About Sparkling Wines from France

About Sparkling Wines from France
Where does one start when discussing wine and France? As well as being one of the two leading wine-producing countries in the world (along with Italy - the numbers are extremely close every year), it is the spiritual birthplace of so many famous wines, from the great red and white Burgundies to the esteemed red wines of Bordeaux as well as the world's finest sparkling wine, Champagne. While these wines have been celebrated and praised for many decades and can be found on the finest wine lists around the world, there have been problems for French wines in overall sales - the belief that French wines are necessarily expensive does not help. This is especially true with younger buyers, as strict French wine laws have meant that the country's producers are limited regarding innovation. Thus France has lost market share to numerous New World Countries such as the US, Chile and Argentina and even to its neighbor, Italy. Still, French wines are undisputed as far as respect around the world and there have been some marketing campaigns lately that have driven sales for wines such as Cotes-du-Rhone and those from Provence. It is obvious that French wines will always be held in great regard by consumers and critics alike.

Top Picks for France

Sparkling Wines

G.H. Mumm NV RSRV Rosé Foujita Brut Champagne
96 points
$85
Well balanced between fruit and baked flavors with complex acidity; a stunning, exceptional example of rosé Champagne that lingers on long after you are finished.
G.H. Mumm NV Grand Cordon Brut Champagne
95 points
$45
This is a wonderful everyday Champagne that balances acid with dosage and mild autolysis with citrus fruits, orchard fruits, bramble berries and delicate floral notes.
G.H. Mumm NV Grand Cordon Brut Rosé Champagne
95 points
$55
Simply delicious, and loaded with vibrant red fruit and balanced with refreshing citrus; a prudent host should have one of these chilled at all times for any unexpected occasion that might arise.
Perrier-Jouët NV Grand Brut Champagne
95 points
$64
A beautiful Champagne blend leaning into the red berry flavors that will make this a delicious aperitif as well as an easy companion for a wide range of dinner courses.
Champagne Lallier NV Grand Rosé Brut Champagne
95 points
$80
Delicious red berries, fresh ripe citrus notes and soft bubbles; bring this for summer afternoons on the boat.
Perrier-Jouët 2014 Belle Époque Brut Champagne
95 points
$189
Rich and well balanced with a rounded palate and excellent balance of red and white fruits; impress your bubbly loving friends.
Champagne Lallier NV Ouvrage Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne
94 points
$159
Ripe orchard fruit, particularly pear, with pronounced rich notes of freshly baked bread and cheese; an excellent Champagne that has seen extended lees contact and epitomizes the taste of luxury.
Baron Aime NV Brut Rose Pinot Noir
94 points
$20
Best Buy
Lively and bright for a perfect apéritif yet with just enough richness and body to carry you in seamlessly to the first course.
94 points $20 Best Buy
Le Chemin Du Roi NV  Champagne
94 points
$299
A rich and powerfully delicious Rose Champagne that hits all the high notes.
Le Chemin Du Roi NV Brut Rosé Champagne
94 points
$299
A rich and powerfully delicious Rose Champagne that hits all the high notes.
Awards: 2022 Best Champagne Brut Rose