Champagne
Champagne, the epitome of elegance and celebration, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of sparkling wines. As one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, Champagne has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs with its exceptional quality, refined craftsmanship, and iconic vineyards.
Historically, Champagne has been dominated by some world-acclaimed Champagne House, which source grapes and harvest from Champagne growers. These famous Grandes Marques include Louis Roederer (Cristal), Dom Pérignon, Krug, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Bollinger, all of them are revered for their notable names that display unrivalled winemaking prestige and pedigree.
In the recent decade, the emerging Grower Champagne trend in Champagne is shaking up the industry by challenging the dominance of the big Champagne houses. These small-scale producers, also known as "Récoltant-Manipulant" or RM, grow their own grapes and produce their own Champagne, showcasing the unique terroir and character of their vineyards. Jacques Selosse, Ulysse Collin, and Champagne Vilmart & Cie are among the most prominent names in this trend, producing some truly artisanal and terroir-driven Champagnes.
Champagne is primarily made from three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes are carefully selected and blended to create a harmonious and complex flavour profile. Chardonnay contributes elegance, freshness, and finesse, while Pinot Noir adds structure, depth, and fruitiness. Pinot Meunier brings a touch of roundness and vibrancy to the blend.
The region of Champagne is divided into several distinct sub-regions, including Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne. Each sub-region has its unique terroir, characterized by variations in soil composition and microclimates, which influence the style and character of the wines produced.
Champagne offers various styles, from non-vintage blends to vintage cuvées and prestigious prestige cuvées. While Non-vintage Champagnes typically epitomise the house style, the vintage Champagnes are made from grapes harvested in one particular year (top vintages such as 1996, 2002, 2008 etc), in which these wines showcase the unique characteristics of the specific vintage.
The prestige cuvées, often the flagship wines of the renowned Champagne houses, are the pinnacle of excellence. These exceptional Champagnes are created using the finest grapes, the most meticulous winemaking techniques and often benefit from extended ageing to achieve unparalleled complexity and finesse.
Champagne is synonymous with celebration, elegance, and luxury. Its effervescent charm and timeless appeal have made it the drink of choice for countless special occasions and memorable moments. With its rich history, iconic vineyards, and unrivalled quality, Champagne continues to captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Champagne
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Champagne | 1 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£808.01 |
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Vinous (90)Light bronze color. Mature Champagne notes of brown butter, walnut, apple cider and maple syrup on the nose, along with fresher pear and mineral nuances. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated; a rather powerfully structured Champagne with noteworthy density and firm acidity. Considering the mature flavors, this wine is fresh and focused in the middle palate. Seems longer and more gripping than a bottle I tasted a year ago, perhaps the strengthening effect of another year on the lees prior to disgorgement. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£3,464.00 |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£895.24 |
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The J. de Telmont Heritage Brut Vintage 1992 is an exemplar of finesse and grandeur in the realm of Champagne. This vintage was crafted meticulously by J. de Telmont, a familial estate revered for the utmost dedication to quality and tradition, situated in the esteemed Damery, in the heart of Champagne, France. Produced using a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, this wine presents depth and complexity, exhibiting all the characters of a well-rounded, maturing vintage. An extensive fermentation period in oak barrels, combined with the producer’s technique of late disgorgement, contributes to the subtle nuances of brioche and honey, complemented by a fine, lasting mousse. Aged for minimum 20 years on its lees in the producer’s centuries-old cellar, the J. de Telmont Heritage Brut Vintage 1992 is greatly expressive, yet epitomises the elegance and finesse that prestige Champagne embodies. |
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Champagne | 1 | 90 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£668.00 |
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Vinous (90)Light gold color, with a fine mousse. Pungent aromas of apple, poached pear, cherry pit, blond tobacco and loamy earth, lifted by a topnote of bitter lemon. Offers very good depth on the palate, showing concentrated flavors of apple pie, singed orange and buttery toffee. This boasts good energy on the back, which enlivens the wine's deep, maturing flavors. A very successful and vinous Champagne from this difficult vintage. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Champagne | 1 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£668.00 |
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Vinous (90)Light bronze color. Mature Champagne notes of brown butter, walnut, apple cider and maple syrup on the nose, along with fresher pear and mineral nuances. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated; a rather powerfully structured Champagne with noteworthy density and firm acidity. Considering the mature flavors, this wine is fresh and focused in the middle palate. Seems longer and more gripping than a bottle I tasted a year ago, perhaps the strengthening effect of another year on the lees prior to disgorgement. |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
£2,884.00 |
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Champagne | 1 | - |
In Bond
£730.00 |
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The J. de Telmont Heritage Brut Vintage 1992 is an exemplar of finesse and grandeur in the realm of Champagne. This vintage was crafted meticulously by J. de Telmont, a familial estate revered for the utmost dedication to quality and tradition, situated in the esteemed Damery, in the heart of Champagne, France. Produced using a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, this wine presents depth and complexity, exhibiting all the characters of a well-rounded, maturing vintage. An extensive fermentation period in oak barrels, combined with the producer’s technique of late disgorgement, contributes to the subtle nuances of brioche and honey, complemented by a fine, lasting mousse. Aged for minimum 20 years on its lees in the producer’s centuries-old cellar, the J. de Telmont Heritage Brut Vintage 1992 is greatly expressive, yet epitomises the elegance and finesse that prestige Champagne embodies. |
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|
Champagne | 1 | 90 (VN) |
In Bond
£554.00 |
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Vinous (90)Light gold color, with a fine mousse. Pungent aromas of apple, poached pear, cherry pit, blond tobacco and loamy earth, lifted by a topnote of bitter lemon. Offers very good depth on the palate, showing concentrated flavors of apple pie, singed orange and buttery toffee. This boasts good energy on the back, which enlivens the wine's deep, maturing flavors. A very successful and vinous Champagne from this difficult vintage. |