While the rest of France´s ranking system is based upon "terroir" and complex "appelation" with classifications, Champagne is very simple as it is solely based upon the reputation of the different champagne houses. Champagne is normally non vintage to protect the same "image or reputation" year after year. The good thing about the non vintage champagne is that you know what you get.The bad thing is that it´s actually like blended whisky and can sometimes be quite thin and acidic as the vines are young and the grapes are picked under-ripe to increase the yields.
Careful attention to the style of the different champagne houses is therefore a must.
The best champagne come from the area south and north of Epernay where one will find the best champagne houses, co-ops or growers. Champagne is made from three grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.
A visit to Champagne is worthwhile, there are 1 billion bottles stored underneath the area, in Epernay there are houses with tens of kms of underground tunnels which can be toured.
The best champagnes that we have tasted come from;
Billecart-Salmon (especially the rose)
Bollinger (Special Cuvee)
Deutz (especially Blanc de Blancs, i.e 100% Chardonnay)
Egly- Ouriet (small domaine)
Henriot (especially Blanc de blancs)
Krug (luxury stuff very smooth)
Larmandier- Bernier
Moet Chandon (sells 25 millions bottles a year, including Dom Perignon!)
Pommery
Roederer (Blanc de blancs)
Taittinger (vintage ones)
Veuve Clicqot
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