Is Chandon Brut good?
Chandon Brut is a good California sparkling wine made the same way as Champagne, with a richer, toastier taste than Prosecco for well under Champagne prices.
Chandon Brut · Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier · California · most grocery stores, Target and Costco
- Alcohol
- About 12%
- Sweetness
- Brut (dry)
- Grapes
- Mostly Chardonnay, plus Pinot Noir and a dash of Meunier
- Made by
- Chandon, owned by Moët Hennessy (LVMH)
- From
- Napa Valley and around California
- Price
- About $20 to $25
- Calories
- About 120 in a 5 oz glass (estimate)
What it tastes like
Apple, pear and a little toast, with fine bubbles, ending crisp and dry. More substance than most Proseccos.
- Bodylight → big
- Sweetnessdry → sweet
- Zingsoft → zippy
Is it worth $22?
Yes, it's a solid middle ground. You get a Champagne-ish feel at about $22, and it shows up nicely at a dinner party.
Who it’s for
People who want something a step up from Prosecco without paying for real Champagne. Fans of soft, fruity fizz may prefer La Marca.
How to serve it
Well chilled, from the fridge or an ice bucket.
The backstory
Chandon was started in 1973 in Yountville, Napa Valley, by Moët & Chandon, the giant Champagne house. It was the first French-owned sparkling wine company in the US. The Brut is made the traditional way, with the bubbles formed in each bottle, which gives it that toasty, biscuity hint. Recent blends lean heavily on Chardonnay, so it tastes bright and appley rather than heavy.
How it compares
- Chandon vs Korbel
Korbel is cheaper and softer with a touch more sweetness; Chandon is drier, finer and worth the extra few dollars for a dinner party.
- Chandon vs Veuve Clicquot
Veuve is real Champagne with more depth and toast; Chandon gets you a similar feel for well under half the price.
- Chandon vs La Marca
La Marca is fruitier, softer and cheaper; Chandon is drier with more body, so it holds up better with food.
What to eat with it
Questions people ask
- Is Chandon Brut Champagne?
- No. It's California sparkling wine. It's made the same way as Champagne and by the company that owns Moët, but only wine from France's Champagne region can be called Champagne.
- What is Chandon Brut?
- It's a dry California sparkling wine, mostly Chardonnay with some Pinot Noir, from Moët Hennessy's winery in Napa Valley. It sits between Prosecco and real Champagne in taste and price.
- Is Chandon Brut sweet?
- No, it's dry. Brut on a bubbly label means low sugar, and Chandon ends crisp with just a hint of fruit.
- How much is Chandon Brut?
- About $20 to $25 for a 750 ml bottle, a little less at Costco or on sale around the holidays.
- Is Chandon the same as Moët & Chandon?
- Same family, different wine. Moët & Chandon makes Champagne in France; Chandon is its sister brand making sparkling wine in California and a few other countries.
If you like this, try
- KorbelSparkling blend · about $13It's fine
- Veuve ClicquotPinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier · about $60Drink this one
- La MarcaGlera · about $16Good buy
Where Moxie recommends it
- What is the best wine for Thanksgiving dinner?
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- What is sparkling wine?
Last checked 2026-10-04. Moxie Vino isn’t affiliated with Chandon; this is our honest take. Bottle photo: Chandon.