Grower Champagnes

[stellar]

Any recommendations for interesting "grower champagnes" under $35? I live in NYC, so I have access to a variety of stores.

Thanks in advance!

[oolah]

You're not going to find much for under $35 -- that's typically the floor for entry-level grower champagne (or any champagne, really).

At around $40, Chartogne-Taillet NV Cuvée Ste. Anne is a fantastic champagne, especially for the price. I don't think you'll do better than that in your price range. It's available at most reputable NYC wine stores, including Chambers St Wines.

If you're willing to splurge and double your budget, Larmandier-Bernier NV Blanc de Blancs is also very good (~$60), as is Egly-Ouriet NV Champagne Brut (~$65).

Cheers!

[Brad Ballinger]

You'll find a good selection at Chambers Street Wines. Not sure many will be under $35, but some will be close.

[SteveTimko]

Astor wines has Agrapart & Fils Champagne for $39. Good stuff.

http://www.astorwines.com/SearchResul...

[chefdilettante]

Try Moore Brothers: Small selection of grower champagnes but three of my favorites, Diebolt-Vallois Cuvee Tradition ($45), Bereche and Delavenne.

http://moorebrothers.com/our-stores-ny

[Ali]

Agreed on Moore Bros. The Diebolt-Vallois mentioned is lovely. (Moore Bros might try to steer you toward their excellent selection of cremant [d'Alsace, de Bourgogne, etc.] but there's a good bunch of champagne to be found.)

[whiner]

Michel Arnould. Available from K&L for shipping. I swear by it as my entry-level Champagne.

[Brad Ballinger]

Just drank the Verzenay Grand Cru last week. Fantastic stuff!

[kaysyrahsyrah]

I'd be careful of grower names under $35. I'd cut the budget elsewhere to get a $50 gorwer...if you are purchasing two or more bottles, I'd consider buying a top-end Cremant and then picking a $50 grower (20+50 = 70).

Astor and Moore will hook you up.

[SteveTimko]

Some of Agrapart's Champagnes are in the low $20s and are splendid. Completely bust the stereotype of Champagnes being a poor QPR.
Of course, Huet are in the upper $20s and are world class, but are from the Loire. . .

[DavidT]

Article in 12/23/09 NY Times on quality champagnes under $40:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/din...

[maria lorraine]

Second this article for recommendations.

[wew]

A note of caution on the price of Agrapart Les 7 Crus listed in the article. The $29 is a wholesale not retail price.