Six Budget-Friendly Champagnes you Need for your Next Celebration
Any type of celebration can be considered incomplete without a bottle of Champagne to mark the occasion. Weddings, birthdays, proposals, promotions: all occasions to pop a bottle of bubbly. Champagne and celebration can be considered virtually synonymous.
I am most certainly a lover of a chilled glass of bubbly; I also appreciate quality and substance. That being said, not everyone can afford to crack open a bottle of Dom when their anniversary rolls around. A great bottle of Champagne doesn’t have to break the bank, that’s why I’ve put together this list of some of the most deliciously well-made bottles you can find, all under $40. If you ask me, that’s cause for celebration, am I right?
1. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve – France – 12.5% ABV – $30
This delicious Brut is an absolute favorite! It is not only France’s number one seller, but also one of the best-selling Champagnes in the world! It contains three varieties of Champagne grapes, and has a light floral taste. Brut, traditionally being a dryer variety of champagne, contains a lower sugar content. This réserve has afternotes of citrus, and is incredibly smooth. Bring this bottle to any celebration; it is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
2. Liebart-Régnier Extra Brut – France – 12% ABV – $37
This bottle, being an Extra Brut, means it’s a fan favorite for lovers of a very dry Champagne. With a crisp acidity, this variety has notes of ripe apples. The taste will have your friends believing that you spent way more than you did! It pairs well with bread, and would make an excellent complement to an hors d’oeuvre hour.
3. Lucien Albrecht Rosé Crémant d’Alsace Sparkling Wine – France 12% ABV – <$20
At under $20 a bottle, this Rosé is an absolute steal! Technically a sparkling wine, Lucien Albrecht Rosé made by the Champagne Methode, so we’ll allow it! If you’re a fan of a flavor less dry, this is your bottle. Fresh and light, with notes of strawberry to match the pink hue, you’ll want to grab this bottle for dining al fresco.
4. Haton Brut Réserve – France – 12% ABV – $27
This award-winning Brut is a beautiful blend of three grape varieties. With a complex combination of flavors, this Champagne stands alone! You’ll detect notes of citrus, peach, and almond, as well a very smooth, creamy finish. Comparable to much more expensive bottles, this bottle will leave you feeling like a connoisseur!
5. Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco – France – 12% ABV – $40
Well-balanced, this bottle is perfect for any celebration. You’ll notice notes of apricot and citrus. Having just a bit of a kick, the subtle spicy finish makes this bottle stand out from the rest. For its richness, it is recommended pairing this bottle of Champagne with seafood or a Mediterranean inspired meal.
6. Crémant de Bourgogne Moissenet-Bonnard – France – – $22
Rated within the top 10% of wines in the world, this bottle of Champagne is an absolute winner! If you’re not careful you might accidentally down the whole bottle. With a beautiful golden color, you’ll taste notes of strawberry, almond, and orange blossom. Great for topping off your mimosa, or drinking straight from the bottle for a solo celebration! Above all, this bottle is sure to please everyone, from the wine novice to those with the most discerning palate.
As you can see, there’s absolutely no need to drop half your paycheck to celebrate with a refreshing glass of bubbly, nor should you settle for bottom shelf, corner-store “Champagne.” If you’re looking for a housewarming gift, or throwing a dinner party, just grab a couple of bottles from this list and I promise, you can’t go wrong.
