missing in the 2006 Plénitude 2. Gustatory-olfactory complexity, maturity (hard to believe, but 18 years have passed since the harvest), as well as finesse, depth, and elegance. The nose unfolds with notes of youthful yellow fruit alongside captivating tertiary aromas: sweet spices, a touch of coffee, and a hint of bitter herbs. On the palate, it has an impressive structure, never overwhelming, and an extraordinarily long finish.
97
172éme Édition
Krug
Reims
The ’16 vintage is the star of the 172nd cuvée. A year marked by a rainy spring, yet mild and balanced overall. Pinot Noir (44%) and Chardonnay (36%) are complemented by a portion of Meunier in a blend that includes at least ten reserve wines. The nose is incredible: white flowers, citrus, dried fruit, and pain d’épices. The palate is rich and displays disarming energy, harmonising acidity and sapidity.
97
Collection Impériale Création n. 1
Moët & Chandon
Épernay
At the heart of this cuvée is the ’13 vintage, followed by ’12, ’08, ’06, and ’00, all aged in wood, refined with the ’04 vintage, which is disgorged and re-fermented. A Brut Nature that spends 10 years on the lees and undergoes no dosage. Textured and silky, layered with notes of pastry, spices, a delicate smoky tone, and an extraordinarily fresh, long finish. Spectacular.
96
Grand Siècle Itération n. 26
Laurent Perrier
Tours-sur-Marne
This multivintage Champagne combines wines from 2012, 2008, and 2007 from eight different grand crus, maturing for 10 years on the lees. Comprised of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, the bouquet opens with floral and white fruit notes, transitioning to more complex and spicy nuances. On the palate, it boasts great finesse, fruit, density, vertical minerality, and an endless finish. Applause-worthy.
95
Cristal Brut 2015
Louis Roederer
Reims
60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir form one of Champagne's most iconic bottles. The grapes are sourced from top crus across the region, harvested in a warm, dry vintage. The result is a delicate nose with notes of peach, toasted almond, and hazelnut, preluding an exceptionally refined palate with disarming freshness. Its composed acidity integrates beautifully with the material, while the salinity emerges in the finish, adding depth.
95
N.P.U. 2009
Bruno Paillard
Reims
Sourced from six Grands Crus of Champagne, the N.P.U. 2009 is an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Intense notes of white flowers, nutmeg, and ginger are complemented by minty nuances. On the palate, it is elegant and textured. It remains persistent with a saline and juicy fruit trail until the very end.
95
Bulle De Rosé Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes Extra Brut
Frédéric Savart
Écueil
A benchmark in the world of blended Rosé Champagnes. From Écueil, these cuvées feature a distinctive textural identity. A blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 5% red wine, vinified in both steel and wood. Pale salmon in colour, it offers smoky tones that align with iodised and floral trails: elusive yet unmistakable.
95
Blanc des Millénaires 2014
Charles Heidsieck
Reims
The maison’s legendary cuvée appears more delicate and integrated than usual, thanks to a cool vintage. Aromas of anise, lemon zest, and toasted hazelnut precede a compact, tense palate with finely woven carbonation. Its chalky character and still-compressed finish suggest great evolutionary potential.
94
Vintage 2015
Dom Pérignon
Épernay
As usual, we taste the maison’s classic offering nine years after the harvest. A warm vintage that is especially evident on the nose, where floral sensations are joined by notes of dried fruit and candied lemon peel. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with a pleasant bitter note reminiscent of roots and spices on the finish.
93
La Grande Année Rosé 2015
Bollinger
Ay
This rosé Champagne is a blend of Pinot Noir (62%) and Chardonnay (38%) from 11 crus (Verzenay, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Chouilly, and Avize). It offers aromas of strawberries and mandarins with a fine spicy texture. The palate is elegant and well-defined, revealing juicy freshness that gives it energy.
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