If you ask anyone how to celebrate anything, we guarantee popping open a bottle of bubbly is near the top of the list. Champagne has become synonymous with good times. Whether you’re saying cheers to a marriage, saluting a promotion or simply celebrating any number of other important events, hearing the cork pop is ultra satisfying.
Champagne is a protected name and therefore every bottle labeled as “champagne” adheres to a series of rules, including the fact that it’s produced in the Champagne region of France. In this way, you know what you’re getting when you buy a bottle of champagne, but the protected nature of this type of bubbly also means it can be quite expensive.
Whether you like brut, rose or blanc de blancs, we’ve put together ten bottles that are available for under $50 a piece, allowing you to celebrate without costing yourself a small fortune. So, pop open a bottle of bubbly and toast the New Year in style!
BEST OVERALL
With its combination of flavor and budget-friendly price, it’s little wonder that the Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne is the most popular option on our list. It’s ideal for all occasions, from weddings to birthdays or even just a particularly exciting Friday night. You’re sure to love the combination of lemon and lime flavors which come via an ever present smoothness. You’ll also find notes of honey and apple in addition to a clean aftertaste which is sure to keep you coming back for more.
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BEST BUDGET
If you’re looking to spend as little money as possible but still want to celebrate with a genuine bottle of bubbly, look no further than this delicious Louis Perdrier Brut. It’s great for pairing with everything from veal and pork to fish and poultry. In addition, it boasts a range of fresh flavors, including green apple and mango, as well as aromatic floral elements.
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BEST MEDIUM-BODIED PICK
Inside this Charles De Fère Blanc de Blancs Réserve Brut, you’ll find a mix of Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc and Chenin Blanc grapes. The fresh, crisp flavor delivers a refreshing burst ideal for use as an apéritif or for pairing with lightly fried appetizers, popcorn and other dry snacks. In the drink, you’ll notice apricot, green apple and biscuit flavors, while the light-medium body is sure to please.
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BEST ROSE
Not all champagne is golden. This Gruet Brut Rose is pink in color, adding a dimension of enjoyment for your eyes as well as your tastebuds. Plus, it boasts hints of berry in a crisp, dry flavor. Do note that only 5,000 cases of this champagne are produced each year, so it’s best to order yours ASAP.
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BEST EVERYDAY
Of course you aren’t going to be drinking champagne every day of the week. But, if you were going to choose one from the list to fit that bill, the Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut would work nicely. Gold in color and filled with an abundance of bubbles, this popular Brut offers a range of aromas made of floral and fruity flavors. Whether it’s apple, pear, almond or hazelnut, this well-balanced champagne is sure to make you happy any day of the week.
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BEST GIFT
With its classy appearance, the G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne is a great choice if you’re giving a bottle as a gift. The bottle features a laser-cut sash. The drink itself delivers a mix of citrus flavors in a crisp and tart liquid which pairs well with salads, greens, fruits and other fresh foods. It was also created in collaboration with Ross Lovegrove and includes a long slender neck to further develop this champagne’s appealing aromas.
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MOST COMPLEX FLAVOR
The Drappier Brut offers a complex taste which will keep you coming back for more. The drink features a flavor heavy on aromatic richness including those brought by stoned fruits like white vineyard peach. You’ll also find hints of spiciness accompanied by a quince jelly flavor to ensure your taste buds enjoy an experience you’ll want more of.
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BEST FRUITY PICK
If you love a hint of fruit in your champagne, the Piper-Heidsieck Brut Champagne fits the bill. In a glass of this bubbly, you’ll enjoy pear, grapefruit and citrus flavors, each beautifully balanced to give an experience you’ll want again and again. This is a great choice for anyone sitting down to shellfish, salads or greens, and it includes more than 100 crus from around the Champagne region.
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MOST BUBBLY EXPERIENCE
For those searching for a bubble-filled champagne experience, try a bottle of this Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne. The fresh and lively taste includes hints of both floral and fruity flavors, giving the champagne a wide reach and an appeal for all tastes. It’s also great for pairing with a range of foods, including shellfish, cheese, fish and pork and comes in a bottle finished with golden labels to give it a classy appearance.
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BEST SPLURGE
Because of its delicious taste, you really don’t need an excuse to enjoy a bottle of this Taittinger Brut La Francaise. But, if you do happen to have one, you’re going to enjoy a beautiful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wines from over 35 different vineyards, which is quite a unique mixture among champagne choices. This is a great way to celebrate important occasions as this bottle offers a comprehensive range of aromatic flavors for both your nose and taste buds to enjoy. Hints of peach, vanilla and brioche can be found on this lively palate while the golden yellow, bubble-infused appearance can’t help but please.
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