Le Club & Sommeljj's Grand Champagne Test (<40 euros)

For all my Christmas ballers, champagne poppers
All those snowmen, oh pine tree lallers
Let it snow white flakes, do your best
It's Christmas guys, make me crazy

Fortunately, we didn't have to answer this question alone. Besides Jan Jaap Altenburg and myself, the tasting committee consisted of:

This club helped us make our choice. Based on this afternoon's findings, we've compiled our own top 11 favorites. A top 11, yes, because we couldn't choose, and who can tell us what to do?

Many – but not all – of these champagnes are also in the top 10 that Esmee Langereis made for the NRC. Check the article >

Our favorite champagnes

1. Dehours & Fils Grande Réserve, Brut Champagne

This makes us happy. All the aromas we crave in champagne are present: chalk, yellow apple, spicy, full-bodied, apple, lemon peel, grapefruit peel, kiwi, toast, lactic. Plus, Jan Jaap wrote three exciting notes, so yeah, you know what he's talking about. This is a winner with—yes, indeed—70% meunier.

For sale at The Atelier du Champagne

2. Olivier Horiot, Metisse, Brut Nature Champagne

We were all impressed. The oxidative edge is reminiscent of sherry. And that's me. But also simply fantastic. It's full-bodied and matured with a natural edge and good bitterness. Not everyone's cup of tea, but definitely ours.

For sale at Wild Wines

3. Charles Heidsieck, Brut Champagne

We're fans. Of Charles, of Cyril the winemaker, of the cellars. You'll still dream about this at night, it's that good. Made with a whopping 50% reserve wine, which creates that enormous richness in your glass. It's like a layered cake: all those layers! For the champagne drinker who loves grand and captivating. Don't be afraid to pour this into a larger (Riedel) glass.

PS: Only this month under 40 euros.

For sale at Vindict and Platenburg Wine Merchants

4. Vincent Renoir, 2009, Brut Champagne

Our only criterion for this major test was budget. It had to be under €40. Year, dosage, or blend – anything goes. So, it's great that we have a 2009 vintage in our glass. This champagne scored highly. One of our favorites. Ripe pear, nectarine, hazelnut, and yellow grapefruit. Lingering length.

For sale at Emerald at Home

5. Person, L'Audacieuse, Extra Brut Champagne

An artistic champagne, expertly crafted. Brioche and ripe apple alternate with pleasant richness, fine, refreshing acidity, and a hint of chalk on the finish.

For sale at Brouzje

6. Henri Giraud, Esprit Nature, Brut Champagne

Admittedly, this champagne is just outside the 40 euro mark, but we make an exception for our friends from Pasteuning, Vinetiq and Henri Giraud, where we both We've visited once . Luckily, we're not independent journalists and have our own podcast where we can do whatever we want. Giraud is elegant, refreshing, and anything but boring. You'll keep craving the next sip. With aromas of lemon curd, chalk, salt, and a hint of brioche, this is a real treat.

For sale at Past support and Vinetiq

7. Pointillart Leroy Descendance, Brut Champagne

Good! Almonds, bitters, toast, chalk, seaweed. This Champagne calls for shellfish. Who's ordering the oysters?

For sale at Pandora's Bottle

8. Fleury, Blanc de Noirs, Brut Champagne

Blanc de Noirs often has a bit more body, so this is the perfect Champagne to pair with food. It's also possible to pair it differently; do what you like. The familiar parade of ripe yellow and red apples and lightly toasted hazelnuts. Give me another glass.

For sale at Wine merchant Europe and Peeters Wine Merchant

9. Waris Hubert Lilyale, Brut Nature Champagne

From Stéphanie Hubert and Olivier Waris, born in Avize, one of the Grand Cru communes of the Côte des Blancs. A crisp, fresh champagne. Pure and clean, yet with a subtle hint of toast. 100% Chardonnay.

For sale at FineBubbels

10. Solemme Premier Cru, Extra Brut Champagne

Festini pear ice cream in the perfect shape, with a fine mousse and a lingering aftertaste. Can we have this every day?

For sale at Disdonc

11. Palmer & Co, Brut Champagne

A cooperative that never disappoints. Palmer & Co is the brand of the Société Coopérative de Producteurs des Grands Terroirs de la Champagne. A fine example of craftsmanship, year after year. Good acidity, excellent balance, layered but not complicated. Everything you expect from a good glass of champagne.

For sale at The Golden Ton

Budget bubbles

If you're a little short on cash, we've also compiled a mini-roundup of budget-friendly bubbly. These champagnes cost less than 30 euros and stood out for us.

1. Leon & Lucien, Les Artisans, Blanc de Noirs, Brut Champagne

Fresh, apple, brioche, and filling. Pleasant, not too complex, and highly drinkable. "Just give me a box," says JJ. Especially when you see the price. If this isn't a budget-friendly choice, we don't know what is.

For sale at Vinetiq

2. Marcoult, Brut Champagne

Years ago, the men behind Vindict were looking for an affordable champagne for All day, every day . We managed that with Marcoult. It was a great atmosphere. A good glass of wine at a good price.

For sale at Vindict

3. Voirin Jumel, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Champagne

What started as a champagne import for friends and acquaintances has now grown into a true Plop-Up Store in the heart of Amsterdam. This Voirin Jumel is a fantastic find from the gentlemen at Bubbel & Bruis. Affordable class with freshness, apples, squeezed citrus, and the aroma of a freshly baked croissant.

For sale at Bubble & Fizz

4. Ernest Rapeneau, Brut Champagne

The cheapest of this list, but not bad. Brioche, peach, and citrus.

For sale at The Monk Drinks

Thanks to all the wine shops and importers who submitted one or more bottles.