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 | 2 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£740.44 |
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Vinous (94)(100% chardonnay, from 2007; disgorged 09-11-10/R07): Light, bright gold. An intensely perfumed nose displays dried pear, orange pith, vanilla bean and candied ginger, with suave leesy and iodine notes gaining strength with aeration. Deeply pitched and emphatically dry, with strikingly powerful orchard fruit and candied citrus flavors deepened by notes of anise, vanilla and chamomile. Finishes firm and gripping, leaving spice and bitter almond notes behind. An extremely young, intense and uncompromising Champagne that should be left to rest for at least a few more years. |
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Champagne | 79 | - |
Inc. VAT
£555.64 |
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Renowned for its remarkable taste and exquisite bouquet, the William Saintot Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV is an embodiment of excellence in the Champagne region. Produced by the skilled hands of vintner William Saintot, this Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV hails from the hallowed Premier Cru vineyards, where strict quality control results in an unmatched quality of grape. This vintage is made purely from Pinot Noir grapes, ensuring a robust flavour that expertly combines the fruit’s depth with the natural effervescence of fine champagne. The Champagne undergoes manual harvesting, traditional press, and lees aging, displaying an undeniable dedication to meticulous winemaking. Its taste profile is generous with a fine balance of dark fruits and delicate minerality. Soft on the palate, it boasts of an elegant mousse and a long, harmonious finish. The William Saintot Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV embodies the superior craftsmanship of the maison, offering a truly exquisite champagne experience. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
Champagne | 2 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
£601.00 |
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Vinous (94)(100% chardonnay, from 2007; disgorged 09-11-10/R07): Light, bright gold. An intensely perfumed nose displays dried pear, orange pith, vanilla bean and candied ginger, with suave leesy and iodine notes gaining strength with aeration. Deeply pitched and emphatically dry, with strikingly powerful orchard fruit and candied citrus flavors deepened by notes of anise, vanilla and chamomile. Finishes firm and gripping, leaving spice and bitter almond notes behind. An extremely young, intense and uncompromising Champagne that should be left to rest for at least a few more years. |
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|
Champagne | 79 | - |
In Bond
£447.00 |
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Renowned for its remarkable taste and exquisite bouquet, the William Saintot Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV is an embodiment of excellence in the Champagne region. Produced by the skilled hands of vintner William Saintot, this Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV hails from the hallowed Premier Cru vineyards, where strict quality control results in an unmatched quality of grape. This vintage is made purely from Pinot Noir grapes, ensuring a robust flavour that expertly combines the fruit’s depth with the natural effervescence of fine champagne. The Champagne undergoes manual harvesting, traditional press, and lees aging, displaying an undeniable dedication to meticulous winemaking. Its taste profile is generous with a fine balance of dark fruits and delicate minerality. Soft on the palate, it boasts of an elegant mousse and a long, harmonious finish. The William Saintot Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru NV embodies the superior craftsmanship of the maison, offering a truly exquisite champagne experience. |