On Wednesday, trade publication Drinks International published its annual report on the world’s most popular Champagnes. To compile the list, DI surveyed 106 “cherry-picked” bars from around the world, asking them to share their best-selling bottles.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, a solid half on the list are owned by luxury giant LVMH. Still, several (relatively) smaller, family-run producers were represented as well.
Counting down, here are the 10 most popular Champagnes at the world’s top bars.
10. Deutz
A newcomer to the list, replacing Taittinger, Deutz is by no means a newcomer to the world of Champagne. Founded in 1838, Deutz is known for releasing elegant, sometimes romantic vintages.
9. Krug
Krug has been run by the same family for six generations. Made by wine geeks for wine geeks, each bottle comes with a code on the back that can be used to learn everything about its provenance, from which grape varieties and vintages make up the blend to the specific vineyard plots on which they were grown.
8. Billecart-Salmon
A mid-size, family-run producer, Billecart-Salmon is well-regarded by sommeliers and drinks writers alike, claiming fourth place on VinePair’s 2019 list of the Best Champagnes to Buy Right Now.
7. Laurent-Perrier
Family comes first at Laurent-Perrier, the largest family-owned Champagne house in the world. It’s also the largest female-owned: sisters Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt and Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt have run the business since 1999.
6. Ruinart
The oldest Champagne house on the list, Ruinart was also among the first to experiment with rosé Champagne; albeit by adding elderberry juice to the base wine, rather than the modern-day practice of blending red and white wines prior to the bubble-giving secondary fermentation.
5. Bollinger
A Champagne house with an anglo accent, Bollinger’s English connection stretches back to 1884, when it received a Royal Warrant. It is, reportedly, one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorites. Further adding to its deep-rooted British credentials, Bollinger is releasing a special edition bottle in connection with April’s upcoming James Bond film, “No Time to Die.”
4. Dom Perrignon
Long synonymous with luxury, Dom Perignon is the prestige cuvée of Moët & Chandon. But just because these pricey bottles are only released six times a decade (on average), it doesn’t mean you have to be precious with them — Dom pairs just as well with fried chicken as caviar.
3. Veuve Clicquot
The namesake of Veuve Clicquot, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, was the first woman to run a Champagne house, inheriting it from her late husband. After turning the failing business around, Madame Clicquot pioneered a number of techniques and innovations still used in Champagne production today.
2. Perrier-Jouët
Despite only producing a tenth as many bottles annually as Moët & Chandon, this Pernod-Ricard owned producer was the most common “house Champagne” in the bars surveyed. Its attractive, hand-painted bottles are some of the most visually appealing on the market.
1. Moët & Chandon
Was there any doubt? Moët & Chandon is the world’s largest Champagne producer, putting over 30 million bottles per year. With that level of volume, it’s no wonder the brand has earned a broad fanbase and the number one spot on this year’s list.
