Champagnes to impress, and where to find them

With just three leading grape varieties, the Champenois have developed and mastered blended cuvées and varietal expressions alike, embracing vintage variation while balancing sweetness or dryness levels and acidity to deliver consistently good quality.

It’s determining the best that takes an extra level of scrutiny.

The genius of this northerly French region comes to fruition annually at Decanter World Wine Awards, where quality and versatility of style abound. Leading Champagne specialists taste and rate more than 500 samples yearly to flag up outstanding quality, without reputation influencing ratings.

In a region where house names are synonymous with the effervescent liquid they produce, DWWA’s system of blind judging establishes a level playing field among producers, be they major names, cooperatives, négociants or small growers.


Scroll down to discover 14 top-scoring Champagnes from DWWA 2023


For the greatest objectivity, wines are organised for tasting by region, colour, grape, style, vintage and price level, so it’s really just about the quality of the wine in the glass.

Given the high standing of Champagne, often matched by the price tag, this level of judging and subsequent results become particularly important for those looking to buy the right wine.

‘We’re not influenced by anything outside when judging,’ explains DWWA Co-Chair Sarah Jane Evans MW, ‘and that, for me, is the fundamental marvellousness of Decanter World Wine Awards.’

With the above in mind, whether looking for an outstanding Champagne to mark a celebratory occasion, impress the most discerning of palates or simply for memorable sipping, let top results from DWWA be your trusted guide.

Below discover a selection of rigorously reviewed 96-97 point Champagnes to seek out now, with more recommended at awards.decanter.com

Champagnes to impress, and where to find them

Collery, Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Best in Show, 97 points
£54.99-£60 Majestic, Must & Lees
Taut, mouthwatering scents of ivy leaf, plant sap, green apple and green grape. Pure, deep, vinous and driving on the palate with fine-bladed intensity. Pristine, structural acidity carries it towards a high-focus, faintly saline finish. It’s youthful, but you could age this pure, refined blanc de blancs for up to a decade if you have cool cellaring conditions. Alcohol 12%

Moët & Chandon, Grand Vintage Collection Extra Brut 1999

Best in Show, 97 points
£343 Clos19, The Finest Bubble
Complex, articulate aromas, enticing and classical. Bread dough, green malt and apple fruits have developed into something softer and more harmonious over two decades without losing their finely sketched charm. Pure, limpid, expressive: green fruits and chiffon textures, supported by a Pinot-derived bone structure. Alc 12.5%

De Saint-Gall, Orpale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008


Platinum, 97 points
£89.95-£118 Banstead Vintners, Carruthers & Kent, Haynes Hanson & Clark, St Andrews Wine Co
Figs, bruised apples and toasted nuts with a stylish, smoky quality. Elegant and complex, tension and finesse from the brisk acidity and understated, silky mousse. Seductive and long. Alc 12.2%

Henriot, Cuvée Hemera Brut 2008


Platinum, 97 points
£147-£170 Averys, Berry Bros & Rudd, Corney & Barrow, Jeroboams, Laithwaites, Millésima, The Wine Society
Baked peach, toffee apple and roasted nut aromas, an unctuous explosion of toasty lemon acidity and a bustling mousse. Dynamic and exciting with a graceful whisper of savoury smokiness. Alc 12%

Legras & Haas, Grand Cru Chouilly Blanc de Blancs Brut 2015


Platinum, 97 points
£61.50 Private Cellar
Layers of golden apples and pears, succulent honeyed peaches and intense roasted praline with a luxurious nut-oil texture and an enticing citrus crunch. A serious, savoury treat with an enduring mineral finish. Alc 12.5%

Moët & Chandon, Grand Vintage Extra Brut 2015


Platinum, 97 points
£59-£76 Widely available
An inviting nose shows a…


Source : https://www.decanter.com/decanter-world-wine-awards/champagnes-to-impress-and-where-to-find-them-521395/

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