Ranking the quality of the best champagnes – do you have an opinion?

During a tasting of Vintage and Editions Krug at The Vault last week, our head sommelier was asked an interesting question: "Would you generally rank Krug Champagnes higher than Dom Pérignon?" In my own head, the answer was a clear "YES!", but as the discussion developed, I could see that not everyone agreed. (Well, it was almost everyone!). One woman even confused Dom Pérignon with Bollinger, so it was a bit difficult to take her opinion seriously. lol!

It made me more curious about which champagnes our clients – and people in Denmark in general – think are the best on the market. I understand that ranking champagnes is a bit like ranking luxury cars. Some believe that Bentley is the top of the pop, while others choose Rolls Royce or perhaps Mercedes. So, just like with cars, the ranking of champagne is quite subjective and depends on which style you personally prefer.

Just for fun – and to get some debate going – I've decided to make my own ranking of the five best champagnes I've tasted in my life. And I don't mean individual bottles from specific vintages, but champagne houses that consistently deliver fantastic experiences with their wines. Plus a little information about each house if you read along and don't know them so well.

• KRUG – Known for its Grande Cuvée (Editions), which blends over 120 wines from more than 10 vintages. Deep, complex and always worth storing. Clearly takes first place with me.

• The boy – Perhaps the oldest champagne house, known for traditional methods and expressive, structured wines. Vintage 2002 will always have a place in my heart. This choice is perhaps a little controversial.

• Moët & Chandon "I really just mean here The Dom Pérignon brand, as most of their other wines are often a bit boring. But Vintage Dom Pérignon is consistently high quality and filled with the brioche notes I love.

• Charles Heidsieck – Full-bodied, mature style with long aging on yeast residues – just the way I like it. Their Brut Réserve is a reference in non-vintage champagne and is often confused with vintage.

• Salon – Produces only vintage blanc de blancs from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Rare, clean and extremely delicious. Not so common in Denmark, but if you get the chance, taste it!

In general, I don't like oxidized champagnes – so anything that tastes oxidized is automatically excluded for me. They taste like the apple cider I grew up with, with a little alcohol added. I know some of you love it, but I can get a much cheaper version from my hometown, Romeo, Michigan, if you want to save money. 😄

I also wanted to add Taittinger to my list because I love their Comtes de Champagne. 2008 is especially amazing. However, due to their fluctuating quality in other styles, it is difficult to include them.

Do you agree with my choices? What is your "Mercedes" among champagne houses – or perhaps a specific brand, vintage, style, etc.? Let us know your opinion...