All the medallists from The Champagne Masters 2026

AFTER AN intense day spent tasting nothing but Champagne, one gains a very clear perspective on the state of the category – especially when the competition is as comprehensive as this one. Taking in almost all the leading maisons, every style and every price band, the event covers the varied expressions of the region. While the fundamental blueprint remains consistent – traditional method sparkling wine made from a core of three grapes – it was exciting to encounter fine varietal Champagnes made from the region’s rare, relic varieties, such as Arbanne. Indeed, one of the product’s greatest strengths is a unified production process that manages to yield a wide diversity of styles. Within this single appellation, there is enough range to sate any demand, be it an inexpensive entry-point, something esoteric like a single-vineyard varietal, or the ostentatious luxury of a richly packaged prestige cuvée.

WHY QUALITY IS ON THE RISE

So, where does the value lie? This is the question one inevitably asks after such a tasting: which wines produced the best results relative to their price? Before identifying those standouts, it is important to note that the overall standard of Champagne is rising. This trend was noted after last year’s tasting, and it remains true in 2026. This improvement is partly due to refined production processes, but it is also – paradoxically – a result of market conditions.

The downturn in demand has been a boon for quality. With lower pressure to meet high volume targets, there is no longer a need to push vineyards to produce more than nature comfortably allows. Vineyard management has also evolved. More widespread than a decade ago is the adoption of permanent ground cover; allowing grasses to grow between the vines is said to lower yields by 15%–20% compared to keeping the ground bare with herbicides.

THE ROLE OF RESERVE WINES AND AGEING

In the case of non-vintage Champagne specifically, consistency is improving thanks to changes in reserve wine regulations. Producers are now permitted to keep up to an entire harvest in reserve (10,000kg/ha) to blend with younger base vintages.

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These reserve stocks, which often span several harvests, bring immense depth. They can inject freshness into a ripe base vintage, or add richness and aged characters, such as dried fruit and honey. Furthermore, slowing demand means Champagnes at all levels are being aged longer on and off their lees. This extended maturation brings those classic biscuitlike notes and an appealing softness to the palate. Collectively, these factors – riper fruit and greater complexity – are why dosages across the region have continued to fall.

FINDING THE VALUE PEAKS

While a run of magnificent harvests (2018 through to 2025, with only 2023 proving a disappointment) has raised the bar, the ‘vintage’ category remains the sweet spot for value. These wines represent a selection of the best grapes from top harvests, yet they are often priced only 20% above non-vintage expressions – a modest premium compared to the steep jump to prestige cuvées. The 2018s are excellent, while the 2019s, currently coming onto the market, are magnificent. In the prestige cuvée tier, longer lees ageing means the wines currently on sale are often from older harvests. Look for the fine 2012s and the fresher 2013s; the latter offers a cooler profile, marking the last time growers picked the majority of their grapes as late as October.

STANDOUT PRODUCERS

Beyond the famous labels, higher-end expressions from less well-known producers deliver exceptional value. Notable Master and Gold winners from this year’s competition include: Nicolas Feuillatte, for its Premier Cru Extra Brut – a Master-winner available for under £50; Gardet, with its Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru, which took Gold and retails for approximately £40; and Palmer & Co. – one of the highest scorers of the competition for its 2018 Blanc de Blancs (£60). As for the ultimate accolade, the Grand Master of 2026 was awarded to Champagne Rare for its 2012 vintage expression. It was a narrow victory, nearly overtaken by its own 2014 Rosé in magnum. This niche maison, now marketed independently from its source, Piper-Heidsieck, continues to craft benchmark sparkling wines for those times when price is no object.

Non-Vintage

Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Noirs

Vintage

Prestige Cuvée

About the competition