5 great Champagne vintages to pair on New Year’s Eve
The time to ring in the New Year and we all know what that means: Champagne – and lots of it! The transition into the new year wouldn’t be the same without this iconic fizz.
While a Champagne toast to health and prosperity is a customary part of the celebrations, why not let the festive fun begin earlier in the evening with a pairing menu of bubbly with party food or dinner? How many times have you had a great bottle of Champagne that toasted the New Year when it would have been just as great in a pairing menu with sweet and savory fare?
With this in mind, we thought we’d pay homage to great Champagne vintages over five decades, from 1976 to 2012. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) has rated each of these vintages as “outstanding”. We’re doing a mini-deep dive into what makes each so extraordinary, and suggesting perfect dishes to pair with every pick.
Ready to be inspired? Join us in the cellar!
1976
Overview: A warm spring led to early budburst and flowering. This was followed by a hot, dry summer, meaning full ripening and an early harvest.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate vintage score: 94.
Our pick: De Telmont, Heritage Brut Vintage
Profile: Blanc de Noirs. 100% Pinot Meunier.
This vintage Champagne is a deep golden color and features aromas of dried fruit, ripe fig, and sun-kissed wheat. On the palate, it boasts layers of ample orchard fruit with hints of gingerbread all lifted by good acidity, leading to a long, rounded finish. Its body, complexity, and tartness make it ideal for rich fish dishes, white meats, and crispy textures.
Pair with:
Foie gras
Langoustines rôties
Grilled tuna
Salmon Wellington
Pan-seared pork chops
1982
Overview: An excellent growing season, brief humidity, and timely rain turned out abundant yields, producing concentrated, intensely flavored wines ideal for cellaring.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate vintage score: 94.
Our pick: 1982, Krug, Vintage Brut
Profile: Blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.
Fuller-bodied Champagne with aromas of mocha and hazelnut with tropical fruit, honey, spice, and vanilla in an elegant, toasty, layered palate. Soft, mature, and nuanced, with a refreshing, lasting finish. A layered, richly fruity, and complex character makes this Champagne a super diverse pairing wine.
Pair with:
Indian or Vietnamese cuisine
Shrimp with mango sauce
Chicken curry
Mature Comté cheese
Orange soufflé
Carrot cake
1999
Overview: A warm summer was followed by early September rain, resulting in some rot but harvest went ahead productively later in the month. This year yielded top-tier wines with many aging beautifully, standing the test of time to this day.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate vintage score: 95.
Our pick: 1999, Salon, Le Mesnil
Profile: Blanc de Blancs
Offers up aromas of white florals, citrus, and toasted almond which opens into a mouth of ripe pear, lemon, and buttery brioche in a creamy palate with good minerality and a long, elegant finish. This classic Champagne has the flavors and textures to match briny dishes, creamy recipes, and tart fare.
Pair with:
Freshly shucked oysters
Butter-poached lobster
Goat cheese salad
Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc
2002
Overview: A cold winter, an ideal spring, and a warm, dry summer led to balanced, opulent wines with good alcohol and acidity, and excellent aging potential.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate vintage score: 95.
Our pick: 2002, Taittinger, Comtes Champagne
Profile: Blanc de Blancs
Features pear, citrus confit, dried fruit, marzipan, brioche, oyster shell, and smoky hints in a full-bodied and richly textured palate with a concentrated, layered core of fruit, closing in a long, complex finish. This 2002 is ideal served with fish dishes, white meats, and poultry – especially with roasted, crispy textures or creamy richness.
Pair with:
Scampi risotto
Caviar and prosciutto vol au vents topped with crème fraîche
Herb roasted chicken
2012
Overview: A tough start with a frosty, hail-stricken spring was followed by a hot August and a sunny September supporting beautifully ripened grapes. Yields were low, producing high-quality wines displaying depth, balance, and complexity.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate vintage score: 96
Our pick: 2012, Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon
Profile: Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
A complex bouquet of pear, citrus, nut, and honeycomb leads to a full-bodied, rich mouth with mandarin orange, apricot, mirabelle plum, and rhubarb. There’s a touch of mint, pleasing saline hints, and vibrant minerality. The purity and balance of this Champagne mean it’s ideal for a range of seafood recipes, lean meats, and mild cheeses plus it can stand up to fragrant, spicy flavors.
Pair with:
Crispy potato galette with smoked salmon and dill cream
Scallops with potato pancakes
Sesame-crusted tuna with ginger cream
Miso-crusted pork with apples
Mixed seafood salad
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