Ring in 2020 with Champagnes Under $30
New Year’s Resolution 2020: Drink well AND save money.
It’s here—that time of year when Champagne gets the limelight it deserves: New Year’s Eve! Though you can definitely drink Champagne any time of the year (and should), you can’t drink anything but Champagne on New Year’s Eve. The gods demand it. You’re morally obliged. Hammurabi put it in his code.
Luckily, you don’t have to spend fancy to drink fancy. Our Champagne Buyer Gary Westby has put together an outstanding Direct Import Champagne program, meaning that we offer the wines of producers from all over the region at prices you really can’t get anywhere else. In fact, we have a bevy of solid Champers that ring in under the $30 mark, and they’re all wonderful for sharing with friends and enjoying copiously. This post is an ode to those, our fave Champagnes that reliably punch above their weight class. Let the festivities begin!
Charles de Cazanove Brut Champagne $26.99
There was a time when I didn’t think you could buy Champagne for under $40, but here’s the Cazanove from the Montagne de Reims, bringing an easy-drinking elegance for $27 bucks! This is mostly a Blanc de Noirs with 10% Chardonnay, adding a touch of raciness to the honeyed apple notes. A perfect aperitif.
Dérot-Delugny "Coiffe Blanche" Brut $29.99
This is a super fun bottling for the Meunier-fans or the Meunier-curious. Pinot Meunier is known for richer, dark cherry flavors and luxurious texture, and this bottling delivers. If you like some oomph to your Champagne, this is a great one to try.
Trudon "Emblematis" Brut Champagne $29.99
Clean and bright with a rounded mouthfeel from three years of aging on the lees and a high percentage of Meunier. A good portion of this wine is from reserve blends, so there is plenty of complexity. There’s a lovely balance between the power of the grape and the elegance of the winemaking. A standout.
Chateau de Bligny "Grand Reserve" Brut Champagne $29.99
A 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Aube, the Grand Reserve from Bligny offers creamy citrus notes buttressed by racy acidity and a touch of spice. This is delicious and easy to love.
Whether you have a cozy night at home or a raucous adventure with a gaggle of friends, I wish you a happy ending to 2019 and a promising beginning to the new year. Happy New Year to all our readers and friends!
- Kate Soto