When you have a glass of Champagne in your hand, there’s not much that can ruin the moment. All that matters is that you’re drinking perhaps the biggest producer of vibes the wine world has to offer. It’s a mood built on reputation: If you’re celebrating a joyful occasion, there’s more than a decent chance that a Champagne toast is involved.
Those good vibes, though, can end up costing a pretty penny if your bubbles come from a prestigious house in the French region. Fortunately, there are ample examples of cost-effective Champagnes on bottle shop shelves to satisfy even the most wine-savvy party guest. With that in mind, we asked seven wine professionals to name their favorite cheap Champagnes on the market. They came back with several bottles worth celebrating.
Best cheap Champagne, according to wine professionals: Nicolas Feuillatte Pol Roger Brut Piper-Heideseck Cuvée Brut Pierre Gimmonet Cuvée Cuis J. Lassalle Cachet Or Esterlin Champagne Brut Éclat Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Pierre Moncuit Hugues de Coulmet Blanc de Blancs
“Nicolas Feuillatte is a reliable, budget-friendly option. It’s a well-balanced Champagne at a great value. If you’re open to spending a bit more, Pol Roger Brut provides wines with added complexity and bolder flavors. Both are excellent for aging, making them perfect for special occasions.” —Matt Maretz, principal bartender/assistant bar manager, Employees Only, NYC
“Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut is that rare gem in the world of Champagne: It’s delicious, refined, and somehow still affordable enough that you won’t
