The 25 best vintage champagnes | Lexicon & Glossary

Vintage champagne: uniqueness and quality in every bottle

Vintage champagne differs from non-vintage champagnes in that it is made exclusively from the base wines of a particular year. The corresponding year is noted on the label of the bottle, which indicates the uniqueness of this wine.

The production and importance of vintage champagne

Vintage champagnes are only produced in years when the quality of the grapes is so outstanding that, without blending with wines from other years, they produce an exquisite champagne. Champagne with the special identity of this vintage. These champagnes are not necessarily "better" than non-vintage champagnes, but they are characterised by an unmistakable individuality that is shaped by the specific climatic conditions and characteristics of the respective year.

A vintage reflects the terroir and the climate

Each vintage produces grapes that are always unique due to the interplay of unpredictable factors such as sun, rain, frost, hail, pests and fungi. It is a mistake to believe that a vintage in which few or no houses declare a vintage champagne has automatically produced poor grapes. The true art of champagne production is shown in the non-vintage champagnes, which, through the skilful blending of wines from different years, preserve the traditional flavours of the house and often embody the "soul" of the house.

The complex mosaic of Champagne

Champagne is a complex mosaic of different microclimates, sites and grape varieties which, together with different soil conditions, produce a wide range of grape qualities each year. Whilst the majority of winegrowers may not produce vintage Champagne in some years, there are winegrowers in other parts of Champagne whose grapes justify a vintage declaration. An excellent vintage Champagne can come from a year that is generally not considered remarkable, which emphasises the artistry and flair of the winemakers.

The role of nature: examples from history

The 1982/83 and 2002 harvests are examples of exceptional years. 1982/83 offered both abundant yields and outstanding quality, while 2002 produced one of the best vintages of the last decade due to late but intense sunshine, as Claude Taittinger of Taittinger noted.

2003 was another interesting year. A severe frost in April destroyed many Chardonnay vines, followed by a hot summer that resulted in the earliest harvest since 1822. Despite these challenges, the winegrowers were satisfied with the quality of the grapes and some vintage champagnes from this year proved to be remarkable, even if many houses did not present a 2003 vintage champagne.

Storage and ageing of vintage champagne

A vintage champagne must be stored for at least three years after the second fermentation before it can be sold. At least 20% of the harvest must be reserved for future blending with other vintages. Many vintage champagnes mature through longer storage and can be kept for 5 to 10 years or even longer. Certain vintages, such as 1996, 1995, 1990, 1988 and 1985, are still highly sought after today and show that champagnes can become more complex and interesting with age.

Famous Vintages and their meaning

Particularly prized vintages from the last 30 years include 1996, 1995, 1990, 1988, and 1985, which are known for their outstanding quality and their ability to mature and evolve over decades.

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2008 - This vintage is widely recognised as one of Dom Pérignon's best. It is characterised by exceptional balance and elegance.
Krug Vintage 2002 - Krug is known for its intense and complex champagnes, and the 2002 vintage is no exception. It is often praised for its maturity and depth.
Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 - Cristal is a symbol of luxury and quality. The 2008 vintage is highly prized for its purity and structure.
Bollinger La Grande Année 2012 - This vintage champagne is praised for its powerful structure and its flavours of ripe fruit and spices.
Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2008 - This champagne honours the famous British Prime Minister and is known for its intensity and longevity.

Champagne: a region of diversity and terroir

Champagne is not just one region, but a mosaic of different terroirs, each with its own climatic and geological characteristics. This interplay of factors influences the quality and character of the grapes that are harvested each year. Different villages and communes within Champagne, such as Ambonnay, are known for their specific characteristics and contribute to the diversity and complexity of the wines that come from this region.

The importance of microclimates and soils

The microclimates and soils of Champagne play a decisive role in determining the quality of the grapes. The region is divided into different zones, each with its own specialities. The Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Bar are the most important growing areas. Each of these zones has its own characteristics, which are reflected in the wines. The Montagne de Reims is known for its powerful Pinot Noir grapes, while the Côte des Blancs is famous for its elegant Chardonnay grapes.

Famous producers and their vintage champagnes

The best-known champagne houses include Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Bollinger. These houses have made a name for themselves through their consistent quality and their ability to produce both non-vintage and vintage champagnes of outstanding quality.

Moët & Chandon: Famous for its Dom Pérignon vintage champagne, which is considered one of the best in the world. Dom Pérignon is only produced in the best years and is known for its complexity and longevity.

Veuve Clicquot: Known for its La Grande Dame vintage champagne, which is named in honour of the founder of the house, Madame Clicquot. This champagne is known for its elegance and finesse.

Krug: A house that specialises in the production of vintage champagnes that are appreciated for their depth and complexity. Krug vintage champagnes can often be stored for decades and develop amazing flavours over time.

Bollinger: Famous for its Vieilles Vignes Françaises vintage champagne, which is made from rare and old Pinot Noir vines. This champagne is known for its strength and structure.

Conclusion

Vintage champagnes are the result of a specific year and reflect the unique climatic and geological conditions of that year. They offer an unmistakable taste experience characterised by the specific identity of the vintage. While non-vintage champagnes embody the soul of the house, vintage champagnes offer a deeper insight into the nuances and subtleties of a particular year. The ageing and maturation of vintage champagnes can further enhance their complexity and depth, making them a valuable and treasured treat for connoisseurs and collectors. Champagne remains a region of diversity and excellence, whose wines are among the best in the world.