Highlights: Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV

This isn’t life-changing fizz, but it’s a really well made Champagne at a good price, and I’m sitting here in an airport lounge drinking it with pleasure, as are quite a few others.

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV France
12% alcohol. This is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier and 20% Champagne, from 240 partner growers and more than 100 crus. No herbicide, and all HVE 3 sustainable. It has at least 30% reserve wines in it, and spends at least 24 months on lees. 8 g/l dosage. It’s fine, bright, fruit-driven and really appealing with subtle toast, some spice, sweet pear and white peach fruit, a touch of grapefruit freshness and appealing sweetness. Such a clever, attractive, fruit-forward Champagne with real appeal. There’s a little complexity here, which rewards some attention, but this is all about its fruit and fine toast fun. 90/100