You walk into a wine bar, scan the list, and spot a bottle of Billecart-Salmon. You want to order it. You know it’s great. But there’s that moment of dread.
Do I say “Billy-cart Salmon”?
Do I mumble it and point at the menu?
Do I just play it safe and order Prosecco instead?

We’ve all been there.

French Champagne brands look elegant on the label, but their pronunciation can trip up even confident wine lovers. The good news? You don’t need to speak fluent French to say them correctly, or at least confidently.

This guide breaks down how to pronounce the most famous (and most commonly mispronounced) Champagne names using easy, phonetic English. No fancy phonetic symbols, no shame, no pressure.

Let’s Start With the Classics

Moët & Chandon

You might say: Mo-way & Shan-don
Try saying: Moh-ett and Shan-dohn
The tip: Moët is Dutch in origin, so yes, you pronounce the “t.” Always.

Veuve Clicquot

You might say: Veev Click-oat
Try saying: Vuhv Klee-koh
The tip: Veuve means “widow” in French. Clicquot was her surname. Together, it flows softly.

Taittinger

You might say: Tate-in-ger
Try saying: TET-en-zhay
The tip: Keep it short and chic. It’s all about rhythm.

Bollinger

You might say: Bowl-in-zhay
Try saying: Boll-in-jer (like “bollinger bands”)
The tip: It sounds more British than you think.

Ruinart

You might say: Ruin-art
Try saying: Roo-nar
The tip: Don’t stress the “ruin.” It’s smooth, not catastrophic.

Grower Gems and Boutique Bottles

Billecart-Salmon

You might say: Billy-cart Salmon
Try saying: Bee-yuh-kar Sal-mohn
The tip: Say it softly and ignore the fish. The “l” in Salmon is pronounced, but subtly.

Egly-Ouriet

You might say: Egg-lee Ooh-ree-et
Try saying: Eh-glee Oo-ree-ay
The tip: A legendary grower producer, and a tongue-twister worth learning.

Gosset

You might say: Goss-it
Try saying: Goh-say
The tip: One of the oldest Champagne houses. Keep it simple and elegant.

Deutz

You might say: Dootz
Try saying: Derts
The tip: It’s not German, despite how it looks. It rhymes with “hurts.”

Jacquesson

You might say: Jack-kwesson
Try saying: Zhak-ess-on
The tip: Start strong, end soft. It’s all in the flow.

One More for the Icon Shelf

Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades)

You might say: Ar-mand duh Brig-nack
Try saying: Ar-mohn duh Bree-n’yak
The tip: You can just say “Ace of Spades” and skip the lesson.

Final Sip: Confidence Over Accuracy

Pronunciation matters, but joy matters more. Champagne is meant to be enjoyed, not feared. Say it how you can, say it with a smile, and pour it proudly.

If you really want to sound like you know your stuff, say it smoothly, pour generously, and keep a napkin in your left hand like a pro.