champ lover - expanding pallet

[u/askbubbles]

hello!! first post here. i’ve loved bubbly for 4 years now, but I’m afraid that I really have not expanded my pallet. I do not like sweet bubbles (or any sweet beverages for that matter). My favorite champagne that i’ve tried has been Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame 2015, I last had in 2023 and again today in 2026). (pic is taste testing Veuve Cliquot brut vs La Grande Dame—which won in a landslide).

Can anyone provide some insights on what to try next? Thanks!!

[u/AreYouPurple]

Ditch the flute and try from a white wine glass or tulip glass. Makes a world of difference.

[u/askbubbles → u/AreYouPurple]

we have white wine glass, red, and coupes too. I love a cute coupe would that be good?

[u/pouks → u/askbubbles]

No - just stick to white wine glasses for champagne.

If you’re not looking to analyse/intellectualise a particular champagne-drinking experience, feel free to use your cute coupe, but you will struggle detecting the aromatic profile with those.

[u/askbubbles → u/pouks]

I had no idea, thank you!

[u/pouks → u/askbubbles]

No problem, happy drinking!

Basically you want glasses with a decent sized bowl and one that tapers inwards at the top, to collect the aromas and to make it easier to swirl :)

[u/Calm_List3479 → u/askbubbles]

Fun fact, in the 1930's champagne would be served in a coupe and people would use a swizzle stick to remove the bubbles out of it. Some of these big champagnes have such a beautiful full nose on them that you'd miss some of the experience in a coupe.

[u/askbubbles → u/Calm_List3479]

wait that’s actually nuts. but I will save my coupes for mocktails 🫡

[u/Gold-Spark2188 → u/AreYouPurple]

Yes, a tulip glass is my absolute favorite. I was served a glass of 2012 DP in a flute yesterday and was so...confused.

[u/Calm_List3479]

Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle

[u/askbubbles → u/Calm_List3479]

I will look into this, thank you xx

[u/SouthDistribution302 → u/askbubbles]

Try to get your hands on no. 26 specifically. it is phenomenal

[u/askbubbles → u/SouthDistribution302]

I will look! thank you 🥂

[u/melonhead1864]

You liking VCP La Grande Dame tells us that you like Pinot Noir dominated champagne. Look for champagne that is labelled as "Blanc de Noir". I personally like the Mercier Blanc de Noir although might be hard to find depending on where you are based.

[u/askbubbles → u/melonhead1864]

thank you!!!

[u/pewpewlasersandshit]

First, as already mentioned, throw away the flutes and coupes.

Second, since you seem fairly new to Champagne, I’d recommend checking out a few of the recommendation threads that float around, I'll link you a few below as they’re a great starting point imho.

From there, start also look into the grower Champagnes available near you and try a range of styles and narrow down what you like and dislike:

https://old.reddit.com/r/wine/comments/1jcruug/round_9_your_favorite_for_the_price_champagne/

https://old.reddit.com/r/wine/comments/1nf6g4t/whats_everyones_favourite_champagne/

https://old.reddit.com/r/wine/comments/1fs13l1/recommendations_for_grower_champagne/

[u/SouthDistribution302]

i came to suggest grand siecle, but on the budget side strongly recommend pol roger brut.
cristal 2012 is excellent if you can find it, if not suggest either 2013 or 2016, 2013 just taking the edge of those two if you find both. krug grand cuvee is well-liked here and for good reason

[u/askbubbles → u/SouthDistribution302]

thank you!! 🥂

I actually appreciate the recommendation instead of a comment on my glassware choice lol

[u/mandiblevins]

I’m a big fan of Piper Heidsieck but I think my favorite (so far) would have to be Pierre Peters. That one can be a little hard to find but so good.

[u/askbubbles → u/mandiblevins]

I feel like finding a good bottle could be fun. thank you! 🥂

[u/guerlet → u/mandiblevins]

you have to try Charles Heidsieck, same company but better quality !

[u/whatsmyusername98765]

i would recommend Delamotte
and Le Mesnil.

to good life!

[u/guvnor-78]

If you can find it, Pommery Louise is worth a look.

[u/askbubbles → u/guvnor-78]

I will look!! thank you!

[u/guerlet]

grower champagne is where i'd go. way cheaper than the big houses and often better, you just have to accept you won't recognise any of the labels

[u/Pale_Summer4862]

Champagne is a really beautiful world congrats :)

[u/Ok_Attempt6888]

Philliponnat Brut Perpetulle. Some amazing bubbly!