The 12 Champagne's of Christmas - Choosing the Perfect Champagne for Your Festivities
As the festive season is in full swing, there’s no better time to uncork some of the finest Champagnes. And the festivities don’t end on Christmas day dear reader, we have Stephen’s Day, New Year’s, Wednesdays, Fridays and basically any day when life needs a little extra sparkle to get popping. Whether you're raising a glass to old friends, marking the end of a whirlwind year, or simply celebrating life’s little moments, Champagne is the ultimate accompaniment. Here’s my curated list of 12 Champagnes I have PAINSTAKINGLY tasted over the past year to make your celebrations sparkle.
1. Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve
There’s a reason Champagne aficionados love Charles Heidsieck and once you taste you’ll know why. This Brut Réserve is a masterpiece of balance, with a rich, creamy texture and vibrant notes of baked brioche, toasted almonds, and a whisper of candied citrus. Perfect for pairing with festive starters like smoked salmon blinis or an indulgent lobster bisque.
2. Bollinger Special Cuvée
Bollinger needs no introduction, and their Special Cuvée is the quintessential holiday Champagne. With its robust structure, golden hues, and flavours of roasted apples and toasted hazelnuts, it’s a delightful partner to heartier dishes like roast turkey or honey-glazed ham. This summer I had the pleasure of having Cyril Delarue, a sixth-generation Bollinger family member, you can read about that here.
3. Ruinart Blanc de Blanc
This wine holds a special place in my heart, not only for its elegant freshness and notes of white peach and jasmine but because it was a thoughtful gift from my dear friend Aishling. Ruinart is a celebration in itself, and it’s one of those bottles you’ll never forget sharing. Remember you don’t need an occasion to open your prized wine, the wine IS the occasion - now where’s the corkscrew?
4. Veuve Clicquot Brut
No festive list is complete without mentioning the indomitable Madame Clicquot. Widowed at just 27, she revolutionised the Champagne industry, creating the first known blended rosé Champagne and setting the standard for the drink we adore today. Veuve Clicquot’s Brut is a vibrant, fruit-forward Champagne with a backbone of minerality, ideal for toasts and timeless celebrations.
5. Ayala Brut Majeur & Brut Nature
Ayala holds a special place in my Champagne collection. Ayala was the first house I ever visited, forever etched in my memory a bottle will always be found in Maison Germaine-Smyth. Their Brut Majeur and Brut Nature perfectly encapsulate their elegant yet modern approach. The Brut Majeur is crisp and bright, with hints of apple and lemon, while the Brut Nature is bone-dry yet beautifully textured. And though not on this year’s list, I must mention my enduring love for their Blanc de Blanc, a stunner worth seeking out.
6. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc
I recently shared my thoughts on this exquisite wine in the Irish Times, but it’s worth reiterating. Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne is pure luxury in a glass. A radiant 100% Chardonnay with layers of citrus, white flowers, and a creamy, almost ethereal finish. It’s a true showstopper for special occasions. I’m currently sipping on a glass of Taittinger Prestige Rosé as I type this list…for sustenance you understand.
7. Perrier-Jouét Grand Brut
Known for its artful bottles and floral finesse, Perrier-Jouét’s Grand Brut is a charming choice for festive gatherings. Its delicate flavours of ripe pears, apricots, and a touch of honey are as welcoming as the season itself.
8. Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blanc
A nod to the Chardonnay grape, Laurent-Perrier’s Blanc de Blanc is refreshingly zesty with notes of lime, green apple, and a subtle minerality. It’s a versatile choice, pairing beautifully with seafood platters or vegetarian dishes. If you pay a visit to the Champagne region, I recommend you spend time in Épernay XXX from house to house along the Avenue de Champagne, where you will find Maison Belle Epoque. The house boasts the largest private collection of French Art Nouveau in Europe and is like a living breathing museum.
9. Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel
For those seeking something vibrant and expressive, Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel is a gem. With its fine mousse and lively palate of citrus and stone fruits, it’s as lively as a holiday party and pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses and charcuterie. In recent times I’ve been very impressed with Piper-Heidsieck, while it’s always been a good Champagne it’s not been one I reach for with gusto, but they seemed to have refined their wines (my good friend and fellow fizz fanatic Frankie Cook agrees!) and I’m looking forward to tasting more as they continue on this journey.
10. Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blanc
This artisanal gem is a Chardonnay lover’s dream. With its precise minerality and elegant notes of lemon zest and toasted nuts, Guy Charlemagne’s Blanc de Blanc is ideal for those quieter festive evenings, perhaps paired with oysters or scallops. Based in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the Charlemagne family has been crafting exceptional Champagnes for generations. The vineyard is run by Philippe Charlemagne, the fifth generation of father to son winemakers based in Mesnil since 1892.
11. Paul Lebrun Blanc de Blanc
Another standout for Chardonnay aficionados, Paul Lebrun’s Blanc de Blanc is creamy and textured, with flavours of baked apples and a touch of spice. Located in the Côte des Blancs, the house works only with Chardonnay and uses grapes from their vineyards in Côte de Sezanne. There’s a comforting warmth to this Champagne that feels like a hug in a glass. Whether sipped alongside roasted chicken or a festive cheese board, it’s a bottle that exudes authenticity and charm, making it a fantastic choice for winter celebrations.
12. Pommery Brut Royal
Rounding out the list is Pommery Brut Royal, a Champagne that epitomises sophistication. Its bright, citrusy character and lively effervescence make it a delightful aperitif or a match for lighter canapés. A Champagne that epitomises sophistication and owes its iconic style to the visionary Madame Pommery. In the mid-19th century, she revolutionised Champagne by popularising the Brut style we adore today, moving away from the overly sweet Champagnes that dominated the market.
And just because it’s Christmas I’m giving you a 14th Champagne, because if you can overindulge at Christmas, when can you!?
13. Louis Roederer Collection 242
A Champagne that bridges tradition and innovation, Louis Roederer’s Collection 242 is a harmonious blend of freshness and complexity. Made with a reserve wine solera system, it’s a rich tapestry of orchard fruits, citrus zest, and toasted almonds, all underscored by a vibrant minerality. With its refined structure and nuanced depth, Collection 242 is a versatile companion for the festive table, whether you’re enjoying poultry, shellfish, or even a creamy risotto. It’s a modern classic that continues to elevate the Louis Roederer legacy.