Who Makes Costco's Kirkland Signature Champagne?

Champagne has long been associated with luxury. Milestone achievements are marked with the arrival of elegant glasses of pale gold bubbles, and toasts feel a little bit more special with the crème de la crème of sparkling wines in hand. That's why it's all the more surprising that Costco's Kirkland Signature Champagne is so reasonably priced. Produced by French winemaker Manuel Janisson of Champagne house Janisson & Fils, this $19.99 bottle holds its own against bougie competitors like $56 Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label.

What usually bumps up Champagne's price tag is the labor-intensive process behind this exclusive drink. Made solely in the Champagne region of France, land competition is fierce, so vineyards and grapes are expensive. Add into the mix the temperamental nature of growing vines in Champagne's cool climate and the commitment to hand-harvesting, and you have a perfect storm for prohibitive pricing. Kirkland Signature's Champagne Brut hails from the village of Verzenay, and the Janisson house has roots in the region stretching back four generations. So, while the price is low, this bottle meets all the same high production standards.

This Champagne (which we admittedly ranked lower than other Kirkland wines at Costco) blends pinot noir, meunier and chardonnay. The tasting notes include nutty gingerbread, citrus orange, and sweet, mellow peach. It's a bright, easy-drinking option that you can break out at holiday parties throughout the year. Pair this Champagne with foods that benefit from some refreshing acidity.

Wine lovers who sing the praises of Janisson & Fils' Kirkland Signature Champagne haven't noticed a drop in quality despite its affordability. Costco Wine Blog gave the bottle a coveted 91 points, writing, "It remains the Kirkland wine our household purchases the most, and there's always a bottle on hand." Commenters agreed, suggesting that "The $19.99 KS Brut Champagne should be mentioned in the same breath along with the $1.50 hot dog and soda as Costco's great gifts to mankind!" Meanwhile, a taste-tester on Reddit declared, "I love this sparkler. It's bright and crisp and beautiful with a hint of yeast and oak."

Beyond just Champagne, keep an eye out for other Kirkland Signature labels in Costco's alcohol department. Its popular wines all adhere to the same fair pricing structure and often come from big-name producers. There's cabernet sauvignon from Californian winemaker Glenn Hugo, rosé from K Vintners out of Washington State, and malbec from Argentina's Broquel Winery. While you can buy some of these wines directly from the makers, the Costco bottles are often a fraction of the price. Just be sure to stock up on a few when you see them — Costco's in-house brand has developed something of a cult following, so products may sell out from time to time.