Duc de Romet has been my go to in recent years. Sold by Skurnik so has a pretty wide national availability. Made by Jean-Baptiste Geffroy and 75% Meunier/25% Pinot Noir. It’s a Negoce wine but the quality is there and can be found for as little as $25-30 depending on local pricing.
Recently I’ve been turned on to Champagne Autreau de Champillon. This is a Baron Francois Import, not sure about national availability.
There is a Premier Cru Brut and Extra Brut, a blend of all 3 main varieties, and a pretty good deal at $30-40.
I haven’t had the Grand Cru wines yet, but there is a Brut and a Brut Rose which would likely top out at $40-45 on the shelf. Based on my experience with the Premier Cru wines I wouldn’t hesitate to grab trial bottles. Hoping I can get one of my friends who works with them to get me some samples!
One brand I sell, Philippe Gonet, has a killer BdB Signature that can be anywhere from $35-45 on the shelf. Linear and great minerality. They have a fatter Grande Reserve that is a blend, which is about $40.
I find there’s not a ton of “value” in champagnes at this price. Plenty of good wine, of course, but if you want a sparkling wine for less go domestic - or spend just a bit more on champers and get something really good. Marc Hebrart Brut Rose at $60 is practically a desert island wine for me.
Le Mesnil Blanc de Blanc grand Cru is a favorite of mine. Normally around $35-40. Here is a quick excerpt:
“This “Blanc De Blancs” Champagne is made by blending various parcels of Chardonnay specially selected for their finesse and ethereal qualities, giving the wine, complex and mouth-watering flavors, all from the vineyards of Le Mesnil, 100% Grand Cru.”
I also like this, and can get it locally (on sale with 6 bottle mixed purchase) for $34, making it a very good value. Some vacation in these but the good bottles can be excellent.
Agrapart 7 crus used to be under or at $40 but I never see it there anymore.
Sabine Godme brut Reserve GC, new to me but was excellent and plan to revisit.
NV Ployez Jacquemart, stellar value.
Moutard NV, recently bought at $24, not a world beater but a really good Champagne at that price and enjoyable for a party.
Aubry NV available for about $30.
A local retailer has some Baron Fuente on sale and I may try these: Brut $22, Rose $27, 2009 Vintage for $30. Reviews seem positive and Brad Baker has some positive comments for the producer on this board, though the comments are rather dated.
I don’t like most domestic sparklers. They’re usually too round and ripe for my taste. If I’m not just buying Champagne I’ll buy cava; Juve y Camps Rose or Reserva is quite decent and even Segura Viudas is very reliable.
NV Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut - France, Champagne (11/3/2018)
Day 1: Gorgeous NV. Creamy mouthfeel with citrus, spice, dough and charred pie crust. A vibrant wine with sharp acidity. Medium plus finish and at the amazing low price of only $33. 92 points
Day 2: Very similar character from day 1 but picks up some nice perfume notes and dried apricots. Very good acidity on this wine. Not as good as day 1 but solid. 90 points
Recommendation: Dink on day 1 and buy from a shop that moves through NV Champagne. This current NV selections is outstanding as some of the previous ones were sub 90 points. (92 points)