From iconic maisons to boutique producers, the entries this year reflected a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.
If you're ready to sip on the finest bubbles or expand your Champagne collection, this comprehensive guide highlights the top-rated selections of 2024, featuring options for every taste and budget.
Top Scoring Champagnes
1. Champagne Palmer Solera Rosé Brut NV
- Score: 98/100
- Price: $92
- Tasting Notes: The standout of the competition, Palmer’s Solera Rosé dazzles with its vibrant pink hue and elegant fruity aromas. On the palate, soft cream melds with ripe red summer fruits, lychee, and subtle ginger spices, creating a nuanced and stylish finish. This Champagne is a perfect centerpiece for any celebration, pairing beautifully with light desserts or even grilled seafood.
2. Champagne de Saint Gall Orpale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 2012
- Score: 97/100
- Price: $150
- Tasting Notes: A hallmark of balance and complexity, this Blanc de Blancs offers notes of zesty citrus, crisp green apples, plump apricots, and sweet honeycomb. Layers of savory truffles and cedar spice add depth, while a creamy, elegant finish leaves a lasting impression. Ideal for those seeking sophistication and finesse in their glass.
- Score: 97/100
- Price: $175
- Tasting Notes: A showcase of extraordinary depth and refinement, this wine features a complex profile of orchard fruits, truffled mushrooms, roasted almonds, and toasty brioche. Its long, smoky finish and unforgettable mouthfeel make it a must-try for seasoned Champagne lovers.
Additional Gold Medal Winners (96/100 Points)
- Charles Heidsieck Blanc Des Millénaires Brut 2014
- Price: $200
- Tasting Notes: This Blanc de Blancs presents an intricate bouquet of orange blossom, freshly cut hay, green apples, and warm brioche. The lingering notes of toasted hazelnuts and summer apples on the finish elevate its complexity.
- Henriot Brut 2014
- Price: $125
- Tasting Notes: Bright and vibrant with autolytic notes of honey, white flowers, and a hint of spice, this Champagne is a delightful balance of delicacy and richness.
- Union Champagne Tesco Finest Rosé Brut NV
- Price: $25 (UK only)
- Tasting Notes: An affordable standout, this Rosé boasts refreshing red berry notes and a clean, crisp finish, proving that great Champagne doesn’t have to break the bank.
Best Gold Medalists from Saumur, Loire Valley
Champagne wasn’t the only sparkling wine star this year. Saumur in the Loire Valley secured two gold medals:
- Bouvet Ladubay Tresor Brut 2020
- Score: 96/100
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of brioche, cream, and citrus skin precede a palate that delights with roasted peach and honey blossom. A complex, well-crafted wine with a sophisticated finish.
- Bouvet Ladubay Instinct Extra Brut 2019
- Score: 95/100
- Tasting Notes: This sparkling wine delivers elegance and freshness, with notes of sharp citrus and subtle nutty undertones.
Best Champagnes for Every Budget
Whether you're indulging in a luxury vintage or looking for a dependable, affordable bottle, the following champagnes are sure to impress:
1. Best All-Rounder: Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut NV
- Price: £25
- Why Choose It? Affordable yet consistently excellent, with notes of apple, brioche, and hazelnuts.
2. Best Big Name: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut NV
- Price: £54.99
- Why Choose It? A vibrant and creamy crowd-pleaser with a long brioche finish, perfect for celebrations.
3. Best Budget Champagne: Veuve Monsigny Champagne NV
- Price: £14.99
- Why Choose It? Clean, simple, and well-balanced—perfect for parties on a budget.
4. Best Rosé Champagne: Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV
- Price: £48
- Why Choose It? Packed with intense cherry fruit and savory notes, ideal for pairing with duck or rich dishes.
5. Best Vintage: Les Pionniers Brut 2013
- Price: £37
- Why Choose It? An expressive vintage Champagne offering layers of toasted brioche, honey, and citrus.
Champagne Trends in 2024
1. Rising Quality
Critics noted an average score increase for sparkling wines this year, indicating producers' dedication to refining their craft.
2. Growing Accessibility
With offerings ranging from $25 to $200, Champagne is catering to both high-end connoisseurs and budget-conscious consumers.
3. Saumur’s Rising Influence
The Loire Valley is emerging as a serious contender in the sparkling wine market, with producers like Bouvet Ladubay earning international acclaim
Conclusion: Cheers to Excellence
Champagne continues to hold its place as the pinnacle of sparkling wines, and the 2024 IWSC results highlight its unparalleled versatility and allure. Whether you're drawn to the fruity elegance of a Solera Rosé, the refined depth of a Blanc de Blancs, or the budget-friendly brilliance of a Tesco Premier Cru, there's a bottle to elevate every occasion.
With summer celebrations around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore the best France has to offer. Pop a cork, pour a glass, and savor the magic of Champagne. Cheers!
