
Champagne, France, Piedmont
Champagne is a wine region to the north-east of Paris where wine has been grown since the Romans first planted in the 5th century and the region is most well known for the Sparkling wine that goes by the regions name.
Champagne is made from 3 grapes. The two red grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and the white grape Chardonnay. All three are commonly blended though a ‘blanc de blanc’ meaning ‘white from white’ indicates that only Chardonnay was used. Conversely a ‘blanc de noir’ or ‘white from black’ indicates that the two red grapes were used.
A common misconception is that Champagne was invented by Dom Pérignon. Although this is not the case, he made considerable contributions to the quality and production methods used in the region. The very first bottles of Champagne were created by accident, and coined ‘the devil’s wine’ for all the popping corks. Sparkling wine in Australia was referred to as Champagne but this practise has long been disallowed.
Methode Champenoise is the traditional method by which Champagne is produced and if you see Millisime on a bottle, it represents the fact that the wine comes from a particular vintage rather than being blended, which is the more common practice.
Icons such as Dom Pérignon and Krug are world renowned, but we find as much pleasure in the smaller Champagne houses such as Gosset and Jacquinot. Magnums are perfect for the festive occasions and half bottles are also available.
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is probably the finest wine region in all of Italy, and has laid claim to this since Roman times. It has a continental climate influenced by the surrounding Alps and Ligurian Apennines, and is located in the north-west of Italy, bordering both France and Switzerland.
Piedmont has only 1% of the total vineyards of Bordeaux and 15% that of Burgundy. So while a top Chateaux may produce upwards of 35,000 cases a year, leading Barolo producers will often make only 800 cases. More than half of its vineyards are registered with DOC designations and many are in the Apennine or Alpine foothills, from 300-600m above sea level. Most of the wines are produced by smaller family estates rather than larger holdings.
Piedmont has 46 different DOC and four DOCG regions, and produces the largest number of well known, world-recognized, prize-winning wines. The most famous would have to be Barolo or Barbaresco, whose power comes from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The most widely planted red variety is Barbera although Dolcetto, Muscat, Shiraz and Bonarda are also produced.
The white variety most well known is Moscato, which is often made into frizzante (bubbly) wines known as Asti. Cortese is made into the popular Gavi wines, and smaller amounts of Chardonnay and high quality Sparkling are also produced in the far north of Piedmont.
Champagne is made from 3 grapes. The two red grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and the white grape Chardonnay. All three are commonly blended though a ‘blanc de blanc’ meaning ‘white from white’ indicates that only Chardonnay was used. Conversely a ‘blanc de noir’ or ‘white from black’ indicates that the two red grapes were used.
A common misconception is that Champagne was invented by Dom Pérignon. Although this is not the case, he made considerable contributions to the quality and production methods used in the region. The very first bottles of Champagne were created by accident, and coined ‘the devil’s wine’ for all the popping corks. Sparkling wine in Australia was referred to as Champagne but this practise has long been disallowed.
Methode Champenoise is the traditional method by which Champagne is produced and if you see Millisime on a bottle, it represents the fact that the wine comes from a particular vintage rather than being blended, which is the more common practice.
Icons such as Dom Pérignon and Krug are world renowned, but we find as much pleasure in the smaller Champagne houses such as Gosset and Jacquinot. Magnums are perfect for the festive occasions and half bottles are also available.
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is probably the finest wine region in all of Italy, and has laid claim to this since Roman times. It has a continental climate influenced by the surrounding Alps and Ligurian Apennines, and is located in the north-west of Italy, bordering both France and Switzerland.
Piedmont has only 1% of the total vineyards of Bordeaux and 15% that of Burgundy. So while a top Chateaux may produce upwards of 35,000 cases a year, leading Barolo producers will often make only 800 cases. More than half of its vineyards are registered with DOC designations and many are in the Apennine or Alpine foothills, from 300-600m above sea level. Most of the wines are produced by smaller family estates rather than larger holdings.
Piedmont has 46 different DOC and four DOCG regions, and produces the largest number of well known, world-recognized, prize-winning wines. The most famous would have to be Barolo or Barbaresco, whose power comes from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The most widely planted red variety is Barbera although Dolcetto, Muscat, Shiraz and Bonarda are also produced.
The white variety most well known is Moscato, which is often made into frizzante (bubbly) wines known as Asti. Cortese is made into the popular Gavi wines, and smaller amounts of Chardonnay and high quality Sparkling are also produced in the far north of Piedmont.
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- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMaretti Langhe Rosso 2018$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMaretti Langhe Rosso 2017$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A fruit-driven Barbera (75%) and Nebbiolo (25%) blend. The nose is expressive and inviting with aromas of fresh red fruits overlaid by notes of dried herbs, forest undergrowth and aniseed. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced with a by core ... Learn MoreMaretti Langhe Rosso 2016$19.99 Per itemOut of stock
- This is a ruby-red wine with purple highlights. The nose is packed with black fruit, especially blackberries and plums, with slight spicy overtones hinting at black pepper and cinnamon. Sweet, soft tannins come together in a closely-woven texture that merges ... Learn MoreFontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2018$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Aiming to hit the bianco sweet spot of balanced sweetness, bitterness and acidity, it incorporates 130 g/L sugar, sweet citrus, elderflower, rhubarb, cardamom, coriander, mace, orange, sage and a selection of other bitter herbs. ... Learn MoreChazalettes And Co. Vermouth De Torino Bianco Nv$28.00 Per item
- The wine is bottled unfiltered to retain complexity. ... Learn MoreTrediberri Barbera D'Alba 2019$28.50 Per item
- Lovely fragrant florals, classic nebbiolo minerality, depth of dark cherry fruit with layers and ripe tannins on the finish. Impressive quality and value for the price here. Berri is a small hamlet in the westernmost part of La Morra, located ... Learn MoreTrediberri Langhe Nebbiolo 2019$29.99 Per item
- From 2ha in the Trifolera Cru of Barbaresco adjacent Rabaja facing north-west. Aged for six months in stainless steel. 91 Points, James Suckling. “Full-bodied with some good chewiness and structure on the palate and a fine line of acidity to back ... Learn MoreGiuseppe Cortese Dolcetto D'Alba 2017$29.99 Per item
- Here at United Cellars we work closely with producers to bring you the best wine experience. When visiting our friends at Pietro Rinaldi, we were so dissapointed to hear that they had sold out of their 2017 Argante that our customers ... Learn MorePietro Rinaldi Langhe Nebbiolo Doc 'Argante' 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Light, fragrant, red cherry and red berries, touch of spice and new leather. Drink: Medium bodied, pure fruited, fresh and bursting with Nebbiolo flavour, light kitten’s tongue tannin, clean long finish. Drink 2015 - 2024+ ... Learn MoreBenevelli Langhe Nebbiolo 2016$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The terroir The vineyard soil at La Raia is calcareous and clayish, it extends at approximately 400 metres above sea level with a south-east-west exposure. A crown of vineyards distributed around the cellar, with an average density of 4500 vines per hectare. ... Learn MoreLa Raia Gavi Docg 2018$32.99 Per item
- "Poderi e Cantine Oddero is a historical name among Barolo producers. Its foundations were laid at the end of the 18th century when our ancestors were already cultivating vineyards in La Morra. In 1878, our ancestor Giacomo Oddero (1851-1915) decided, in ... Learn MoreOddero Dolcetto D’Alba Doc 2019$34.99 Per item
- Intense, highlighted fruity aromas such as wild violet and blackberry pulp. In the mouth the wine offers a harmonious and complex taste balance, of fresh fruit with the right dose of tannins, in the long finish an almond note appears. ... Learn MorePietro Rinaldi Dolcetto 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "Poderi e Cantine Oddero is a historical name among Barolo producers. Its foundations were laid at the end of the 18th century when our ancestors were already cultivating vineyards in La Morra. In 1878, our ancestor Giacomo Oddero (1851-1915) decided, in ... Learn MoreOddero Dolcetto D’Alba 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Monchiero is nestled in the picturesque commune of Castiglione Falletto in the Barolo region. The terroir here is amongst some of the greatest you will find in all of Piedmont. Monchiero have a superb centre parcel of Rocche di Castiglione ... Learn MoreMonchiero Langhe Dolcetto 2019$38.01 Per item
- Monchiero is nestled in the picturesque commune of Castiglione Falletto in the Barolo region. The terroir here is amongst some of the greatest you will find in all of Piedmont. Monchiero have a superb centre parcel of Rocche di Castiglione ... Learn MoreMonchiero Langhe Arneis 2019$39.00 Per item
- The Musso winery was founded in 1929 and coincides with one of the most critical moments of the Italian economy and the world, the year of the “Great Depression” Sebastiano Musso, born in 1906, did not lose heart. Valter Musso, a young ... Learn MoreMusso Dolcetto D'Alba DOC 2019$39.00 Per item
- This intensely perfumed, super fine Moscato is drawn from an amphitheatre of sandy, chalky slopes that circle Sandro Boido's winery. These steep, chalky vineyards--the kind that dominate the Santo Stefano Belbo commune--are prized for tempering Moscato's heady fruits with freshness, ... Learn MoreCa' D'Gal Moscato D'Asti Lumine 2020$39.99 Per item
- This intensely perfumed, super fine Moscato is drawn from an amphitheatre of sandy, chalky slopes that circle Sandro Boido's winery. These steep, chalky vineyards--the kind that dominate the Santo Stefano Belbo commune--are prized for tempering Moscato's heady fruits with freshness, ... Learn MoreCa' D'Gal Moscato D'Asti Lumine 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A recipe dating back to the 19th century using 31 major aromas - 15 of which remain a closely guarded secret. This aromantic blend creates a unique and highly sophisticated vermouth sought after around the world. Delicious served chilled on its own ... Learn MoreContratto Vermouth Rosso Nv$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Dottore (Doctor) Matteo Ascheri is not only the 5th generation owner and winemaker of his family estate (established 1880), he also runs a 4 star resort and traditional 'Osteria' (restaurant) next to the winery in Bra. In addition to this, Matteo is ... Learn MoreAscheri Langhe Nebbiolo 2017$44.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Winery Note - Produced with grapes from the younger vines from which we obtain our Barbaresco, it has all the character and elegance of the great Nebbiolo with an intense and delicate aroma; dry, fresh and pleasant taste with the ... Learn MoreGiuseppe Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo 2016$45.00 Per item
- Grapes from vineyards in Agliano d’Asti, in the La Crena site with part of the oldest vineyards used for our Cru La Crena and other adjacent vineyards. 4.800 plants per hectare with a yield between 40 and 50 hl/ha. Cold pre-fermentation ... Learn MoreVietti Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne 2018$45.99 Per item
- Grapes from vineyards in Agliano d’Asti, in the La Crena site with part of the oldest vineyards used for our Cru La Crena and other adjacent vineyards. 4.800 plants per hectare with a yield between 40 and 50 hl/ha. Cold pre-fermentation ... Learn MoreVietti Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne 2017$45.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made from Nebbiolo grapes only from Barolo designated vineyards, this wine is complex and elegant with excellent ageing potential. The nose offers up generous fruit along with menthol, spices and hard candy. Showing notable intensity while retaining an essentially mid-weight ... Learn MoreVietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2018$47.99 Per item
- Made from Nebbiolo grapes only from Barolo designated vineyards, this wine is complex and elegant with excellent ageing potential. The nose offers up generous fruit along with menthol, spices and hard candy. Showing notable intensity while retaining an essentially mid-weight ... Learn MoreVietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2017$47.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made from Nebbiolo grapes only from Barolo designated vineyards, this wine is complex and elegant with excellent ageing potential. The nose offers up generous fruit along with menthol, spices and hard candy. Showing notable intensity while retaining an essentially mid-weight ... Learn MoreVietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2016$47.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Sourced from the acclaimed Nizza sub region of Asti. Matured in 50-hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months. Blended in the spring, bottled in the summer. Intense ruby-red colour with purple tinges, a bouquet of cherry, blackberry, small red fruits, pepper ... Learn MoreOddero Barbera D’Asti Superiore Nizza 2015$50.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Has a wonderful nose of cherry, raspberry and blueberry with hints of minerality. An unoaked wine, this medium bodied red has soft tannins, moderate acidity and good balance. It is bottled unfiltered to retain complexity. The history of the Vietti ... Learn MoreVietti Dolcetto D'Alba Doc Tre Vigne 2015$50.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Totally opaque black dark red core with a bright deep purple red hue. A fragrant nose of ripe, freshly crushed berries combines with hints of violets, subtle liquorice, inky earth and spice scents. Juicy and vibrant the palate is filled ... Learn MoreGd Vajra Barbera D'Alba 2018$50.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Hand harvested and matured in large oak barrels, showing many of the hallmarks of an excellent Barolo at a fraction of the price. Truly seductive now, it will also reward 2-5 years cellaring. ... Learn MoreMassolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2016$55.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Moet & Chandon's most iconic Champagne and an absolute favourite around the world, Brut Imperial NV comprises over 100 different wines, with about 30% of them reserve wines, blended together to form this renowned house style which has been starting celebrations since 1869. With ... Learn MoreMoet Et Chandon Imperial Champagne Nv Gift Box$56.10 Per itemOut of stock
- The 2016 Vintage Barolo enjoyed exceptional conditions, turning out wines that will be extremely long lived! A stellar year that will continue to improve in the cellar. The colour is dark garnet with ruby highlights. It has a clear-cut, intense nose ... Learn MoreMaretti Barolo 2016$59.99 Per item
- Winemakers Giulio and Luciana Grasso are extremely proud of their modern, 25 hectare estate, producing some very fine Barbaresco and a range of other wines that leave the competition struggling to catch up. The entire range has a sense of verve, ... Learn MoreCa'Del Baio Barbaresco 'Autinbej' 2015$59.99 Per item
- A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier, only from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, this is exceptional quality Champagne for an unbelievable price! Offering notes of pear, hazelnut and subtle toasty spice on the nose, it follows ... Learn More
- The grapes are selected from very important small vineyards in the Barolo region. The 2017 Barolo Castiglione is a wild, exotic wine. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, cinnamon, tobacco, new leather and rose petal all flesh out in this ample, voluptuous Barolo ... Learn MoreVietti Barolo Castiglione 2017 375ml (Pre arrival ETA May 2021)$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Linnaea Vineyards is not your typical wine producer. Born of the intense passion of Michelle Edwards and Daniel Fischl. Daniel is an Australian born winemaker of the highest acclaim, while Michelle is a Californian Agricultural Scientist of international accolade. These ... Learn MoreLinnaea Vineyards 'Trifulau' Docg Barolo 2013$69.99 Per item
- Awarded best Champagne producer at the 2015 International Wine & Spirits Competition The Le Brun family live by the village of Bethon in the Marne. The memory of Madame Le Brun, who owned the castle in 1845, is still alive today. The house ... Learn MoreLe Brun De Neuville Blanc De Blancs Nv$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Made from 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meuneir & 20% Chardonnay from Premier Cru vineyards, and aged for two years in bottle before release. Deep aromas of fresh fruits and hint of nuts. The taste is full bodied and rich with fruit though elegant ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut 1er Cru Champagne Nv$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 100% Premier Cru fruit. 85% Chardonnay lends an elegant floral character as well as grapefruit and melon, but the 15% Pinot Noir (blended as red wine) gives the ruby red colour and adds flavours of red berries and a savoury complexity. The family ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut Premier Cru Rose NV$74.99 Per item