Every Celebration Begins With Champagne

For centuries, Champagne has been synonymous with celebration. It was Christmas Day, 496 CE, when Clovis, King of the Franks, was baptized in the Reims Cathedral using consecrated wine from Champagne to celebrate the Eucharist, thus securing its position as the wine of celebration among French royalty. By 1790, Champagne was served at the Fête de la Fédération to toast the outcome of the French Revolution, solidifying its place in history as the celebratory wine of all people.

Winston Churchill is famous for his love of Champagne, as is Oscar Wilde, Bette Davis, and Coco Chanel. Today, Champagne is a mainstay in pop culture, referenced in lyrics and videos. During this season of celebration, Champagne takes center stage. Whether hosting a quiet dinner, or a large party, these bottles are sure to please.

NV Nicolas Feuillatte Brut ($30): dry, rich, elegant; notes of citrus and tropical fruit, spice, honey, and warm brioche; delicate mouse

NV A.R. Lenoble Jordan Cuvée Brut ($49): 45% Pinot Noir and 45% Pinot Meunier; orchard fruit, citrus, minerality, brioche; rich, fine perlage, lively, elegant, lean

NV Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut ($50): 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier; fresh nose and palate; citrus, orchard and stone fruit, delicate white flowers, fine perlage, elegant and refined

NV Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve ($69): 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier; tropical, orchard, and stone fruit, citrus, roasted nuts, warm croissant; velvet mousse, lush and elegant

NV Domaine Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut ($70): dry, fine mousse, delicate notes of bright citrus and orchard fruit, minerality, lively on palate

2015 Besserat de Bellefon ‘Triple B’ Brut Nature Cuvee ($90): organic grapes, orchard and stone fruit, floral; elegant and fresh, fruit forward, persistent acidity and minerality

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle 24 ($149): 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir; a blend of vintages 2004, 2006, and 2007; stone fruit, citrus, marzipan, honey, and flowers; vibrant acidity, youthful perlage, layered, complex, fleshy, masterful

2008 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame ($180): gastronomical; orchard and stone fruit, lemon curd, marzipan, figs, pie crust; rich and elegant, fine perlage, high acidity, minerality, long

2012 Pol Roger Brut ($115): 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay; classic and elegant, citrus, stone fruit, flowers, marizan, pie crust; fine perlage, lean

2008 Dom Perignon Brut ($189): elegant, pure, and complex; citrus and stone fruit with white flowers and warm roasted hazelnuts; high acidity, persistent and lean, dazzling

2012 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque ($199): 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier; delicate notes of white peach, pear, citrus, and flowers; harmoniously fresh, elegant, nice lift