What do the world’s 10 biggest Champagne brands taste like?

Want to know what the world’s biggest Champagne brands really taste like? Following db blind tastings using sparkling wine experts, we bring you the flavour profile for each of the 10 best-selling names in Champagne.

The most famous names in Champagne have been getting better

The following notes come from The Drinks Business Champagne Masters, which is a yearly Champagne-only blind tasting by sparkling wine experts that features all the region’s major brands and Grandes Marques.

The top 10 brands featured below have been ordered according to their volume sales worldwide during the course of 2015.

Importantly, these mighty Champagnes aren’t just creating blends that are impressive for their scale – these big-brand Bruts are consistently high quality too.

As db has said before, the most famous names in Champagne have been improving their winemaking, creating rounder and more complex blends by upping the amount of reserve wine, and extending lees-ageing times.

A more precise character to the Champagnes has also been observed, as these major producers have gradually dropped the dosages in their blends, bringing an important brightness and freshness to the finish.

Over the following pages we bring you a note on the taste and style of each Champagne, as well as the components of these major Brut Non-Vintage blends, with information on the dosages, lees ageing times and proportion of reserve wines in today’s releases of the top 10 biggest Champagnes.

The following tasting notes come from the Champagne Masters, which sees the world’s biggest Champagne brands judged blind by sparkling wine experts, such as Berry Bros & Rudd buyer Simon Field MW

Meanwhile, for those not familiar with the Champagne winemaking terms highlighted above and used throughout this list, please see the definitions below:

• The dosage is a final addition of wine and sugar syrup that determines the residual sugar of Champagne.
• Reserve wine is an aged still wine used for blending with still wine of the youngest vintage before the combination of wines undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle to become non-vintage Champagne.
• Lees ageing refers to the practice of leaving the wine in contact with the dead yeast cells formed after the second fermentation in bottle. The interaction of the wine with its lees is called autolysis, and brings a creaminess to the wine, along with bready aromas and reduced astringency, depending on the time a wine spends in contact with the lees. It’s widely believed that four years contact is necessary for the bready aroma to be clearly detectable.
• MLF refers to malolactic conversion or fermentation. This is a process after the primary fermentation whereby malic acid present in the grape must, which has a very sharp taste, is converted to milder lactic acid by the successive action of various bacteria of the genera Oenococcus, Lactobacillus and Pediococcus. In modern stainless steel fermentation vessels it can be started by inoculating the wine with a bacterial culture, and stopped by fining, filtration or cold stabilisation. Some Champagne houses block the conversion, notably Gosset, Lanson, Alfred Gratien, Krug and Louis Roederer (although the last may allow a proportion to go through MLF, depending on vintage conditions).
• Brut Non-Vintage (BNV) is Champagne made from a blend of harvests with a dosage of less than 12 grams per litre (g/l) of residual sugar, although there is a 3g/l tolerance.

10. Canard-Duchêne Authentic Brut Non-Vintage

Canard-Duchêne sells 4.1 million bottles annually

The cheapest Champagne in this list doesn’t disappoint, with an attractive nose comprising apple and lemon fruit flavours, a touch of honey and baked bread. In the mouth, this Champagne has a subtle breadiness, and ripe apple is the dominant character, while the fizz finishes with a chalky freshness. Not a hugely complex Champagne, but nonetheless, it is youthful, fruity and well balanced.

Blend (approx.): 45% Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier 35%, Chardonnay 20%
Reserve wine (%): 25-29
Lees ageing (months): 23-26
Dosage (g/l): 9-9.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £25
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 4.1 million bottles
Cellar master: Laurent Fédou
Brand owner: Thiénot Bordeaux Champagne
Head office: 1 rue Edmond Canard, 51500 Ludes France
Tel: +33 326 611 096
Website: www.canard-duchene.fr
Product range: Authentic Brut, Authentic Demi-Sec, Authentic Rosé, Authentic Vintage, Cuvée Léonie Green, Cuvée Léonie, Cuvée Léonie Rosé, Charles VII Brut, Charles VII Rosé, Charles VII Blanc de Blancs, Charles VII Blanc de Noirs, Charles VII Smooth Rosé

9. Lanson Black Label Brut Non-Vintage

Lanson sells 4.2 million bottles annually

Aromas of toast, citrus and green apple characterise the nose of Lanson’s Brut NV, called Black Label. In the mouth, the Champagne has a firm, fresh, linear character, with a touch of lemon peel on the finish, and a hint of toast too. This is a bright, fresh style of Champagne, making it an excellent aperitif.

Blend (approx.): 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier
Reserve wine (%): 30 (minimum)
Lees ageing (months): 36 (minimum)
Dosage (g/l): 8
MLF: Predominantly blocked
Price (RRP, UK): £30
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 4.2 million bottles
Cellar master: Hervé Dantan
Brand owner: Lanson-BCC
Head office: 66 Rue de Courlancy, 51573, Reims Cedex 2, France
Tel: +33 326 785 050
Website: lanson.fr
Product range: Lanson Black Label Brut NV, Lanson Rose Label Brut Rosé NV, Lanson Père et Fils, Lanson Gold Label Brut Vintage, Lanson Ivory Label Demi-Sec, Lanson White Label Sec, Lanson Extra Age Brut NV, Lanson Extra Age Rosé Brut NV, Noble Cuvée Blanc de Blancs, Noble Cuvée Brut, Nobel Cuvée Rosé Brut, Clos de Lanson

8. Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut Non-Vintage

Piper-Heidsieck sells 4.3 million bottles annually

Piper’s entry-point cuvée has a wonderful, inviting nose with aromas of toast and smoke along with a touch of honey and yellow fruit. In the mouth, the same characters abound, with lots of smoky toastiness and ripe yellow fruit, before the fizz finishes with a chalky palate-cleansing freshness. In drinks business blind tastings, this Champagne consistently comes out top among the 10 biggest labels, which makes this full style of fizz the best of the big-brand Bruts.

Blend (approx.): 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 15% Chardonnay
Reserve wine (%): 10–14
Lees ageing (months): 27-30
Dosage (g/l): 10-10.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £25
Size (approx. annual sales, 2014): 4.3m bottles
Cellar master: Régis Camus
Brand owner: EPI
Head office: 12 Allée du Vignoble, 51100, Reims, France
Tel: +33 326 84 43 00
Website: piper-heidsieck.com
President: Damien Lafaurie
Product range: Cuvée Brut, Rosé Sauvage, Vintage, Rare, Rare Rosé, Cuvée Sublime

7. Pommery Brut Royal Non-Vintage

Pommery sells 4.38 million bottles annually

White flowers and honey dominate the nose of Pommery’s Brut NV, and persist on the palate too. Combined with these flavours are bright characters from youthful, fresh lemon notes to a chalky sensation on the finish. Quite a delicate and lively style of Champagne with a touch of honey providing depth and roundness.

Blend (approx.): 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 33% Pinot Meunier
Reserve wine (%): 27-30
Lees ageing (months): 27-30
Dosage (g/l): 9-9.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £40
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 4.38 million bottles
Cellar master: Thierry Gasco
Brand owner: Vranken Pommery Monopole
Head office: 5 Place du Général Gouraud, 51100, Reims, France
Tel: +33 326 61 62 63
Website: pommery.fr
Product Range: Brut NV, Brut Rosé, Brut Apanage, Apanage Rosé, POP, Grand Cru Vintage, Dry Elixir, Springtime Rosé, Summertime Blanc de Blancs, Falltime Extra Dry, Wintertime Blanc de Noirs, Cuvée Louise, Cuvée Louise Rosé, Cuvée Louise ‘Nature’, Le Clos de Pompadour

6. Taittinger Brut Réserve Non-Vintage

Taittinger sells 5.5 million bottles annually

This Chardonnay-dominant Champagne has lovely aromas of citrus, honey and a background bready note. In the mouth, it displays some fullness, with ripe yellow fruit, along with honey, before it finishes with a fresh lemony character. A creamy but bright, youthful and very reliable Brut NV Champagne.

Blend (approx.): 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier
Reserve wine (%): 20-24
Lees ageing (months): 35-38
Dosage (g/l): 9-9.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £35
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 5.5 million bottles
Cellar master: Loic Dupont
Brand owner: Taittinger CCVC
Head office: 9 Place Saint-Nicaise, 51100, Reims, France
Tel: +33 326 85 84 20
Website: taittinger.com
Product range: Brut NV, Rosé NV, Folies de la Marquetterie, Prélude, Nocturne Sec, Vintage, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Comtes de Champagne Rosé, Taittinger Collection

5. Laurent-Perrier

Laurent-Perrier sells 7.26 million bottles annually

Like Taittinger, Laurent-Perrier’s Brut NV has a high proportion of Chardonnay in the blend, though it is a slightly lighter, firmer style of Champagne. On the nose, it delivers a touch of toast and smokiness, along with youthful characters of green apple and citrus. In the mouth, there is a touch of honey and toast, balanced by crisp apple, and a dry chalky finish.

Label: Laurent-Perrier Brut Non-Vintage
Blend (approx.): 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier
Reserve wine (%): 15-19
Lees ageing (months): 43+
Dosage (g/l): 10-10.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £38
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 7.26 million bottles
Cellar master: Michel Fauconnet
Brand owner: Group Laurent-Perrier
Head office: Domaine Laurent-Perrier, 51150, Tours-sur-Marne, France
Tel: + 33 326 58 91 22
Website: laurent-perrier.com
Product range: Brut NV, Rosé NV, Ultra-Brut, Demi-Sec, Brut Millésimé, Grand Siècle, Les Réserves Grand Siècle, Alexandra Rosé

4. G.H. Mumm

Mumm sells 7.55 million bottles annually

Quality improvements at this house are really making their mark on this big-brand Brut, and Mumm has an appealing nose of yellow fruit, apple and a touch of honey and crusty bread. The same attractive characters dominate the palate, with a core of ripe fruit, including some red berry flavours, along with a hint of brioche and honey. The finish is clean and bright with citrus and chalk. A good quality, good value, high volume Champagne.

Label: G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Non-Vintage
Blend (approx.): 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier
Reserve wine (%): 30-34
Lees ageing (months): 23-26
Dosage (g/l): 8-8.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £30
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 7.55 million bottles
Cellar master: Didier Mariotti
Brand owner: Pernod Ricard
Head office: 29 rue de Champ des Mars, 51053 Reims, France
Tel: +33 326 49 59 69
Website: www.mumm.com
Product range: Brut Cordon Rouge, Brut Rosé, Demi-Sec, Brut Millésimé, Mumm de Cramant Blanc de Blancs, Mumm de Verzenay Blanc de Noirs, Brut Séléction, Cuvée R. Lalou

3. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve

Nicolas Feuillatte sells 10.8 million bottles annually

France’s best-selling Champagne brand combines slightly green fruit characters with some appealing toast and honey aromas. In the mouth, some attractive evolved honeyed flavours are balanced by youthful crisp apple notes, making the Champagne bright but a balanced and pleasant blend of young and more aged flavours.

Blend (approx.): 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay
Reserve wine (%): 25-29
Lees ageing (months): 35-38
Dosage (g/l): 9-9.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £25
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 10.8 million bottles
Cellar master: David Hénault
Director of winemaking: Guillaume Roffiaen
Brand owner: Centre Vinicole–Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Head office: Chouilly, BP 210, 51206, Epernay Cedex, France
Tel: +33 326 59 55 50
Website: www.nicolas-feuillatte.com
Product range: Brut NV, Brut Réserve, Brut Grande Réserve, Demi Sec, Rosé NV, D’Luscious Rosé NV, Brut Vintage, Brut Extrem’, Cuvée Spéciale Vintage, Brut Chardonnay Vintage, One Four Brut, One Four Rosé, Cuvée 225 Brut Vintage, Cuvée 225 Rosé Vintage, Grand Cru Chadonnay Vintage, Grand Cru Pinot Noir Vintage, Palmes d’Or Brut Vintage, Palmes d’Or Rosé Vintage

2. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Non-Vintage

Veuve Clicquot sells 19 million bottles annually

With a high proportion of Pinot Noir in the blend, Veuve Clicquot is known for a full and rich style of Champagne, even with its entry-point Yellow Label Brut NV. The nose shows some aged aromas of buttered baguette and honey, and in the mouth, the Champagne is quite opulent, with ripe red berry and yellow stone fruits, along with some bready characters. However, the fizz finishes with a clean, bright, crisp apple-like bite, making this a full, but balanced style of Brut NV.

Blend (approx.): 50% Pinot Noir; 20% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay
Reserve wine (%): 30-34
Lees ageing (months): 31-34
Dosage (g/l): 9-9.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £40
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 19 million bottles
Cellar master: Dominique Demarville
Brand owner: Moët Hennessy
Head office: 13 Rue Albert Thomas, 51100, Reims, France
Tel: +33 26 89 53 90
Website: veuve-clicquot.com
Product range: Brut Yellow Label, Rosé, Demi-Sec, Rich, Vintage, Rosé Vintage, Cave Privée, La Grande Dame

1. Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Non-Vintage

Moët & Chandon sells 30 million bottles annually, which represents almost 10% of all Champagne consumed worldwide

The world’s biggest Champagne brand seems to be on song at the moment, and was awarded a gold medal at this year’s Drinks Business Champagne Masters. The nose combines smoky, slightly reductive aromas (like a freshly struck match), along with citrus and some ripe fruit and honey. In the mouth, the Brut is fresh and bright, with apple, lemon and chalk flavours, but also, at its core, some honey and bread. A persistent, refreshing and precise Champagne.

Blend (approx.): 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
Reserve wine (%): 25-29
Lees ageing (months): 23-26
Dosage (g/l): 9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £30
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 30 million bottles
Cellar master: Benoît Gouez
Brand owner: Moët Hennessy
Head office: 20 Avenue de Champagne, 51200, Epernay, France
Tel: +33 03 26 51 20 20
Website: moet.com
Product range: Moët & Chandon, Impérial NV, Rosé NV, Ice Impérial (blanc & rosé), Grand Vintage Blanc, Grand Vintage Rosé, MCIII