Can you drink great Champagne without spending much? The answer is simple: no. There are several reasons. Firstly, the French are rather skilled at recognising quality and pricing it accordingly. Secondly, in recent years, the average prices of French Champagne have risen much faster than inflation. Thirdly, many small vineyards, which used to offer great base wines, have emptied their entry labels of many excellent cru grapes to create parcel wines that we will never find at a good price. Fourth, the whole world is looking for a Champagne with a good quality-to-price ratio, and the demand and supply balance is not exactly in favour of the buyer. The not so delicate markups of Italian Champagne importers complete the circle. Yet, there are always buying opportunities: we offer you five Champagnes well below the €50 threshold. With plenty of advantageous online offers.
Five great Champagnes under 50 euros
Champagne Blanc des Blancs Brut Solera A. Bergère
A perfect blend of maturity and freshness. Only Chardonnay grapes from the Vallée du Petit Morin, 50% from a perpetual cuvée started in 2013, and the remaining 50% from the 2021 harvest in our last tasting. It is an inviting and indulgent Champagne with tones of linden flowers, citrus zest, and saffron. The palate is rich, flavorful, full of pulp and juice, but also rhythm and acidic jolt. A finish of medlar and apple, with a playful twist of white pepper. What a satisfying drink! It soars with a risotto.
34,67 euros on plus-de-bulles.it
Champagne Brut Reserve Charles Heidsieck
A sure thing. Among the base Champagnes of the big houses - think of the consistency of Roederer, Philopponnat, or Pol Roger - we like the complexity of this cuvée, the result of 60 estate crus, with a high percentage (40%) of reserve wines. It presents itself clear and fragrant in its classic register of toasted bread and white fruit. The palate is well-extended, with a creamy and caressing effervescence, a continuous and progressive drink, with a light spicy touch to add completeness. The balance is perfect, the second and third sip inevitable."
42 euros on enotechepiave.it
Champagne File de Brume Nature Jeaunaux-Robin
Cyril Jeanaux and Clemence Robin have talent. This cuvée is born in Talus-Saint-Prix, a village between the Côte de Blancs and the Côte de Sézanne. It is dominated by Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Noir. It offers scents of flowers, apple, and flint, while the palate is as fresh as a mountain waterfall, with hints of chalk and lime. The taste progression is vertical and pure, with graceful carbonation. A choice for lovers of sharp acidity.
39 euros on glugulp.com
Champagne Terroirs d’Ecueil Extra Brut Lacourte Godbillon
We have a soft spot for the Pinot Noir from Ecueil, which also brings us to nearby producers like Nicolas Maillart and Federic Savart. We particularly appreciate the slightly vinous, yet ethereal, character that Pinot Noir acquires in this Premier Cru of the Montagne de Reims. Here, 15% Chardonnay completes the cuvée, and visually, the percentage of reserve wines is well above average. It offers creaminess with hints of strawberries, violets, and rhubarb. It has structure but is weightless at the same time. The savory punch enlivens the taste, and the carbonation is like an embroidery. A real treat.
40 euros on bwineshop.com
Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut Alan Réaut
Barbera and Champagne. We close in the Côte des Bar with a Rosé de Saignée made from Pinot Noir. It boasts a rich colour, body, and structure, and stylistically it's reminiscent of Fleury Rosé: both have been practicing biodynamic farming for over 30 years, both in Courteron. You'll find notes of raspberry, blood orange, and licorice; the palate is substantial and continuous, with bursts of pomegranate and a hint of sweetness that grabs your attention. If you pair it with a basket of olives, be prepared for a delightful surprise.
40,6 euros on champagne-terroir.fr