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As we enter autumn and the nights get longer, there's no better spark in the cold to turn to than Champagne. And these days, there's a wide selection of producers and styles to choose from on the market. To narrow down your options, we've rounded up some of the most appealing new reviews from recent tastings: All of these bubblies scored at least 90 points, and not a single one will cost you more than $50 a bottle. A case of bubbly may be in order this upcoming holiday season.
PIERRE GIMONNET & FILS Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Sélection Belles Années NV
This fresh blanc de blancs dances across the palate, with a fine, lacy mousse carrying flavors of green apple, lemon pastry cream, toast point and dried apricot. The clean-cut finish shows minerally hints of chalk and saline. Disgorged September 2017. Drink now through 2022. 680 cases imported.
Made entirely from white grapes—most often Chardonnay—blanc de blancs Champagnes are beloved for their crisp minerality and focus. Several of the most celebrated wines in the region are made in this style. This cuvée from Pierre Gimonnet is a great, pure expression of blanc de blancs.
ALFRED GRATIEN Brut Champagne NV
This bright, elegant Champagne offers a lovely range of apple and pear pastry, spring blossom, slivered almond and lemon curd flavors riding the plush and creamy mousse, with a lingering finish of spice and saline. Drink now through 2021. 1,500 cases imported.
The house of Alfred Gratien has been making excellent Champagnes in the town of Epernay since 1864. It has stayed in the same family since, passing down from generation to generation. Today, father-and-son duo Jean-Pierre and Nicolas Jaeger continue this legacy.
HENRIOT Brut Champagne Souverain NV
A finely balanced and creamy Champagne. Smoky mineral and toast notes on the nose lead to flavors of crunchy white peach and lemon curd, with a green waft of spring blossom on the fresh palate. Drink now through 2021. 6,000 cases imported.
Henriot's Souverain is a classic reserve-style Champagne that won't break the bank. The blend is half Chardonnay, with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with 30 percent of it from reserve wine. More than 25 crus from Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims went into this beautiful bottling.
POL ROGER Brut Champagne Réserve NV
A well-cut Champagne, with a zesty mousse, this offers a harmonious mix of crème de cassis, Honeycrisp apple, candied ginger and toasty notes, offering a subtle, smoke- and spice-tinged finish. Drink now through 2021. 24,000 cases imported.
There are few names in Champagne more starlit than that of Pol Roger, particularly when it comes to wine-loving royals. After five generations, this family-owned house continues to vinify an elegant style. This very cuvée was poured at the wedding of Prince Harry of Wales and Meghan Markle last May.
DIEBOLT-VALLOIS Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV
Ripe apricot and orchard blossom notes are set on the satiny bead of this well-balanced blanc de blancs. Fresh and personable, with accents of pastry cream and candied lemon peel. Disgorged November 2017. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.
Diebolt-Vallois is a winery that takes pride in its soil: The chalky earth of their Cramant vineyards is a perfect home for Chardonnay, and this blanc de blancs proves that point with finesse. Before digging into those hardy meals this coming season, pour this Champagne with a slice of mimolette cheese.
LAURENT-PERRIER Brut Champagne La Cuvée NV
Lightly toasty and vibrant, this balanced Champagne carries flavors of melon, black currant, lemon preserves and smoky mineral on the fine, lively mousse. Drink now through 2021. 24,000 cases imported.
Cellar master Michel Fauconnet has done an excellent job of continuing Laurent-Perrier's tradition of greatness. The house was founded in 1812, and has been in the same family, the Nonancourts, since 1939. Laurent-Perrier's style is richly distinct while remaining balanced.
G.H. MUMM Brut Champagne Grand Cordon NV
A firm, well-knit Champagne, in an aperitif style, this offers a lightly toasty mix of ripe apricot, black currant, anise and candied lemon zest flavors, set on a crisp, lively mousse. Drink now through 2020. 20,000 cases imported.
While some of Champagne's best-known wines are noted for their bold, lush character, there's just as much joy in lighter styles. G.H. Mumm's Grand Cordon is a great introduction to this genre. Made in a crisp aperitif style, it's the perfect sparkler to sip on a relaxing Sunday afternoon, or paired with a fresh fruit salad.
PERRIER-JOUËT Brut Champagne Grand Brut NV
A fresh and elegant Champagne, with the delicate mousse imparting a soft creaminess to the finely knit flavors of poached apricot, toast, lemon preserves and spun honey. Smoke-tinged finish. Drink now through 2021. 40,000 cases imported.
Perrier-Jouët has become a staple among bubbly drinkers for its crowd-pleasing style and familiar flower-patterned bottles. The house has a long history, dating back to 1811, and continues to make delicious bruts, like this Grand bottling, under the direction of cellar master Hervé Deschamps.