5 Best Champagnes In India You Must Try

We'll be popping the cork on some of the best champagne in India, exploring different flavours and styles, and helping you pick the perfect bottle. Ready to find your new favourite Indian sparkler?

Published On Apr 21, 2024 | Updated On Apr 21, 2024

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Ever popped open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate a win, a milestone, or just because Tuesdays are awesome? Us too! But did you know there's a whole world of sparkling wines beyond the classic French Champagne?

India is getting in on the fizz with some of the best champagne in India. These homegrown sparklers are not only delicious but often much easier on the wallet than their French counterparts. So, if you're looking to add a touch of elegance and excitement to your next soirée, read on! We're about to explore the bubbly world of champagne in India, explore some popular brands, and maybe even give you some tips on picking the perfect bottle to impress your guests (or, hey, just treat yourself). Sounds fun? Let's get fizzy!

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Veuve Clicquot/ Instagram

Veuve Clicquot, with its iconic yellow label, is a giant in the champagne world. Founded in 1772 and based in Reims, France, the house has a fascinating history. Madame Clicquot herself became a legend, taking over the business after her husband's death and pioneering new techniques. Their unwavering focus on quality shines through in every bottle.

They primarily source grapes from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, with Pinot Noir playing a starring role. This grape variety lends a rich structure to their Champagnes, perfectly balanced by the addition of Chardonnay for elegance. This meticulous approach creates a champagne that bursts with life – think citrus, brioche, and white fruit flavours – all leading to a crisp and sophisticated finish. So, raise a glass of Veuve Clicquot for your next celebration, or simply for a luxurious everyday indulgence.

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Ayala Champagne/ Instagram 

Ayala Champagne, nestled in the heart of the champagne region's Aÿ village since 1860, prides itself on purity and finesse. Unlike some champagne houses, Ayala isn't afraid to let Chardonnay shine. Their Brut Majeur, for instance, features a higher percentage of Chardonnay than Pinot Noir, resulting in a lighter, more elegant style. This emphasis on Chardonnay, alongside grapes sourced from top Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, gives Ayala Champagnes a beautiful balance between richness and freshness.

You can expect notes of citrus and white flowers on the nose, followed by a palate that's lively with fruit and a touch of minerality. Aged for a minimum of three years in the cellars, Ayala Champagnes developed a satisfying complexity while maintaining a delightful approachability. So, if you're looking for champagne in India that's sophisticated yet eminently drinkable, Ayala deserves a spot on your celebration list.

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ruinart.com/ Instagram 

Steeped in history as the oldest established champagne house (founded in 1729), Dom Ruinart exudes an air of prestige. Located in Reims, France, they've championed Chardonnay grapes since the beginning. Their signature cuvée, Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, is a testament to this dedication. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from Grand Cru vineyards, primarily in the Côte des Blancs region, this champagne is all about finesse and elegance.

Expect a delicate bouquet of white flowers and citrus mingling with hints of honey and chalk. On the palate, it's a beautiful balance of richness and freshness, with a lingering minerality that adds complexity. Dom Ruinart is a champagne for those who appreciate a lighter style, perfect for sipping and savouring special occasions.

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louis-roederer.com

Louis Roederer, founded in 1833 and residing in the prestigious champagne city of Reims, is a name synonymous with both luxury and innovation. Their dedication to quality shows in every step of production, with meticulously selected grapes sourced primarily from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards.

Pinot Noir plays a leading role in their champagnes, contributing a rich structure and depth. However, they skillfully balance it with Chardonnay, ensuring a beautiful elegance. This focus on balance is evident in their flagship Brut Premier, a champagne known for its lively effervescence, with aromas of citrus and red berries followed by a palate that's both powerful and refined.  But Louis Roederer isn't afraid to push boundaries. They're famous for Cristal, a prestige cuvée created specifically for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Made primarily from Chardonnay grapes, Cristal is renowned for its finesse and subtle complexity, a true champagne for connoisseurs.

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domperignon.com

Dom Pérignon, synonymous with luxury and celebration, was created by Moët & Chandon in 1921 as a prestige cuvée (meaning a special bottling), Dom Pérignon hails from the renowned Champagne region in France. Unlike most champagnes, Dom Pérignon is exclusively vintage, meaning the grapes all come from a single year. This dedication to a specific harvest allows them to capture the unique essence of that year's grapes.  

They primarily source grapes from Grand Cru vineyards, with Pinot Noir playing a starring role, contributing body and richness. Chardonnay adds finesse and elegance, resulting in a champagne known for its complex flavours. Expect notes of citrus, brioche, and even hints of toast, all culminating in a long, luxurious finish. Dom Pérignon is a champagne reserved for special occasions, a guaranteed conversation starter that promises to leave a lasting impression.

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Krug Champagne/ Instagram

Krug Champagne, established in 1843 by Joseph Krug, sets itself apart from the crowd. Based in Reims, France, they take a unique approach, prioritising individuality over consistency. Unlike most champagne houses that blend to achieve a uniform style year after year, Krug creates multi-vintage champagne, meticulously blending wines from several different harvests. This philosophy, known as assemblage, allows them to craft champagne of remarkable depth and complexity in every bottle.  

Krug sources grapes from a wide range of plots across the champagne region, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier all playing a role. This diversity of ingredients contributes to a symphony of flavours  – think ripe fruit, toasted nuts, and hints of spice –  all building towards a beautifully layered and lingering finish.

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Laurent Perrier Champagne/ Instagram 

Laurent-Perrier Champagne, established in 1812, has carved a niche for itself with its focus on freshness and elegance. Located in Tours-sur-Marne, France, they meticulously source grapes from a range of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Their signature La Cuvée Brut, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, exemplifies their house style.  

While Pinot Noir forms a solid foundation, the higher percentage of Chardonnay ensures a lighter and more delicate expression. This focus on balance translates into a champagne bursting with citrus and white flower aromas, followed by a palate that's lively with fruit and a refreshing minerality. Aged for at least four years in the cellars, Laurent-Perrier Champagnes developed a satisfying complexity while maintaining a delightful approachability.

They're a perfect choice for those who appreciate a bubbly that's both sophisticated and eminently drinkable, ideal for toasts, celebrations, or simply enjoying a special evening.


Photo: Instagram