Moxie Vino

What is Champagne?

Champagne is sparkling wine made only in the Champagne region of France, usually from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and it tastes crisp and dry with lemon, apple and a toasty, fresh-bread flavor.

Champagne isn't a grape. It's a place, a region northeast of Paris, and only bubbly made there can use the name. Everything else that sparkles is just sparkling wine, even when it's made the exact same way.

Tastes like
Lemon, green apple, toast, brioche
Sweetness
Most are 'Brut', which is dry
Where it's from
Champagne, France
Price range
About $22 at Costco, usually $40–70
Serve at
Cold, 45–50°F
Bodylight → big
Sweetnessdry → sweet
Zingsoft → zippy

What Champagne tastes like

Champagne is drier and sharper than Prosecco. You get lemon, crisp apple and, the signature part, a toasty, bready flavor like a warm croissant. That comes from the wine resting on spent yeast inside the bottle for months or years.

The bubbles are finer and creamier too. Acidity, the mouthwatering tang, is high, which is why it feels so refreshing and pairs with almost anything.

Why it costs more

Every bottle gets its second fermentation, the part that makes bubbles, inside that exact bottle, then sits aging before release. It's slow, hands-on and happens on expensive land, so a real Champagne rarely dips below about $35 outside of Costco's own label.

How to read the label

'Brut' means dry and is what most people should buy. 'Extra Brut' and 'Brut Nature' are even drier. 'Demi-Sec' is noticeably sweet and works with dessert.

'Blanc de Blancs' means all Chardonnay, so it's lighter and more lemony. 'Blanc de Noirs' is made from red grapes and tastes a little rounder and fruitier. 'Rosé' is pink, with a bit of strawberry.

What to eat with it

Fried chicken and Champagne is a famous combo for a reason: salt, fat and crunch against cold, sharp bubbles. It also loves oysters, shrimp, popcorn, potato chips and anything with cream sauce.

Champagne to try

  • Kirkland Signature Brut Champagne

    about $22

    Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot MeunierDrink this one

    Real Champagne for about the price of fancy Prosecco. Costco's best wine deal, full stop.

  • Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut

    about $40

    Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay

    A friendly, fruity Champagne that shows up on sale often around the holidays.

  • Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut

    about $60

    Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot MeunierDrink this one

    The orange label people recognize. Rich, toasty and a reliable gift.

  • Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut

    about $55

    Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay

    Bright and apple-y, a bit lighter than Veuve. The classic celebration bottle.

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Last checked 2026-10-11.