Champagne, a timeless classic, is celebrated globally with gusto, particularly on Champagne Day, observed annually on the fourth Friday of October. As enthusiasts gear up to pop open a bottle, the exceptional vintages awarded at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2024 offer a compelling lineup of Champagnes worth exploring.
The Award-Winning Vintage Champagnes
The 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards saw Champagne triumph, with 28 Gold, seven Platinum, and two Best in Show medals. Vintage Champagnes took center stage, with 25 out of the 37 top medals awarded to these sparkling wines, showcasing the region's excellence. Notably, the 2013 vintage was exceptional, with seven Champagnes scoring 95+ points.
Champagne's Top Honors: Best in Show Medalists
Two Champagnes captured the esteemed Best in Show medals: Castelnau Brut 2006 and Charles Heidsieck Blanc Des Millénaires Brut 2014, both vintage delights. The Castelnau Brut 2006, a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 20% Pinot Meunier, hails from a warm vintage. It dazzles with harmonious aromas of cream and summer fruit, maintaining freshness and nerve even as it matures. The Charles Heidsieck Blanc Des Millénaires Brut 2014, crafted entirely from Chardonnay, is an epitome of finesse. With aromas of cream, flowers, nuts, and orchard fruits, it encapsulates the essence of a cooler vintage year from the revered Côtes des Blancs.
Platinum Medalists: Exquisite Selections Worth Savoring
Among the seven Platinum medalists, Laurent-Perrier's Alexandra Rosé Brut 2012 stands out. Composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, it is deeply gastronomic, offering layers of red cherries, strawberries, and creamy vanilla notes with a vivacious mousse. Similarly, Philippe Gonet's Ter Blanc Extra Brut NV, a 100% Chardonnay creation, presents exquisite lemon blossom aromas and smoky brioche notes that provide panache and grace.
Gold Medalists: Champagne to Explore
Gold medalists at the DWWA 2024 also offer intriguing discoveries. Among them, Maison Mumm's RSRV Cuvée Lalou Brut Grand Cru 2008, with its spectacular layers of crunchy apple and white blossom, stands out. Piper-Heidsieck Brut 2018, with its sublime amalgamation of sourdough, ripe peach, and lemon, provides a gloriously long finish.
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Revel in Authentic Champagne Experiences
The wide range of Champagnes honored at the DWWA 2024 highlights the region's remarkable ability to blend tradition with innovation. This Champagne Day, indulge in these acclaimed selections, appreciating the stories each bottle holds, and embark on an enriching journey of taste and discovery.
