Wine Leaderboard ™
The Champagne Score Leaderboard provides the highest rated Champagne brands listed by price classification and style. Compare brands by ratings and prices. Click on a link below for a list of the highest rated Champagne brands within the price classification.
Brut Champagne Ratings
Grand Leaderboard
Under $1,000
Under $500
Under $300
Under $200
Under $150
Under $125
Under $100
Under $75
Under $50
Under $40
Under $30
Under $20
Sweet Champagne
Sweet champagne is sweeter than brut and has a dosage of 12 grams or more per liter.
Our Sweet Champagne section provides a list of sweet Champagne brands along with their description.
Champagne and sparkling wine grapes are primarily chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier. Each variety plays a different role and is used for a different effect. A blanc de blancs (100% chardonnay) will taste different than a blanc de noirs (100% pinot noir and/or meunier) which will taste different from a white blend champagne (which may contain pinot noir, meunier and chardonnay).
There are common misconceptions about opening a bottle of Champagne. Opening a bottle of champagne often goes hand in hand with a celebration and it is tempting to let the cork fly and shower a bit of bubbly.
Champagne bottles come in many sizes for many occasions. When selecting a bottle other than the standard 750 ml. bottle, keep in mind that the bottle size can make a difference in the taste experience. They come in ten different sizes, but some sizes are more difficult to find than others.
A vintage chart provides a year by year analysis of the Champagne Region's grape harvest. When deciding on the vintage of a brand the vintage chart can give clues to the best years. The decision to declare a vintage rests with each individual producer depending upon their particular grapes.
After a bottle of champagne has been opened properly, and observing appropriate safety measures, it is time to present it to guests in the best possible light. Ensure the appropriate glassware is available for everyone. The ideal service temperature is about 40 to 45° for a non-vintage and up to 50° for more mature top cuvée.