Non-Vintage Champagne

Non-VintageChampagne

Accounting for more than 80% of all bottles sold, non-vintage Champagne is by far the most popular style.

What Does Non-Vintage Champagne mean?

A more accurate description of Non-Vintage Champagne would be ‘multi-vintage’, given that non-vintage blends typically comprise 60%-90% from one vintage, with the remainder made up of ‘reserve’ wines from other years, to ensure that the Champagne keeps its house style intact. Non-Vintage is often shortened to 'NV' – so if you see NV on a bottle of Champagne, you can be confident it is a blend of several vintages.

Non-Vintage Champagnes do not have to be drunk within a year of purchase; in fact, if left to mature for up to five years or so, they will become more complex – or, if your preference is for fresher, cleaner flavours, then they can be enjoyed immediately; the choice is yours. And while the big names are deservedly celebrated, it’s worth trying a ‘grower’s’ Champagne, made by smaller producers; you may not recognise their name, but their Champagne is often top-notch.

Famous Non-Vintage Champagnes

The best-known Champagne brands are some of the most famous brands in the world full stop – think of Krug, Bollinger, Veuve Clicquot, Moet et Chandon – the list goes on. All the biggest Champagne brands are a byword for luxury – and it helps that Champagne itself is forever linked with good times and celebrations.