Pop, fizz, clink! Welcome to the effervescent world of popular champagne, where every bottle tells a story of tradition, luxury, and celebration. From the sun-drenched vineyards of France to glamorous parties around the globe, champagne has long been the drink of choice for those marking life’s special moments. But what makes a champagne truly popular? Is it the millions of bottles produced each year, the star-studded endorsements, or simply the way it dances on your tongue?
Most Popular Champagne Brands
In this bubbly adventure, we’ll uncork the secrets of the 20 most popular champagne brands (not the best champagne according to taste), exploring their rich histories, unique production methods, and the je ne sais quoi that keeps us coming back for more. Whether you’re a champagne connoisseur or a curious newcomer, join me as we raise a glass to these beloved brands that have captured hearts and palates worldwide. Get ready to discover why these popular champagnes have earned their place in the spotlight and perhaps find your new favorite along the way. Cheers to the wonderful world of popular champagne!
1. Moët & Chandon: The Champagne Superstar
Founded way back in 1743, Moët & Chandon is the LeBron James of the champagne world. Producing a staggering 30 million bottles annually and commanding 13% of the global champagne market, this LVMH-owned powerhouse is the go-to for celebrations worldwide. When I pop open a bottle of Moët, I feel like I’m part of a grand tradition of toasting to life’s victories, big and small.
2. Veuve Clicquot: The Widow’s Triumph
Veuve Clicquot, another jewel in the LVMH crown, has been bringing sunshine to our lives since 1772. With its iconic Yellow Label Brut and an annual production of about 19 million bottles, it’s like the cool aunt of champagnes – stylish, reliable, and always welcome at the party. Sipping on Veuve makes me feel like I’m channeling the audacious spirit of its founder, the “Grande Dame of Champagne.”
3. Dom Pérignon: The Vintage Virtuoso
Oh, Dom Pérignon, you fancy thing! Named after the monk who allegedly invented champagne (spoiler: he didn’t, but it’s a cool story), this vintage-only brand by Moët & Chandon is the champagne equivalent of a limited edition sports car. Founded in 1921 and priced at $150-$200 a bottle, Dom is what I reach for when I want to feel like royalty – or when I’ve finally finished paying off my student loans.
4. Nicolas Feuillatte: The People’s Champion
Nicolas Feuillatte proves that age is just a number in the champagne world. Founded in 1976, this youngster (by champagne standards) is the largest cooperative in Champagne and the best-selling brand in France. Producing about 10 million bottles a year, it’s the champagne that says, “Oui, you can have your cake and eat it too!” It’s my go-to when I want to impress at a dinner party without breaking the bank.
5. G.H. Mumm: The Racing Royalty
G.H. Mumm, founded in 1827 and now owned by Pernod Ricard, is the official champagne of Formula 1 racing. Producing around 8 million bottles annually, it’s the bubbly you want when you’re feeling fast and furious. Every time I pop a bottle of Mumm, I have this irresistible urge to spray it everywhere and pretend I’ve just won the Monaco Grand Prix.
6. Laurent-Perrier: The Rosé Master
Laurent-Perrier, founded in 1812, is one of the few remaining family-owned champagne houses. Known for their exquisite Cuvée Rosé, this brand produces about 7.5 million bottles a year. Drinking Laurent-Perrier makes me feel like I should be lounging in a sun-drenched French garden, discussing philosophy and art. It’s the champagne equivalent of a sophisticated best friend who always knows how to make you feel classy.
7. Taittinger: The Family Affair
Taittinger, with roots going back to 1734, feels like the warm, welcoming family of the champagne world. Producing about 6 million bottles annually and known for their Comtes de Champagne, Taittinger has been family-owned since 2006. Sipping on Taittinger makes me want to call my mom and tell her I love her – it’s that kind of heartwarming experience.
8. Pommery: The Artistic Soul
Founded in 1858 and producing about 5 million bottles a year, Pommery is the champagne you drink when you want to feel like you’re at a chic art gallery opening. Known for Cuvée Louise and owned by Vranken-Pommery Monopole, it’s the bubbly equivalent of that friend who always knows about the coolest underground bands before anyone else.
9. Piper-Heidsieck: The Red Carpet Royalty
Piper-Heidsieck, founded in 1785, is the official champagne of the Cannes Film Festival. Producing about 5 million bottles annually, this EPI Group-owned brand makes me want to practice my acceptance speech in the mirror. It’s the champagne you drink when you want to feel like a movie star, even if you’re just binge-watching Netflix in your pajamas.
10. Lanson: The Royal Favorite
Lanson, established in 1760, is an official supplier to the British Royal Court. Known for its non-malolactic fermentation style, Lanson produces about 5 million bottles a year. Drinking Lanson makes me feel like I should be discussing polo matches and corgis. It’s the champagne equivalent of a perfectly tailored suit – classic, refined, and always appropriate.
11. Bollinger: The 007 Special
Bollinger, founded in 1829, is James Bond’s champagne of choice in the films. Producing about 3 million bottles annually and known for La Grande Année, Bollinger is what you drink when you want to feel both shaken and stirred. It’s sophisticated with a hint of danger – like wearing a tuxedo while skydiving.
12. Perrier-Jouët: The Belle of the Ball
Founded in 1811 and producing around 3 million bottles a year, Perrier-Jouët is famous for its beautiful Belle Epoque bottle design. Owned by Pernod Ricard, this is the champagne that makes you want to throw a Gatsby-esque party. Every time I see that flower-adorned bottle, I can’t help but think, “This isn’t just champagne, it’s a work of art!”
13. Ruinart: The OG of Champagne
Ruinart, founded in 1729, is the oldest champagne house in existence. Producing about 2 million bottles annually and known for its Blanc de Blancs, this LVMH-owned brand is like the wise grandfather of champagnes. Drinking Ruinart makes me feel like I’m sipping on liquid history – with really delicious bubbles.
14. Pol Roger: The Statesman’s Choice
Pol Roger, established in 1849, was Winston Churchill’s favorite champagne. Producing about 1.8 million bottles a year, this family-owned house makes me want to don a bowler hat and practice my witty retorts. It’s the champagne you drink when you want to feel like you could run a country – or at least win a debate.
15. Krug: The Perfectionist’s Dream
Founded in 1843 and producing a modest 550,000 bottles annually, Krug is known for its Grande Cuvée. Owned by LVMH, Krug is the champagne equivalent of a Michelin-starred meal – meticulously crafted and utterly luxurious. It’s what I imagine perfection tastes like, with bubbles.
16. Louis Roederer: The Crystal Clear Choice
Louis Roederer, established in 1776, is famous for producing Cristal. With an annual production of about 3.5 million bottles, this family-owned house is synonymous with luxury. Drinking Cristal makes me feel like I should be making important decisions from the back of a limousine – it’s that kind of opulent experience.
17. Billecart-Salmon: The Rosé Romance
Founded in 1818 and producing about 2 million bottles annually, Billecart-Salmon is renowned for its Brut Rosé. This family-owned house makes the kind of champagne that should be sipped on Valentine’s Day – or any day you want to feel a little more in love with life.
18. Charles Heidsieck: The Sleeping Beauty
Charles Heidsieck, established in 1851, produces about 1 million bottles a year and is known for its Blanc des Millénaires. Owned by EPI Group, this brand is like the sleeping beauty of champagnes – not always in the spotlight, but absolutely enchanting when discovered. It’s the champagne that makes you feel like you’re in on a delicious secret.
19. Deutz: The Quiet Achiever
Founded in 1838 and producing around 2 million bottles annually, Deutz is known for its Amour de Deutz cuvée. Owned by Louis Roederer, Deutz is like that quiet, brilliant friend who always surprises you with their depth. It’s the champagne you drink when you want to impress the real connoisseurs.
20. Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades): The New Kid on the Block
Last but certainly not least, Armand de Brignac, founded in 2006, is the newcomer shaking things up. Producing about 100,000 bottles a year and known for its flashy gold bottles and high prices, this brand is co-owned by Jay-Z and LVMH. It’s the champagne you drink when you want to feel like a rap mogul – bold, audacious, and unapologetically luxurious.
And there you have it, folks! A whirlwind tour of 20 of the most popular champagne brands. Whether you’re a champagne connoisseur or just someone who enjoys the occasional bubble, there’s a story and a flavor profile here for everyone. Remember, life’s too short for bad champagne, so drink responsibly and enjoy the effervescent journey!
Cheers to you, and may your glass always be half full – of champagne, of course!
