“What is the best champagne for a Christmas gift?”
It’s that time of the year again, the run into Christmas and New Years.
Life is busy and you’re pretty much in need of a few drinks come December 25th for either the lunch table or to wrap up as a gift.
Let me save you some time with this years Champagne Tipplers Cheat Sheet for the best bang-for-your-buck this festive season.
For simplicity I have avoided the more specialised, hard to find offerings and focused on the brands you can score at your local bottle shop.
$20 to $35
While not seriously condoning buying someone cheap plonk for an Xmas gift – there are a few here that stand out:
De Saint Gall Brut Tradition – Vintage Cellars – $32 (on sale)
New Entrant. Priced to run out before Xmas: A great value cooperative champers from Avize (Chardonnay country) that punches on with well established brands in the $50-$60 price bracket. Here
Cattier Brut NV – First Choice Liquor – $32 (on sale)
This remains on the list because it’s one of the most underrated champers around and this year its no different. A spicy little number that is crisp, dry and zesty – and cheap! Here
$36 to $50
Here is the sweet spot for gifting champagnes. Not too expensive, but not too cheap. A few awesome drops in this range too:
Piper Heidsieck Brut NV – Most Retailers – $42 (on sale)
A mainstay for your Xmas requirements. A slightly sweeter style, but on point flavour wise with good depth. Good for your family Xmas table, also. Did i mention its also better value than most well-known houses? Here
Charles Orban Blanc de Blancs- Dan Murphy’s – $48
Still one of the best finds I have come across: a surprise package Recoltant wine – excellent value and a great dry style champagne that is zesty and executed really well. Here
$51 to $70
Now its time to really open up the wallet and find some stellar plonk to gift to people you may actually care about!
G.H Mumm Le Rosé – Most Retailers – $56 (on sale)
Still one of the cheapest big time rosés in champagne, but also a great drink with good berry expression and suiting a broader range of palates. The new branding makes it a little more fancy too. Here
Pommery Brut NV – Vintage Cellars – $56
Another underrepresented house, with an exciting flavoured champagne that goes down much too easily. The regular cost at Vintage Cellars has made this great champagne a lot more accessible and it wont disappoint. Here
No need to mention: Bollinger, Pol Roger, Veuve Cliquot & Louis Roederer NV’s make great gifts.
$71 to $100
Time to flip that wallet upside-down and shake it. We’re in special friends territory here:
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs – Duty Free – $99
Got an international flight soon? Grab this on the way through duty free. Not easy to acquire but my goodness is this a drop for top moments. Here
Ruinart Rosé – Duty Free – $99
For exactly the same reasons as the the Blanc de Blancs – this is a must try once in your lifetime champagne. A solid rose. Exceptional gifter. Here
Mumm Vintage 2008 – First Choice Liquor – $90
A great year in champagne, and Mumm captures and releases it to the masses at a decent price of $90. It really transcends the base Mumm. In fact, its nothing like it at all. Here
$100+
Not really what this blog is about… but lets go shopping! It’s Christmas, after all….
In true Champagne Tipplers style – this is a cost vs experience recommendation:
Perrier Jouët Blanc de Blancs – Vintage Cellars – $120 (on sale)
Not quite Belle Epoque, sure. But its not far off. And half the price.
Excellent intensity, great flavour and looks pretty. A welcome gift. Here
So, there you have it! Cheat away and let me know what you think!
From myself and my regular tasting crew here at Champagne Tipplers – have a very Merry Christmas!
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