For those in the know, the name Armand de Brignac likely calls to mind the brand's signature gold bottles. Even if you're not familiar with champagne, you'd likely recognise the brand by its signature packaging regardless.  

This champagne, owned by Jay Z, has made glamourous appearances over the years as the conspicuous pour-of-choice at high-rolling events including the Golden Globes and many a Bel-Air mansion party. Most famously, the enormous 30L ‘Midas’ bottle of the Brut Gold was the celebratory pour for the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup championships, when the victorious Boston Bruins popped a bottle for $100,000 US.

And while the Brut Gold, aptly nicknamed ‘Ace of Spades’, is certainly the most well-known product made by the boutique champagne house, there is more to Armand de Brignac than mere spectacle and glamour. Read on for a deeper look at the company and some of its other award-winning champagnes.

The Cattier Family and Jay Z

It may come as a surprise, but this high-profile party champagne, endorsed by the biggest names in the American Hip-Hop scene is produced by one of the world’s oldest and most respected champagne houses, the Cattier family of Chigny Les Roses. The family has been cultivating their vineyards for eleven generations and independently producing boutique wines since 1918.

The current patriarch, Jean-Jacques Cattier, was the genius behind the house’s contemporary flagship line: Armand de Brignac. In the early 2000s, the Chateau began experimenting with metalised bottle designs. And after many successful trials, the Brut Gold was born as one of the first Champagnes to look this good. 

This luxurious champagne and its ostentatious packaging quickly became an icon in the United States, appearing in the music video for the 2006 song “Show Me What You Got” by Jay Z, before its official release in the USA. By 2014, Jay Z had bought the Armand de Brignac brand outright and the Cattier family continued to expand the line, releasing a Brut Rose and Blanc de Noir over the following few years.

Is Armand de Brignac Good?

It's easy to assume that the pricey range of Armand de Brignac floats on its conspicuous and glamorous look or its association with America's biggest stars. Not so! This drop has both aesthetic appeal and a wonderful flavour profile to boot. 

The contents of these pewter-adorned bottles are regarded among the best champagnes available and have won more than a few blind tasting competitions featuring respected wine connoisseurs from around the world. In 2009, the Brut Gold won the title of ‘Very best Champagne’ alongside industry titans like Dom Perignon, Laurent-Perrier and Piper-Heidsieck.

Beyond the house’s best-selling and iconic Brut Gold, victories and multiple gold medals have been claimed by Armand de Brignac’s Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs releases too. Not to mention, the brand's Rosé and Demi-Sec cuvées have both finished as close finalists in numerous international tasting panels. 

These impressive accolades account for pretty much the entire Armand de Brignac line so that about dispels any scepticism I may have harboured for the ritzy brand. Maybe you can judge a book book it's cover sometimes? 

It’s no secret that Armand de Brignac is often associated with the kind of excessive and conspicuous spending that some might consider poor taste. The uber-flashiness is only exacerbated by the fact the brand sits on the more expensive end of the spectrum within the champagne industry—already synonymous with grandiose indulgence. 

Contrary to this cynicism, however, Armand de Brignac is a product well worth the expense. Those who enjoy indulging in fine wines can rest assured that the high price tag is the proud culmination of centuries of winemaking tradition and meticulous, expert production. 

I wouldn’t readily suggest that you order a 30L giant worth $90,000 to wet your next soiree, but I’ve no doubt that any of the Armand de Brignac range will be a drop to remember. Next time you fancy a little something special—perfect for a gift or special occasion—keep this brand in mind, and it'll be sure to please, both in looks and taste. 

More of a gourmand? Find out how to get premium, restaurant-quality ingredients straight to your door.

Author Bio:

Jacob Hall

Jacob is a writer who loves travel, beach days, and speaking foreign languages. Jacob has his own blog, Democratista, where he talks about society, history, and political economy.

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