From classic maisons: 8 unmissable champagne labels

This selection of eight Champagne labels was curated over a year of tastings in Italy—primarily in Modena during Champagne Experience—and in France during trips made in 2024. These bottles are crafted by renowned names that have defined the history of Champagne and continue to drive its presence in international markets.

The 8 labels from the great champagne maisons

The selection of these eight labels was made by Giuseppe Carrus, Nicola Frasson, William Pregentelli, Pierpaolo Rastelli, Lorenzo Ruggeri, Marco Sabellico, and Marzio Taccetti. It is interesting to note that, while Champagne is the realm of cuvées, almost all of these labels are vintage, products of a single harvest—a testament to how the French increasingly follow our path of focusing on vintages.

97
Champagne Brut ’16
Louis Roederer
Reims
Founded in 1776, it is among the most renowned Maisons in the world. The Vintage 2016, a blend of Pinot Noir (68%) and Chardonnay (32%), has a character to spare. Its nose and palate reveal excellent consistency. Red fruits, candied citrus, and dried fruits merge with delicate spiciness. Deep and substantial, it offers a satisfying mineral sapidity and a very long finish.

95
Champagne Brut ’14
Piper Heidsieck
Reims
Based in Reims, the company collaborates with 240 vignerons and has an extensive estate of owned vineyards. The toasted, smoky, and mineral nose reveals hints of cedar and thyme, offering an inviting aromatic profile. The creamy palate highlights intense minerality and freshness, ending with a long, crisp finish.

95
Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut ’14
Bruno Paillard
Reims
Founded in 1952, it now boasts 32 hectares of vineyards, 12 of which are classified as Grand Crus. Made exclusively from Chardonnay, this 2014 vintage offers iodized notes, yellow flowers, and mandarin. Airy and linear, it opens with a fresh vein that delivers a dynamic and vibrant sip. It finishes clean and sapid.

95
Champagne Grand Cru Brut Nature Le Mesnil Sur Oger ’16
Lombard
Épernay
Made with only Chardonnay and aged on the lees for 48 months. This Grand Cru combines an elegant sip of great finesse with a complex and varied aromatic register. Hazelnut, nutmeg, vanilla, and citrus nuances precede a lively palate well-paced by a sapid vein, making each sip satisfying.

94
Champagne Brut Grand Terroirs ’15
Palmer
Reims
The Grands Terroirs cuvée is an emblematic label of the Maison, incorporating vineyards from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims. The nose is sumptuous: honey transitions to toasted hazelnuts and spicy hints of white pepper. The palate matches, showcasing a freshness that adds momentum and rhythm to the sip.

94
Champagne Rosé ’15
Henriot
Reims
Rose petals, raspberry, currant, wild strawberry, butter, and white pepper. This vintage from Maison Henriot highlights an aromatic profile centred on enchanting sensations. The palate is more reactive and fresh, with citrus notes and balsamic hints offering a sip of good tension and progression, ending clean and dry.

93
Champagne Brut Réserve
Charles Heidsieck
Reims
The Maison was founded in 1851 by Charles Heidsieck in Reims. The Brut Réserve consists of the classic grape varieties of the appellation: 40% Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a small addition of Pinot Meunier. Creamy, with hints of white flowers, citrus, and orange blossom. It does not lack tension and offers a pleasantly sapid and well-defined finish.

92
Champagne Brut ’18
Pol Roger
Épernay
The headquarters of this historic company is located in Épernay, and one of its most loyal customers was Winston Churchill, for whom a cuvée has been dedicated since 1975. The Brut Vintage 2018 exudes aromas of citrus, white flowers, hazelnut, smoky notes, and pastry. The creamy and soft body of the sip is balanced by a fresh, acidic vein.