Best Western European Beverage Types
Brunello di Montalcino is a red Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino in the Tuscany wine region. Though it was initially considered to be made from a separate grape variety named Brunello, it was later discovered that the grape used in the production of the wine is in fact Sangiovese.
Regarded as one of the most renowned Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the designation of origin (DOCG), and it is produced with 100% Sangiovese grapes. At first, it comes off as juicy and spicy, with notes of oregano and balsamic, and it may develop strong aromas of cherry and leather.
Baga is a red grape variety mostly used in the Portuguese Bairrada appellation. This dark-skinned grape can produce wines of various characters, but until the 1980s, most producers used it for inexpensive bulk wines. When the approach and the techniques were adjusted, it was shown that Baga is able to produce excellent quality wines with great aromatic structure, good acidity, and firm tannins.
Baga wines are built for long aging and significantly benefit from the time spent in the bottle. The powerful tannins will tone down, and the aromas usually gain some elegance and complexity. Young Baga wines will have aromas of red berries and fruit, which may evolve into more complex expressions of tobacco, plums, and coffee.
This full-bodied, red wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes in a small area in Piedmont with a unique soil and climate conditions. It has been produced since the 19th century, and soon after its invention, it became a favorite among the Italian and European nobility.
According to Italian DOCG regulations, Barolo needs to matured for at least 36 months, while those aged for five years carry the prestigious Riserva label. It is a robust, but elegant wine, which is very high in tannins that soften with aging.
THE BEST Barolo Wine Appellations
Vintage Port is a style made from the best grapes of a single year harvest. It is considered the most prestigious and the highest quality port style. Vintage is not produced every year, but only when port houses decide that the wine is of sufficient quality.
Vintages make only about 2% of all port production, and in the best years, all port houses will declare a Vintage. The decision to declare a Vintage can be made after Portugal’s Port Wine Institute had approved it. Vintages are barrel-aged for two to three years and are not filtered before they are bottled.
Rías Baixas is a Spanish appellation located along the Atlantic coast in Galicia. The entire region is divided into five subregions: Salnes Valley, O Rosal, Soutomaior, Ribeira do Ulla, and Condado do Tea. There are several permitted grape varieties, but Albariño prospers and dominates in the entire region.
Other permitted grapes that are sometimes used include Treixadura, Loureiro, Caiño Blanco, Torrontes, and Godello. The styles slightly differ depending on the subregion and the production, but most of the wines hail from the region are pale golden, fresh, and aromatic.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest and the most important appellation in the southern part of the Rhône Valley that comprises of five communes. Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are predominantly red blends, with a small percentage of whites.
Officially eighteen grape varieties are allowed, including different colors of the same grape variety. However, the most common are Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes. These rich wines can greatly differ in style, but they are mainly characterized by the spicy and earthy aromas of red berries, black pepper, tar, and leather.
THE BEST Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Appellations
Domaine de la Solitude
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude Red
James Suckling - 99 points 2024
This French wine region is located in the Loire Valley (Touraine district), and it is known for the production of varietal white wines that are predominantly produced from Chenin Blanc. Although the appellation also includes sparkling and dessert wines, Vouvray is mostly known for their crisp dry wines (sec).
These wines are characterized by their straw yellow color, vibrant acidity, and complex aromas that typically include floral, citrus, and white fruit notes. Dry Vouvray wines have excellent aging potential. With age, they evolve, but remain fresh, aromatic, and lively, while their aromas may develop into ripe white fruit, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Burgundy is a world-famous French wine region that produces some of the best and most expensive wines in the world. Located in the east-central part of France, the area is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Other red and white grapes such as Aligoté, Pinot Gris, or Gamay are also used, but on a much lower scale.
Burgundy has more than 100 approved wine-growing areas, all regulated by a complex quality system that divides the region into grand cru, premier cru, village wines, and regional appellations. The wines are greatly influenced by terroir and show great diversity in flavors and aromas.
THE BEST Burgundy Wine Appellations
Ribera del Duero is a Spanish appellation located in several provinces of Castilla and Leon, in north-central Spain. The region is best known for big and bold varietals made with Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.
The blends have to include 75% Tempranillo, while other permitted varieties include Garnacha, white Albillo, and international varieties Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ribera del Duero wines are built to age. With time, they develop complexity and become more balanced.
Most of the wines are deeply colored, full-bodied, and well-structured with bright acidity and aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, and spices. Aging requirements are similar to those in Rioja. Crianza is the youngest, aged for two years and 12 months in oak. Reserva labels are aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak, and the Gran Reservas have to be aged for five years, including two years of oak aging.
Primitivo is an Italian grape variety with quite interesting origins. Research conducted in 1994 proved that the grape is identical to Californian Zinfandel, while it was later discovered that both grapes originated from an old and obscure Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski.
Despite the same lineage, these grapes are influenced by their terroir, and they can slightly differ in character. In Italy, Primitivo is mostly cultivated in Apulia, where it is used in the appellation Primitivo di Manduria. Primitivo is a somewhat rustic wine, dark, intense, and rich in tannins that tend to mellow with age.
VARIATIONS OF Primitivo
Best Western European Beverage Producers
Krug is one of the most prestigious and revered Champagne houses, renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence and the artistry of champagne-making. Founded in 1843 by Johann Joseph Krug, this family-run house has always adhered to a philosophy of uncompromising quality, emphasizing the individuality of each vintage and terroir.
Krug stands apart with its unique approach—each bottle of champagne is crafted from meticulously selected wines from different years and vineyards, creating unparalleled depth, complexity, and richness. Their most iconic champagne, Krug Grande Cuvée, embodies this philosophy, blending up to 200 wines from over 10 different vintages to achieve perfect harmony and sophistication in every edition.
AWARDS
Wine Spectator - 99
2021
Falstaff - 100
Falstaff - 99
BEST Krug Wines
Louis Roederer is one of the most prestigious and oldest independent Champagne houses, synonymous with luxury, tradition, and innovation. Founded in 1776 in the heart of Champagne, in the city of Reims, this family-run house has been nurturing the art of producing exceptional Champagnes for centuries, captivating connoisseurs worldwide.
The true rise of the house began in 1833, when Louis Roederer took over the family business and introduced a revolutionary approach—unlike other producers who purchased grapes, he decided to own and cultivate his own vineyards. This decision allowed him complete control over quality, terroir, and the unique style of his Champagnes, establishing the Louis Roederer brand’s distinctive signature.
AWARDS
Wine Spectator - 98
2022
Falstaff - 100
Falstaff - 99
BEST Louis Roederer Wines
The Champagne house Bollinger, founded in 1829 in Aÿ, France, stands as a symbol of excellence and tradition in the world of champagne. Bollinger is distinguished by its unique style that blends power, refinement, and complexity, allowing fruity aromas to fully express themselves.
Their wines, such as the iconic Special Cuvée, reflect richness and depth of flavor, thanks to a careful selection of grapes and traditional winemaking methods. For nearly two centuries, Bollinger has remained true to its family values and independence, which has enabled the house to preserve authenticity and consistent quality in its champagnes.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Falstaff - 99
Vivino - 4.6
BEST Bollinger Wines
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
Falstaff - 99
Vivino - 4.6
BEST Champagne Billecart-Salmon Wines
Charles Heidsieck is a prestigious Champagne house founded in 1851 in Reims, France, by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, famously known as “Champagne Charlie.” He was a pioneer in popularizing Champagne in the United States during the 19th century, earning a strong reputation thanks to his entrepreneurial spirit and charisma.
The house is renowned for its historic cellars, known as “crayères” — ancient chalk caves dating back to Roman times — which provide ideal conditions for aging Champagne. These cellars are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Throughout its history, Charles Heidsieck has earned acclaim from numerous royal and imperial families, a testament to the exceptional quality of its wines.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 95 points
2024
James Suckling - 94 points
2024
James Suckling - 93 points
2024
BEST Champagne Charles Heidsieck Wines
For over 175 years, Pol Roger has stood as a symbol of uncompromising quality, refined craftsmanship, and understated sophistication in the world of champagne. Remaining proudly family-owned through five generations, the house is celebrated for its consistent style—fresh, balanced, and remarkably elegant.
Every bottle is produced and aged in Pol Roger’s own deep chalk cellars, where ideal conditions allow the wines to mature slowly and gracefully. Known for their fine bubbles, purity of structure, and vibrant freshness, Pol Roger champagnes are equally at home in grand celebrations or quiet moments of indulgence.
Founded in 1729, Ruinart holds the distinction of being the oldest established champagne house, born from a vision rooted in enlightenment, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for both nature and art. For nearly three centuries, Ruinart has remained true to its refined, luminous style, with Chardonnay at the heart of its identity.
Ruinart champagnes are celebrated for their purity, freshness, and bright expression. Known for their finesse and delicate minerality, they offer subtle citrus and floral notes that bring lightness and vibrancy to every sip. Their uniquely shaped bottles – inspired by 18th-century wine flasks – reflect a perfect harmony of tradition and modernity.
Champagne Egly-Ouriet is a renowned Champagne house celebrated for its commitment to biodynamic and organic farming practices. With a focus on producing wines that express the true character of their terroir, the house has become a pioneer in the natural Champagne movement.
Founded by the Egly family, this boutique winery produces wines from some of the finest Grand Cru vineyards, ensuring that only the highest quality fruit is used. The house is known for its low yields, long maturation periods, and minimal intervention during fermentation.
The Taittinger Champagne House stands as a symbol of elegance, refinement, and unwavering commitment to quality. Founded in the heart of the Champagne region, this family-owned winery nurtures a long tradition of crafting exceptional champagnes that captivate the world with their freshness, finesse, and depth of flavor.
Unlike many major houses, Taittinger remains firmly in family hands, ensuring a personal dedication to every step of the winemaking process. Their vineyards span an impressive 288 hectares, with a significant portion planted with Chardonnay — a varietal that lends Taittinger champagnes their distinctive, sophisticated character.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017
International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2020 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2020
BEST Taittinger Wines
Rare Champagne is a premium, high-quality champagne produced by the renowned house of Jacques Selosse. Anselme Selosse, the visionary winemaker behind this brand, revolutionized Champagne production by focusing on small-scale, terroir-driven practices and a philosophy that emphasized the quality of the vineyard's fruit over mass production.
His influence has reshaped the Champagne industry, bringing attention to the significance of low yields, natural viticulture, and the expression of unique terroirs.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2023 - Daniel Thibault Trophy
2023
BEST Rare Champagne Wines
Best Western European Beverages
Krug is a champagne of remarkable elegance and depth, perfectly embodying the unique character of one of the freshest and most classically styled vintages in Champagne in recent decades. Created in a year with the fewest hours of sunshine in nearly half a century, this vintage was nicknamed “Classic Beauty” by the House of Krug for its superb balance of tension, finesse, and structure.
The blend is composed of 53% Pinot Noir, 25% Meunier, and 22% Chardonnay, resulting in a complex and harmonious wine with a deep golden hue, exceptional aromatic range, and luxurious texture. On the nose, it reveals rich notes of honey, licorice, menthol, orange zest, and grapefruit, while the palate offers vibrancy and elegance with flavors of quince, candied citrus, yellow kiwi, baked apple, herbal nuances, and floral undertones.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Falstaff - 99
Vivino - 4.7
Louis Roederer Cristal is a supreme champagne that perfectly embodies the prestige and tradition of this legendary house. Created exclusively in exceptional vintages, Cristal captivates with its brilliant golden hue and fine, persistent bubbles that hint at its complexity and elegance.
The vintage was marked by extreme weather conditions, yet through meticulous grape selection and a perfect balance between ripeness and acidity, a champagne was crafted that exudes freshness, precision, and depth of flavor. Its aroma reveals delicate notes of ripe yellow fruits, white flowers, blanched almonds, and subtle brioche, while the palate is elegant and multi-layered, with a silky texture and a long, mineral-driven finish.
AWARDS
Wine Spectator - 98
2022
Falstaff - 99
Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition is a magnificent expression of the art of champagne blending, born from the House of Krug’s unwavering desire to create the most exceptional champagne each year, regardless of vintage conditions. This edition is composed of an impressive 146 wines from 11 different years, with the oldest dating back to 1998 and the youngest from 2016, forming a harmonious balance of depth, elegance, and complexity.
The blend features 44% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier, with reserve wines making up 42% of the final composition, adding richness and roundness to every sip. Aged for approximately seven years in the cellars of Krug, this champagne achieves remarkable maturity and aromatic opulence.
AWARDS
Wine Spectator - 99
2021
Vivino - 4.6
Krug Clos du Mesnil is an exceptionally elegant and rare champagne that perfectly captures the purity of a single vineyard, a single vintage, and a single grape variety – Chardonnay. Sourced from a 1.84-hectare walled vineyard located in the heart of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, a village renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay, this champagne reflects the unique character of its terroir with the precision and artistry for which the House of Krug is celebrated.
The vintage was among the coldest of the decade, allowing for slow ripening and the development of remarkable freshness and structure. In the glass, it reveals a radiant golden hue with fine, delicate bubbles, while the nose is layered with notes of citrus, light toast, orange madeleine, and a hint of mint.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Vivino - 4.8
Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé is a prestigious champagne that embodies the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship of the Louis Roederer house. Made from carefully selected grape varieties – 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay, this champagne represents a perfect harmony of power and delicacy, freshness, and richness of flavor.
What makes Cristal Rosé truly special is its unique vinification process, known as "infusion", which achieves an ideal balance between the fruitiness of Pinot Noir and the minerality of Chardonnay. The maceration is carefully controlled to preserve freshness and structure, and the wine is then aged for 8 years in bottles, allowing it to reach full maturity and elegance.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Vivino - 4.7
Krug Clos d’Ambonnay is an exceptionally rare and magnificent champagne that fully embodies the power, precision, and elegance of a remarkable terroir—an intimate 0.68-hectare walled vineyard located in the village of Ambonnay, the heartland of Pinot Noir.
The vintage offered a perfect balance of richness and freshness, reflected in the expressive character of this extraordinary wine. In the glass, it dazzles with a brilliant golden hue, while the nose reveals seductive aromas of caramelized apple, hazelnut liqueur, bitter orange, and dates, all wrapped in refined harmony and depth.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Falstaff - 99
Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is an exceptional champagne from Billecart-Salmon, crafted exclusively from 100% Pinot Noir grapes harvested from a single hectare vineyard in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. This vineyard, known as Le Clos Saint-Hilaire, is renowned for producing champagnes of remarkable complexity and freshness.
The vintage is particularly notable, having spent 15 years aging on the lees before its disgorgement in May 2018. This extended maturation period contributes to its depth and character. The champagne exhibits a sustained yellow-gold hue with ultra-fine bubbles.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 99
Vivino - 4.7
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut is a prestigious champagne that reflects the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and exceptional winemaking artistry. As one of the most esteemed champagnes in the world, Cristal symbolizes purity, longevity, and refinement, offering a unique experience for true champagne enthusiasts.
Made from carefully selected 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, Cristal embodies power, elegance, and mineral freshness. The grapes are sourced from the finest Grand Cru vineyards of Louis Roederer, while its extended aging process in chalk cellars ensures unparalleled complexity and depth of flavor.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Louis Roederer Cristal is a legendary champagne that reflects the exceptional quality of the vintage, precision in vinification, and longevity characteristic of the Cristal label. Created in one of the most acclaimed years in the history of Champagne, this prestigious cuvée is the perfect blend of power, finesse, and complexity.
This vintage is known for its exceptionally high acidity and grape ripeness, giving it remarkable aging potential. Composed of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, Cristal offers a rich and elegant character, developing intricate aromas that continue to evolve beautifully over time.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Krug Collection is an exceptionally elegant champagne that reveals a new dimension of an already legendary vintage, after more than three decades of patient aging in the cellars of the House of Krug. This carefully preserved edition represents the perfect harmony of power, freshness, and complexity, composed of 40% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, and 23% Meunier, resulting in a rich and rounded wine with a deep golden hue that reflects the sunny character of the year.
The nose captivates with notes of plums, cinnamon, gingerbread, and crème pâtissière, while the palate enchants with its creamy texture and vibrant flavors of brioche, candied and dried citrus fruits, apricot, orange marmalade, and lemon tart, accented by lightly toasted nuts and a touch of honey.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Western European Beverages” list until April 17, 2025, 13,959 ratings were recorded, of which 11,253 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.