This is really good. Vilmart have 11 hectares of vines in the Monntagne de Reims, in the small village of Rilly la Montagne. No chemical fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides are…
Champagne Armand de Brignac: a marketing success story
The Armand de Brignac story is a remarkable one, and represents one of the great wine marketing successes of all time. It begins with the Cattier family, from the village…
So just how good is English sparkling wine? A blind tasting
I took part in a brilliant tasting today, organized by Noble Rot magazine. Alas, there’s an embargo, so I can’t tell you the outcome or list the wines involved, but…
Another lovely Champagne: Gatinois Aÿ Grand Cru NV
Gatinois, based in Aÿ, have 7.5 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards spread across 29 plots. They sell half their grapes to Bollinger and other grand marques, but father and son…
Champagne Michel Arnould Grand Cru Brut Réserve NV France
Continuing my exploration of well priced and delicious grower Champagnes, here’s another, from Michel Arnould. They have 12 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards in Verzenay. It’s Pinot Noir: although I’m…
Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs – a sensational Champagne
I was blown away by this rich, distinctive Blanc de Noirs from Ulysse Collin. It’s sensational, and it has a good back story. Olivier Collin’s family had been farming vineyards…
Champagne Pierre Péters Cuvée du Réserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Champagne Pierre Péters is a Blanc de Blancs specialist located in Le Mesnil sur Oger, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. Under the direction of Rodolphe Péters since…
On Champagne bubbles
I was reminded last night about how bubbles aren’t really a property of a Champagne (or sparkling wine). I poured the same Champagne into two different glasses. In one, the…
Champagne R&L Legras Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
I’m getting into grower Champagne at the moment. Some stunning wines, often at very good prices. This lovely: it’s from R&L Legras in Chouilly, the most northerly village in the…