Good champagnes for under $100 do exist and are more commonly available than you may think. Balancing quality with value judiciously will almost always lead you to non-vintage styles which receive a solid dosing of older ‘reserve’ wines in the blend, adding richness and complexity making them perfect as an apéritif, but not only.
Value can also be found in some blanc de blancs and, to a lesser extent, rosé styles which are generally more expensive.
Whatever the bottle, let palate rather than price be the ultimate referral this Christmas. Good champagne should always be fresh and lively, with some complexity, and possess a salivating deliciousness leaving you wanting more.
Piper‑Heidsieck Cuvée Brut
$60 - $70 AUD
This is hands-down one of the best value for money, quality champagnes you can readily stock up on for general enjoyment or when unannounced guests pop in. It is reliably punctuated with a crunchy ‘apples, pears and toast’ profile that will satisfy any wine lover. Always vibrant, fruit-forward and structured, Piper’s Cuvée Brut delivers on a balance of being lively, delicious and generous.
Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Champagne Brut
$70 - $80 AUD
This year I have consumed my body weight in Joseph Perrier’s Cuvée Royale following the Maison’s 200-year anniversary tour of Australia. I was surprised by the level of quality in this cuvée, a reflection of nearly a decade of improvements to their winemaking approach. It delivers on the Maison’s youthful and energetic philosophy offering intense aromas of primary red fruits complimented by honeyed pastries and toast. On the palate it offers a fresh attack and salivating liveliness yet remains supple and round, leading to a refreshing finish.
Lanson Le Rosé NV
$80 - $90 AUD
Lanson’s trademark malic tension is softened in its rosé incarnation, making for a classic style bursting with berry freshness, pepper and just a touch of brioche. Here, the tannins are gentle and the texture creamy; a scintillating summer apéritif and one of the best value rosé champagnes available.
Lallier R.020
$80 - $90 AUD
Freshness and purity are always at the fore of Lallier's champagnes, irrespective of what they are, even when it comes to the generosity of 2020.Here the aromas are relatively pronounced, an abundance of white flowers and zesty citrus reflect the wine's chardonnay bias. There's a soft maturity developing through honeyed notes and ripe fruits akin to white peach and apricot. On the palate, R.020 has a fresh attack and a delicate silky texture complimented by the power and structure of pinot noir. The finish is long with a pleasant aromatic persistence and strong mineral salinity.
Bollinger Special Cuvée
$80 - $90 AUD
Bollinger Special Cuvée is a champagne of power and refinement, marrying ripe fruit richness with nutty, brioche complexity. It is both celebratory and gastronomic, ideal for pairing with a casual cheese platter and cured ham, even grilled lobster.
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Cuvée Cuis 1er Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs
$85 - $95
From the land of great chardonnay comes a remarkable blanc de blancs of tremendous energy and precision. Pierre Gimonnet's flagship brings together several vintages, three years on lees, and a small dosage to make its chalky origins shine with enthralling tension and freshness. Allow a moment or two and notice how it transforms into an apple blossom beauty with incredible length. Surely one of the best value for money blanc de blancs.
Frerejean Frères Grande Reserve NV
$90 - $100 AUD
Frerejean Frères may not be your immediate thought for everyday drinking but it should be. There is a lovely approachability and generosity to their champagnes which make them very easy to drink, and the price point is fair. It delivers on white flowers, dried fruits then pastry. It’s creamy and generous but also salivatingly fresh. Pair with snacks with low to moderate saltiness.
