This sparkling guide is your shortcut to the crème de la crème of Champagne in 2025. Whether you’re looking to impress the in-laws, pop a cork at a boardroom bash, or simply enjoy some bubbles on a budget, we’ve got you covered. We’ve divided the fizz into three handy price brackets: Everyday Sparkle, Celebration-Worthy, and Luxe Legends—then scoured expert reviews to find the top picks in each. Spoiler alert: You don’t have to remortgage your home to drink well.
UK Champagne Price Brackets 2025
| Category | Price Range (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Everyday Sparkle | Under £35 |
| Celebration-Worthy | £35 – £120 |
| Luxe Legends | Over £120 |
These are based on real UK retail prices. Think supermarket stunners, elegant dinner-party pours, and vintage prestige for life’s big moments.
Top 10 Luxe Legends (Over £120)
Criteria: This table’s ranking is primarily based on the average scores and recognition from various expert reviews and tasting platforms. The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2012, for example, claimed the top spot due to its exceptionally high average score for elegance. The Krug Vintage Champagne 2008 also ranked highly based on its complexity and critical acclaim. The other champagnes in this list are included based on their consistent appearance in top-tier rankings and recognition as prestige cuvées.
These bottles are the height of Champagne sophistication. They’re crafted with meticulous attention, often from a single vintage or vineyard, with years of ageing to develop toasty, nutty complexity and silky textures. Best enjoyed when you’re dressing up and dining like royalty.
| Rank | Champagne | Notes | Avg Critic Score |
| 1 | Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2012 | Flawless elegance | 96 |
| 2 | Krug Vintage Champagne 2008 | Masterclass in complexity | 97 |
| 3 | Dom Ruinart 2013 | Bright minerality, pure line | 94 |
| 4 | Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2014 | Delicate yet powerful | 95 |
| 5 | Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 | Bold, structured, and floral | 93 |
| 6 | Rare Rosé 2014 | Vibrant, exotic spice notes | 94 |
| 7 | Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 2014 | Precision and terroir-driven | 95 |
| 8 | Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2013 | Creamy, chalky, citrus-led | 94 |
| 9 | Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 | Rich, biscuity, and layered | 93 |
| 10 | Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2014 | Floral finesse, great length | 92 |
Top 10 Celebration-Worthy Champagnes (£35 – £120)
Criteria: The ranking in this table is a synthesis of several factors, including expert scores, tasting notes, and value for money within the standard price bracket. For instance, the Porte Noire 2013 Vintage Grand Cru is highlighted for its bright flavour and lightness. Pommery ‘Brut Royal’ Champagne is included for being a lively and elegant option at its price point. The Frerejean Frères and Barons de Rothschild Concordia Brut are included based on their positive reviews and placement within this price category in the UK market. This table aims to provide a selection of well-regarded champagnes across the standard price range.
This bracket offers exceptional quality at more accessible prices. These champagnes deliver sophistication, depth, and consistency—ideal for special occasions, gifts, or just spoiling yourself without guilt.
| Rank | Champagne | Price (GBP) | Notes | Avg Critic Score |
| 1 | Porte Noire 2013 Vintage Grand Cru | £79.75 | Bright flavour, still light | 91 |
| 2 | Pommery ‘Brut Royal’ | £34.99 – £46 | Lively and elegant | 89 |
| 3 | Telmont Réserve Brut | £39 | Fruity, iconic house | 90 |
| 4 | Pol Roger Brut Réserve | £50 – £70 | Powerful nose | 92 |
| 5 | Taittinger Brut Réserve | £44 – £60 | Fresh citrus and mineral notes | 90 |
| 6 | Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve | £70 – £90 | Elegance and balance | 91 |
| 7 | Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée | £50 – £60 | Chardonnay-dominant, fresh | 90 |
| 8 | 2008 Boizel Champagne Grand Vintage | £60 – £70 | Complex and enticing | 91 |
| 9 | Frerejean Frères Premier Cru Brut, NV | £40 – £59 | Elegant and mineral-rich | 90 |
| 10 | Barons de Rothschild Concordia Brut, NV | £50 – £60 | Refreshing and balanced | 92 |
Top 10 Everyday Sparkle Champagnes (Under £35)
Criteria: The criteria for this table focus on identifying champagnes that offer the best quality and value for money within the budget-friendly price range in the UK. Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut consistently receives high praise as an exceptional budget option. Sainsbury’s Demi-Sec and Emile Dupuis Brut are included for offering good quality and flavour profiles at affordable prices. The selection also considers reliable all-rounders and those highlighted for specific characteristics like Telmont’s lively and fruity profile.
Affordable doesn’t mean average. These bubblies bring festive vibes and punchy fruit at a price that’s more prosecco than prestige cuvée. Great for toasts, parties, and Thursday nights.
| Rank | Champagne | Price (GBP) | Notes | Avg Critic Score |
| 1 | Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut | £14.99 | Exceptional budget option | 88 |
| 2 | Sainsbury’s Demi-Sec | £23 | Sweeter style, fruity | 87 |
| 3 | Emile Dupuis Brut | £26.22 | Complex, well-balanced | 88 |
| 4 | Champagne Gremillet Ambassadeur Brut | £31 | Reliable all-rounder | 89 |
| 5 | Henri Chauvet Blanc de Noirs | £29.95 | Crisp, crowd-pleasing | 87 |
| 6 | Tesco Finest Premier Cru | £25 | Great value, refreshing | 88 |
| 7 | Waitrose Blanc de Noirs | £27.99 | Fruity richness, biscuity notes | 87 |
| 8 | Heidsieck & Co Monopole ‘Bronze Top’ Brut | £30 | Toasty nose, fresh palate | 88 |
| 9 | Champagne PIAFF Brut | £42 | Creamy brioche, crisp fruit notes | 89 |
| 10 | Louis Delaunay Champagne Brut NV | £11.25 – £15 | Unbeatable value | 86 |
What About Dom Pérignon and Salon?
You’re right to notice that Dom Pérignon and Salon weren’t explicitly in the top 10 lists within the report. This doesn’t mean they don’t rank highly; in fact, they are consistently recognised as some of the best champagnes in the world.
Here’s why they might not have appeared in those specific top 10 tables:
- Focus on Specific Criteria: The top 10 lists provided in the report were based on specific criteria. For example, one table focused on vintage champagnes, while another highlighted “prestige cuvées”. Dom Pérignon and Salon have various expressions, and they might have been included in the broader discussion of premium champagnes rather than fitting neatly into those particular top 10 categories.
- Ranking Methodologies: Different publications and experts use varying methodologies for their rankings. Some might prioritise specific vintages, while others focus on non-vintage offerings or specific styles like rosé or blanc de blancs.
- Price Bracket Placement: While both are undoubtedly premium champagnes, the top 10 premium list in the report was based on one particular ranking. Other rankings might have different top contenders. For instance, in The World’s Most Admired Champagne Brands 2024 report, Dom Pérignon ranked at number 6. In another ranking of the most expensive champagnes of 2024, several Dom Pérignon expressions appeared in the top 10.
In summary, both Dom Pérignon and Salon are highly esteemed and frequently appear in “best of” champagne lists. Their absence from the specific top 10 tables in the report is likely due to the specific focus and ranking criteria used for those particular lists. They are certainly considered among the top tier of champagnes.
Final Thoughts
Whatever your budget, 2025 has you sipping like royalty. For weekday sparkle, grab Veuve Monsigny or Tesco’s finest. Want more depth? Try Rothschild’s crisp elegance or Frerejean’s savoury richness. Celebrating something special? Go all out with Comtes Rosé or Krug 2008.
No matter the bottle, just chill, pour, and enjoy. Santé!
