Champagnes to impress, and where to find them

With just three leading grape varieties, the Champenois have developed and mastered blended cuvées and varietal expressions alike, embracing vintage variation while balancing sweetness or dryness levels and acidity to deliver consistently good quality. It’s determining the best that takes an extra level of scrutiny.

The genius of this northerly French region comes to fruition annually at the Decanter World Wine Awards, where quality and versatility of style abound. Leading Champagne specialists taste and rate more than 500 samples yearly to flag up outstanding quality, without reputation influencing ratings.

In a region where house names are synonymous with the effervescent liquid they produce, the DWWA’s system of blind judging establishes a level playing field among producers, be they major names, cooperatives, négociants or small growers.

For the greatest objectivity, wines are organised for tasting by sub-region, colour, grape, style, vintage and price level, so it’s really just about the quality of the wine in the glass. Given the high standing of Champagne, often matched by the price tag, this level of judging and subsequent results become particularly important for those looking to buy the right wine. ‘We’re not influenced by anything outside when judging,’ explains DWWA Co-Chair Sarah Jane Evans MW, ‘and that, for me, is the fundamental marvellousness of Decanter World Wine Awards.’

With the above in mind, whether looking for an outstanding Champagne to mark a celebratory occasion, impress the most discerning of palates or simply for memorable sipping, let top results from DWWA be your trusted guide. Below discover a selection of rigorously reviewed 96-97 point Champagnes to seek out now, with more recommended at awards.decanter.com