Pour me: these are the best Champagnes to gift (and drink) this Christmas
From a classic Louis Roederer Cristal to offerings from Ruinart, Perrier-Jouët and Laurent-Perrier, here are the most lavish corks to pop this festive season
Words: Jemima Wilson
What comes first – the unwrapping of the gifts or the uncorking of the Champagne? If the present is a bottle of Champagne, then both is the answer. Here, at Gentleman’s Journal, we’re of the opinion that the celebrations can’t really start until the fizz begins to flow. Therefore, we’re rather well versed in picking the best bottles to gift – or to enjoy to yourself – at Christmas time.
Below, we’ve selected the most sumptuous Champagnes (and sparkling wines) for all tastes, including new offerings from Perrier-Jouët and Gusbourne, as well as some iconic bottles from Louis Roederer, Dom Pérignon and Krug. So, read on, get the wrapping paper out – or, if it's been a particularly taxing year, raise a glass or two yourself. After all, ’tis the season…
Louis Roederer Cristal 2015
Today, Louis Roederer’s Cristal is widely recognised as the world's most-awarded prestige cuvée Champagne. So, it’s a safe bet for pleasing even the most discerning of connoisseurs. Indeed, the story of Cristal dates back to 1876, when Tsar Alexander II asked Louis Roederer to create a special, personal cuvée, which was unique in style and bottle design. He selected the best vines from seven grand crus on his estate, and, as a result, Cristal was born. As the fourth vintage of Cristal to be made from 100 per cent bio-dynamically farmed grapes, the 2015 is concentrated, energetic and vibrant, despite its soft flavours of candied citrus combined with roasted hazelnut and almond aromas.
Nyetimber 1086 2010
Every so often, a sparkling-wine house may release a singular masterpiece – one such example that jumps to mind is the 1086 by Nyetimber. Elegant and remarkably refined, 1086 is crafted from the top selection of the finest grapes from the most outstanding sites and in the best of years. It represents the pinnacle of Nyetimber’s offerings, and is the first prestige cuvée made in England. If you’re planning to serve caviar, lobster or oysters, this vintage is a fine complement, as its palate is exceptionally balanced: delicate – yet generous – with great intensity, and a lovely touch of vanilla on the long finish. Extremely limited in quantity, 1086 is a thoughtful gift to add to any collection.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Petal Robe Brut Champagne
If you wish to add some colour to your fizz-fuelled celebrations, Laurent-Perrier’s striking Cuvée Rosé Champagne Petal Robe is sure to catch the eye. The bottle design is inspired by the colour palette found in the Champagne itself, which contains apricot pinks to warmer brioche tones. And, it tastes as good as it looks, with its highly expressive bouquet and delicious raspberry and wild-cherry flavours. Moreover, it’s one of only a few rosé Champagnes that's made by drawing the juice from pinot noir grapes, rather than blending red and white wines.
Krug Grande Cuvée
A blend of multiple vintages, made from only the best grapes, and aged for around seven years in oak casks, the Krug Grande Cuvée has a light-gold colour and fine, vivacious bubbles. As with all releases of Krug Grande Cuvée, there are myriad aromas to take in – notably, flowers in bloom; ripe, dried and citrus fruit; marzipan; and gingerbread – with tasting notes including almonds, brioche and honey. For Epicureans, this cuvée is ideal with oysters, grilled prawns, and spiced Indian and Moroccan dishes.
Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut 2014
A rare and sophisticated creation that celebrates the art of blending in the Perrier-Jouët style, this bottle is instantly recognisable, adorned with Japanese white anemones and designed by Art Nouveau master Emile Gallé. It's produced from a blend of 50 per cent chardonnay, 45 per cent pinot noir and 5 per cent pinot meunier, and is made with notes of juicy vine peach, poached pear and rhubarb – as a result, it's a wonderful foil to creamy polenta, sole meunière, Parmesan and Comté.
Ruinart Dom Ruinart 2010 Chalk Wrap
For those keen to make more sustainable choices this Christmas, Ruinart’s Blanc de Blancs 2010 vintage now comes in a beautiful – yet practical – 100 per cent paper chalk wrap, which is moulded to the bottle and made without plastic. The geometric design is quite the conversation-starter, as it draws inspiration from the label's chalk cellars in Reims. The Champagne itself is characterised by strong flavours and an intense freshness, which allows for plenty of food pairing possibilities, from rich meat dishes and fresh-fish plates to hearty vegetarian recipes.
Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009
Despite 2009 beginning with unfavourable conditions in Dom Pérignon’s vineyards, August turned out to be absolutely perfect, with its 2009 Vintages assembled from full, mature, rich grapes that benefited from a warm, dry and sunny summer. Transformed during nearly 12 years in the cellar, this is an especially exquisite release of Dom Pérignon Rosé, displaying all the aromatic nuances of pinot noir (raspberry, fig, strawberry and cherry) and the delicacy and light notes of chardonnay.
Moët & Chandon Exclusive Impérial Brut NV Champagne and Personalised Tin
Few gifts provide such joviality as a bottle of Champagne, and Moët & Chandon takes it to the next level with a tin that can be customised with printing (either a name or a place of significance) on the side. When it comes to flavour, it matches up to the house’s exacting standards, comprising 30–40 per cent pinot noir, 30–40 per cent meunier and 20–30 per cent chardonnay grapes, all of which provide the Champagne with body, suppleness and finesse. More than 100 wines are used in the blend to enhance maturity and complexity while maintaining the distinguished Moët style, so we’d say this is something to celebrate – get the ice bucket ready!
Gusbourne 2016 Vintage 51 Degrees North
This Gusbourne bottle takes its name from the precise latitude of the label's Kent and Sussex vineyards. The complex libation comes from a standalone vintage – a year in which the fruit was intense and rich, but also incredibly structured, with fine, balanced acidity – and though incredibly rewarding now, it will also age beautifully for years to come, making it ideal for a toast this Christmas, or as a gift to save for future celebrations.
After something a bit stronger? These are the best whiskies to gift this Christmas…
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