Perfect Champagne Vintages For Drinking and Aging

Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Champagne represents the pinnacle of celebratory drinks, embodying luxury, elegance, and centuries of winemaking tradition. For enthusiasts and collectors, choosing the right vintages to drink now or to cellar can be both a delightful and strategic endeavour. This guide explores ten of the best champagnes in the world, highlighting vintages ideal for immediate enjoyment and those perfect for aging.

Champagne Coupe | Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Champagne is made using the traditional method known as méthode champenoise, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. This process begins with the primary fermentation to produce a still wine, followed by the addition of a mixture of sugar and yeast before sealing the bottle to encourage secondary fermentation, creating the signature bubbles. What sets champagne apart from other sparkling wines is its strict production regulations, including being exclusively produced in the Champagne region of France, using specific grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The region’s unique terroir and climate contribute to its distinctive flavour profile. Additionally, the extended aging process on lees (dead yeast cells) enhances its complexity and depth. The labour-intensive production, limited vineyard area, and high demand contribute to its high cost, making champagne a symbol of luxury and celebration.

Champagne Drinkware

The best drinkware for enjoying champagne is a tulip-shaped glass. This type of glass has a slender bowl that widens slightly before narrowing at the top, allowing for better aroma concentration and bubble retention compared to traditional flutes. The tulip shape helps preserve the champagne’s effervescence while also providing enough room to appreciate its complex aromas. While flutes are commonly used and visually appealing, tulip glasses or white wine glasses are increasingly preferred by connoisseurs for a fuller sensory experience. Additionally, coupes, with their wide and shallow bowls, are less ideal as they cause the bubbles to dissipate quickly.

Champagne glasses | Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Champagne 101

  1. Definition: Champagne is a sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France.
  2. Primary Grapes: The main grape varieties used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
  3. Production Method: Méthode champenoise, involves a second fermentation in the bottle.
  4. Second Fermentation: In bottle secondary fermentation happens through sugar and yeast.
  5. Terroir: Champagne’s flavour is a result of its chalky soil terroir and cool climate.
  6. Aging: Champagne is aged on lees (dead yeast cells) to enhance its complexity and depth.
  7. Regulations: Strictly regulated grape growing, harvesting, and winemaking processes.
  8. Flavour Profile: Fine bubbles, balanced acidity, and flavours.
  9. Types: Common types include Brut (dry), Extra Brut (very dry), and Demi-Sec (slightly sweet).
  10. Glass: Tulip-shaped glass, traditional flutes or coupes.

Dom Pérignon 2008 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Dom Pérignon

Dom Pérignon 2008 is celebrated for its balance and finesse, making it perfect for drinking now. This vintage offers a harmonious blend of acidity and ripe fruit, reflecting ideal growing conditions that produced wines of remarkable expressiveness. The 2008 vintage showcases a bouquet of white flowers, citrus, and stone fruits, followed by nuances of brioche and fresh almonds. On the palate, it is well-rounded with a persistent, creamy finish, making it a truly luxurious experience. The Dom Pérignon 2012 vintage, on the other hand, is perfect for keeping. It shows a robust structure and vibrant acidity, anticipated to evolve beautifully over the next decade. This vintage, with its potential to develop more complexity and depth, is a wise choice for long-term investment.

Best food pairing: Seared scallops or lobster risotto.
Perfect occasion: Ideal for celebrating a special anniversary or milestone.

Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Louis Roederer Cristal

Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 stands out with its fine bubbles and vibrant citrus notes. This vintage, known for its freshness and depth, is currently at its best, reflecting a year of superb climatic conditions that enhanced the complexity and richness of the wines. The 2008 vintage is particularly noted for its perfect balance of richness and freshness, with flavors of citrus, white flowers, and red berries complemented by a chalky minerality. The Louis Roederer Cristal 2012 vintage also shows great potential for ageing, likely to develop greater complexity and richness over time. Cristal 2012, crafted from an excellent harvest, promises a future of intricate flavours and a refined, silky texture, making it ideal for cellaring.

Best food pairing: Caviar or smoked salmon for a luxurious treat.
Perfect occasion: For ringing in the New Year or celebrating a major life achievement.

Krug Grande Cuvée 168ème Édition | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Krug

Krug Grande Cuvée 168ème Édition, primarily based on the 2012 vintage, offers immediate enjoyment with its rich and complex profile. Krug’s approach of blending multiple vintages creates a depth and consistency unique to the house. This edition, with its notes of toasted bread, hazelnut, nougat, and jellied fruits, epitomizes the house’s signature richness and depth. The Krug 2004 Vintage is perfect for cellaring, expected to mature gracefully and enhance its intricate layers and textures over the years. This vintage, marked by its full-bodied richness and complexity, will develop further elegance and depth with time.

Best food pairing: Truffle dishes or roasted duck.
Perfect occasion: Enjoy it during an intimate dinner party or a sophisticated soirée.

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2008 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Pol Roger

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2008 exemplifies the robust structure and nuanced palate expected from this prestigious cuvée. This vintage is ideal for current consumption, reflecting a balance of power and elegance. The 2008 vintage offers layers of dried fruits, citrus, and floral notes, supported by a strong mineral backbone and a long, creamy finish. The Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2013 vintage, with its excellent potential for ageing, promises to develop deeper complexity and elegance over the years. This vintage, still in its youth, shows great promise for evolving into a champagne of exceptional depth and character.

Best food pairing: Foie gras or aged Parmesan.
Perfect occasion: Perfect for celebrating a major professional success or hosting a formal dinner.

Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2008 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Salon

Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2008 is praised for its minerality and purity, reaching its peak now. Produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, this vintage epitomises the house’s commitment to terroir expression and longevity. The 2008 vintage is known for its vibrant acidity and bright citrus flavors, with underlying notes of white flowers and a distinct minerality. The Salon Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2012 vintage, recommended for long-term investment, is anticipated to gain intricate layers and depth over the years. This vintage, with its potential for prolonged ageing, promises to develop even greater complexity and elegance.

Best food pairing: Oysters or sushi.
Perfect occasion: Ideal for an elegant brunch or a high-end tasting event.

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2008 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Taittinger

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2008 offers a creamy texture and bright acidity, making it perfect for current enjoyment. Known for its pure Chardonnay expression from the best Grand Crus, this vintage reflects the elegance and finesse of the house. The 2008 vintage is distinguished by its delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and toasted brioche, with a creamy mouthfeel and a long, elegant finish. The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2011 vintage is ideal for cellaring, expected to develop more profound flavours and complexity with time. This vintage, still in its youth, has the potential to mature into a beautifully nuanced and complex champagne.

Best food pairing: Creamy pasta dishes or delicate fish like sole.
Perfect occasion: Perfect for a wedding toast or a festive holiday gathering.

Bollinger La Grande Année 2008 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Bollinger

Bollinger La Grande Année 2008, known for its full-bodied richness, is currently at its prime. The house’s emphasis on Pinot Noir and extended ageing on lees contributes to its distinctive style. The 2008 vintage is characterized by its powerful, complex profile, with notes of ripe fruits, spices, and a subtle hint of oak, supported by a lively acidity. The Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 vintage, with its potential for extended ageing, is likely to develop more nuanced flavours over the years. This vintage, with its robust structure and depth, promises to evolve beautifully with time.

Best food pairing: Roast chicken or veal.
Perfect occasion: Great for a grand celebration or a milestone birthday.

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2008 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2008 is perfect for immediate enjoyment with its elegance and depth. This vintage, made from the house’s best Grand Cru vineyards, exemplifies the balance of freshness and complexity. The 2008 vintage offers a rich bouquet of white flowers, citrus, and stone fruits, with a creamy texture and a long, refined finish. The Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012 vintage, however, is promising for cellaring, expected to unveil more complexity and richness over time. This vintage, with its vibrant acidity and layered flavours, will continue to evolve and gain depth, making it an excellent choice for ageing.

Best food pairing: Lobster or fine cheeses.
Perfect occasion: Perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration or a sophisticated cocktail party.

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2012 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Perrier-Jouët

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2012 offers floral notes and a refined palate, making it ideal for current enjoyment. Known for its artistic bottles and delicate style, this vintage is a celebration of elegance and finesse. The 2012 vintage is noted for its fragrant aromas of white flowers, pear, and peach, with a silky texture and a fresh, vibrant finish. The Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2013 vintage is perfect for keeping, set to mature gracefully and develop intricate flavours. This vintage, with its promising structure and balance, is expected to age beautifully, revealing deeper layers of complexity over time.

Best food pairing: Poached salmon or a light fruit tart.
Perfect occasion: Best for a romantic dinner or a garden party.

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration No. 24 | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

Laurent-Perrier

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration No. 24, a multi-vintage blend, offers a rich and balanced profile ready to enjoy now. Combining the best characteristics of three outstanding vintages, this champagne epitomises the house’s pursuit of excellence. The Iteration No. 24 is characterized by its complex bouquet of white flowers, citrus, and brioche, with a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a long, elegant finish. For those with patience, the Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rosé 2008 is a superb option for cellaring, expected to develop beautifully and reveal deeper complexity over the years. This vintage, with its vibrant acidity and refined flavours, will continue to evolve, gaining more depth and elegance over time.

Best food pairing: Grilled seafood or risotto.
Perfect occasion: Perfect for a gala event or a special family celebration.

Celebration | Champagne Perfection - Perfect Vintages to Savour Today and Age for Tomorrow | Food For Thought

For the champagne connoisseur, it is important to know when the best time is to drink, and when is the best time to keep, knowing that these selections above are not exhaustive, but functions more as a guide. These selections offer a blend of immediate delight and future potential, ensuring that both current enjoyment and long-term investment are well catered for.

Nicholas Ng

Nicholas Ng is a restaurant critic and drinks writer and is the editor of independent publication Food For Thought. He has been a freelance journalist for the 15 years and has previously worked as a lawyer and in digital marketing. He currently is the Principal Consultant of A Thought Full Consultancy, a food and beverage marketing consultancy.