Regarding Champagne, “non-vintage” refers to a blend of grapes from multiple years. It contrasts “vintage” champagne, made entirely from a single year’s grapes. Non-vintage Champagne is the most common type, as it is more consistent in quality yearly.
Non-vintage Champagne is typically made from 60-70% pinot noir, 15-20% pinot Meunier, and 10-15% chardonnay. The exact blend of grapes will vary yearly, depending on the quality of the grapes in that particular vintage. The winemaker’s goal is to create consistent quality and taste of Champagne from year to year, regardless of the vintage.
When buying non-vintage Champagne, look for a blend that includes wines from at least two years. It will ensure that the Champagne is well-balanced and has a complex flavor profile. Also, be sure to check the production date on the label. The wine should have been made within the last three years.
Best Non-Vintage Champagnes to Buy
When buying Champagne, many people think only the vintage options are worth splurging on. However, many non-vintage Champagnes are just as good, if not better, than their vintage counterparts. Here are some of the best non-vintage Champagnes to buy:
Bollinger, PN VZ 16, Champagne, France
There are few things more luxurious than enjoying a glass of Champagne. And when it comes to choosing the best Champagne, Bollinger is a top pick. The PN VZ 16 is non-vintage champagne from Bollinger, perfect for special occasions.
This champagne is made with Pinot Noir grapes and has a unique flavor, much love. Bollinger PN VZ 16 is an excellent option if you are looking for high-quality champagne.
Champagne Fleury, Blanc de Noirs Brut, Aube, Champagne
For many champagne lovers, the best non-vintage champagnes are those from well-known producers. And while there are many excellent producers of non-vintage Champagne, one that consistently produces high-quality Champagne is Champagne Fleury.
Located in the Aube region of Champagne, Champagne Fleury has been producing Champagne since 1872. The Blanc de Noirs Brut is one of their most popular champagnes, made exclusively from black grapes. This Champagne is full-bodied and has blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum aromas. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy more affluent champagne.
Benoît Déhu, La Rue des Noyers, Champagne, NV
There’s something to be said for drinking Champagne that’s not too old and not too young. That’s where non-vintage Champagnes come in, like Benoît Déhu’s La Rue des Noyers. This Champagne from the Champagne region of France is an excellent example of a non-vintage Champagne worth buying. It’s made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes and has a nice balance of acidity and sweetness. If you’re looking for a non-vintage Champagne to drink now, this is a good one to pick up.
Champagne is a sparkling wine from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France, following the traditional method of champenoise. Though the vast majority of Champagne is produced as non-vintage, a small proportion of Champagne is produced as vintage. To be labeled as vintage, the Champagne must be composed of 100% of the grapes from a single year’s harvest and be declared as such by the producer. The decision to declare a vintage is based on the quality of the grape harvest that year.