DOSE & POUR

Five Champagnes I’d Buy Again

And what I’d actually pay for them.

I’ve spent a fair amount of money on Champagne. Some of it was well spent. Some wasn’t.

I’ve also bought $90 bottles and wondered why I didn’t just buy the $55 one I already knew was good.

So here’s a short list. Five Champagnes I’d happily buy again, along with what I’d pay for each.

Save this page. It’ll come in handy the next time you’re staring at a wall of Champagne.

Louis Roederer Collection

I’d pay: under $60

If you’re about to buy Veuve Clicquot, have a look at this first.

It’s fresh, has real depth, and manages to be both easy to drink and interesting. I’ve had more expensive Champagnes I enjoyed less. Quite a few, actually.

When I’d buy it: Almost anytime. Especially when Veuve is sitting next to it at the same price.

Pol Roger Brut Réserve

I’d pay: under $65

The bottle I’d bring to dinner when I have no idea what’s being served.

Fresh, elegant, with just enough richness to go with almost anything. Nobody’s going to complain when you show up with Pol Roger.

When I’d buy it: Dinner with friends, a gift, or just because it’s Tuesday.

Bollinger Special Cuvée

I’d pay: under $65

Sometimes I want Champagne with a little more to it.

Bollinger has richness, toast, and a lovely nutty quality. It’s generous without being heavy. At $60, I’d take this over Veuve Clicquot without much thought.

When I’d buy it: With food, especially something rich or roasted.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve

I’d pay: under $65

This is one of those Champagnes that doesn’t try very hard to impress you. And that’s probably why I like it.

Fresh, balanced, and lovely to drink. You finish a glass and want another. Which is a pretty good test of whether a wine is any good.

When I’d buy it: When I want something elegant that doesn’t demand my attention.

Pierre Gimonnet Cuis 1er Cru

I’d pay: under $60

This one’s a little less famous. Made from Chardonnay in the Côte des Blancs, it’s all lemon, green apple, chalk, and freshness.

If you’ve never tried grower Champagne, this is a good place to start. You might wonder why you’ve been buying the same three labels all these years.

When I’d buy it: Before dinner, with seafood, or anytime I want something crisp and lively.

A quick word about prices

These aren’t suggested retail prices. They’re what I’d actually pay.

I’ve seen the same Champagne selling for $55 in one shop and $75 in another. Same bottle. Same wine. Twenty dollars more for absolutely nothing.

At $55, I’ll buy it. At $75, I’ll probably find something else.

You don’t need to spend more to drink better Champagne. You just need to know what else is out there.

Bookmark this page. It’ll be useful the next time you’re in a wine shop.

THE FULL LIST

Want the rest of my list?

Five bottles are a good start. But there are quite a few more worth knowing about.

I keep a longer list of 30+ Champagnes I’d happily buy again, with the prices I’d pay, what I’d choose for different occasions, and what I’d buy instead of some familiar names.

It’s the list I wish someone had given me before I spent years figuring this out.

$12. Buy it once. It’s yours to keep.

Get the full Champagne Buying List

And if these five are enough for now, that’s fine too. Enjoy the Champagne.

Manj

Dose & Pour