There was a total of 16 Gold Medalists from the recently announced International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2021 judging of Champagne. The 2012 vintage, one of the best vintages Champagne producers have seen in the last two decades, figured prominently among the winners. These sparkling wines have an average of around 90 months of bottle aging before being released.

The IWSC is the oldest wines and spirits competition in the world. It’s praised both for the quality of its judges; many of which are among the world’s leading authorities, and the scope of its wines and spirits judging.

The winners were an eclectic mix that contained both well-known Champagne houses like Piper-Heidsieck and Palmer & Co, grower cooperatives, and less well known and lower priced brands. The results provided persuasive proof that high quality and low price can go hand in hand.

The top scoring Champagne was the Rare Millésime 2008 Brut, 12% ABV, $179, from Piper-Heidsieck. The judging panel described it as having:

An expressive buttered brioche nose, gun smoke reduction, red fruit and toasted almond and pistachio notes. The very precise and elegant Champagne has a piercing acidity that underscores the long finish of lime zest, quince and apple.

Piper-Heidsieck had an impressive showing, taking 4 out of the 16 Gold Medals awarded. Also winning a Gold Medal was the Rare Rosé Brut 2008, 12% ABV, $450, comprised of a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The judging panel described it as having:

Elegant toast, nut and brioche aromas, bright red berries burst on the palate underpinned by the smoky savoriness of flint. A long lingering finish and fine, generous mousse makes for a superlative gastronomic experience.

A magnum of the 1998 Rare Brut, $221, and the Cuvée Brut NV (non-vintage) were the other two Gold Medalists for Piper Heidsieck. At an average price of around $45, the Cuvée Brut NV is an exceptional value and among the least expensive of the Gold Medalists in the Champagne category.

Palmer & Co, one of Champagne’s iconic producers, scored two Gold Medals, one for its Palmer Brut 2012, $113, and one for its Palmer, Blanc de Blanc Brut, $82. Both wines are 12% ABV. The judging panel described the 2012 Brut as:

Gloriously indulgent with a pronounced nose of green fruit and freshly baked brioche leading onto a palate brimming with tropical fruit, cream and pastry flavors. Full of depth with lively acidity and culminating in a triumphant fruity finale. Sensational.

Jacques Picard, Art de Vigna Extra Brut 2007, was another Gold Medalist. It was described by the judging panel as “powerfully full-bodied yet with a balanced elegance and a long finish.” This wine is a blend of Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Meunier (20%) and Pinot Noir (20%). It’s available in the US, but is generally hard to find.

Jean Philippe Moulin, Brut 2012, $40, is part of the wine list distributed online by Naked Wines. At $40 per bottle, this is another exceptional value among the Champagne Gold Medalists.

The official tasting notes describe the wine as having:

A rich biscuity and bountiful nose of apricot, orange, fig, preserved lemon, nougat character and balance with a wonderfully long finish.

Duval-Leroy, Gran Cru Blanc de Blanc, Brut NV, 12.5% ABV, $41, is another bargain priced Champagne that won a Gold Medal. The judging panel described it as:

A true gastronomic delight ... displaying layers of rich patisserie flavors masterfully balanced and seamlessly integrated with bright acacia and toasted hazelnut notes. A true crowd pleaser for the discerning and one that has great potential for bottle aging.

Lanson, Le Black Reserve Brut NV, 12.5% ABV, $56. Lanson is one of the oldest Champagne houses in France, dating back to 1760. This is another non-vintage bargain, and can often be found for under $40 per bottle. It’s notable for having, at 45%, a high percentage of reserve wines in the final blend.

The tasting note from the judging panel described it as exhibiting:

Powerful aromas of red apple tarte tatin, (an apple pastry) lemon curd and freshly baked brioche envelop the senses. Bright linear freshness comes through to cleanse the palate with notes of citrus and flint. The toasty oak is well judged, just glinting through on a saline, chalky finish.

De Saint-Gall Orpale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 2008, 12.5% ABV, $121, was described by the judging panel as:

An elegant, developed and multifaceted nose of figs, sour honey, salted almonds, pastry and a citrus undercurrent. The lively and assertive palate is complex and focused with an elegant creamy texture with nutty and citrus notes.

Allouchery-Perseval Premier Cru Extra Brut 2012, 12.5%, $60. This is another Gold Medalist Champagne that can be hard to find in the US, although it is available. The official tasting note of the judging panel described it as:

An expressive nose combines floral notes with ripe apple and pear fruit, opening onto honeyed lemon, marzipan, touches of spice and bread dough. A hint of bitter lemon adds depth to the tension and freshness on the palate.

Maison Mumm RSRV 4.5 Grand Cru Brut NV, 12% ABV, $50, is another non-vintage Gold Medalist. This sparkling wine is part of the Maison Mumm range. It’s a blend from the five different areas of Champagne that supply grapes for Mumm’s sparkling wines. Roughly 70% of the blend is comprised of grapes from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards.

The official tasting note from the judging panel described it as having:

A lively mousse with fresh and fragrant aromas. Hints of sherbet, marshmallow, lemon posset (a kind of lemon custard), mango, creamed peaches and ripe orange lead on to a composed and approachable palate that has good complexity.

Nicolas Feuillatte, Palme d’Or Brut 2008, 12.5% ABV, $164. Nicolas Feuillatte is the trade name for the Champagne brand of one of the largest grower cooperative. Founded in 1976, it is one of the biggest producers of Champagne in France and a consistent medal winner. Over 5,000 growers supply grapes for the cooperative’s flagship bottlings.

The official tasting notes described it as:

Fragrant, subtle notes of curry leaf lead on the nose of this fresh, bright Champagne. Cashew, lemon tart, and baked apple pie intertwine on a fruity and generous palate. Finely balanced, it drinks beautifully.

Co-op Les Pionniers Brut 2012, 12% ABV, is another bottling from a grower cooperative in Champagne. The sparkling wine is actually produced at the Piper Heidsieck facility in Reims. This is a relatively inexpensive Champagne, but is also hard to find in the US. In the UK, it generally sells for around $35, and is often discounted to below $30. It also has an enviable reputation for outscoring many top grand marque Champagnes.

The official tasting notes describe it as:

A poised offering, this golden Champagne offers layers of balanced flavors with notes of sweet biscuit, crepe patisserie, yellow plum, and honey dew melon. Hints of toasted brioche and incense provide depth and a defined, victorious finish.

The last Gold Medalist in the 2021 Champagne judging was the Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne NV, 12.5%. This is a store brand of the Tesco retail grocery chain. In the UK, it typically sells for around $25, but on occasion can be promotionally priced for under $20. Probably the best value in Champagne, which unfortunately is not available in the US. Pity!

Cheers