France, Champagne, France
Wine is being produced throughout France and has been done for over 2,500 years with certain Châteaux dating their history back to Roman times, around 6th Century BC. Ranking second in the world in per-capita consumption and first in total production quantity. More-so than the overall quantity of wine is the quantity of truly great wines coming out of France makes the nation the envy of wine-making nations worldwide.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
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.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
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.
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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$79.99 Per item -
100% Grand Cru fruit. Pinot Noir & Chardonnay blend. The nose is a combination of ripe citrus fruits with a buttery overtone and flowery finish. The flavours are fresh and vibrant, of peaches, melons and raspberry with light hazelnut nuance adding depth ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Grand Cru Champagne Nv$79.99 Per item -
100% Chardonnay Grand Cru fruit sourced from the "White Hillside" Vineyards of the Autreau Estate. The family Autreau is an old family from Champillon - ancient documents certify their presence since 1670. This family is linked to the farming of the land ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru NV$84.99 Per item -
Only the juices from first pressing – the cuvées - are used. ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Brut Nature Nv$84.99 Per item -
This indulgent pampering gift pack with wine, gourmet chocolates and soothing bath salts is sure to hit the mark with Mum. Mother's Day only comes around once a year, so make it count! That’s why this pack includes ... Learn More
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WINNER, Best Buy Wines IMPORTS OVER $35, Gourmet Traveller Magazine August 2021 The history of the Drappier family began in the 13th century, when Saint Bernard built a block of flats in Urville for the Abbey Clairvaux. The all new cuvée ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier 'Clarevallis' Organic Extra Brut Nv$109.99 Per item -
Jean-Manuel Jacquinot obtained a degree in Oenology at the esteemed University of Reims. After this he became trainee oenologist at the world famous house of Veuve Clicquot. Today, Jean-Manuel has over 20 years of experience in making Champagne, is a Member ... Learn MoreJacquinot & Fils Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne$109.99 Per item -
The Brut Nature Rosé is a cuvée which will delight lovers of freshness, minerality and purity. On the nose, very evocative of strawberry and raspberry with a floral note of rose petals. The palate recalls red fruits and is ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Rose Brut Nature Nv$115.01 Per item -
"Delamotte has always been somewhat of an insider’s house, producing high quality at realistic prices. One of the best buys in exquisitely crafted Champagne." - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate Herbal with hints of jasmine, white peach, mint, ... Learn MoreDelamotte Blanc De Blancs NV Champagne$129.00 Per item -
Jean-Manuel Jacquinot obtained a degree in Oenology at the esteemed University of Reims. After this he became trainee oenologist at the world famous house of Veuve Clicquot. Today, Jean-Manuel has over 20 years of experience in making Champagne, is a Member ... Learn MoreChampagne Jacquinot 'Symphonie Rose Millesime' 2013$129.99 Per item -
Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. This Blanc de Blancs is both mineral and floral, with aromas of flowers mixed with white fruits, apricot and Mirabelle plum. There are very light notes of lemon and other citrus ... Learn MoreGosset 'Grand Blanc De Blancs' Nv$135.00 Per item -
A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. Produced only when the harvest is of exceptional quality. The nose offers a mellow fruitiness with white and yellow fleshed fruit such as William pear, greengages and mirabelle plums. This is followed by ... Learn MoreChampagne Taittinger Brut Millesime 2014$139.99 Per item -
The glass of Champagne Drappier was lifted by the hands of the greatest men. General De Gaulle, for example, was a fan of the estate's vintages. This success is mainly due to the application of winegrowers, from generation to generation, ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Grand Sendree 2009$149.99 Per item -
Charles Heidsieck was one of the very first Champagne Houses to demonstrate its passion for Chardonnay by producing a Blanc de Blancs in its 1949 vintage. There is also evidence that the Maison had produced some mono-crus from the Côte ... Learn MoreCharles Heidsieck Blanc De Blanc Nv$160.00 Per item -
Fresh as a daisy and light as a feather, this blend of Premier and Grand Crus adds takes this great vintage year, which also marks the 200th anniversary of Maison Henriot ; 1808 – 2008, to even dizzier heights. Clear, gold and sparkling in ... Learn MoreHenriot Brut Millesime 2008$169.99 Per item -
This is a wine that results from a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay. The first nose is very fresh and expressive with notes of hawthorn, lilac, wild white flowers and fruit notes such as pear, plum and Mirabelle. The ... Learn MoreGosset 'Grand Millesime' Vintage 2012 Champagne$170.01 Per item -
Pierre Jacquinot and his 2 sons Jacques and Jean-Guy have created "Champagne Jacquinot & Fils" in 1947. The family currently owns a vineyard of 17 hectares in the underground caves in Epernay and produces terroir-driven, unique champagne of high quality. Produced only in exceptional ... Learn MoreChampagne Jacquinot 'Harmonie Millesime' 2009$175.00 Per item -
The history of the Drappier family began in the 13th century, when Saint Bernard constructed a building in Urville that would become the Abbey Clairvaux. The Carte d'Or is one of Drappier's most famous Cuvee's. The Reserve de l'Oentheque is ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Reserve De L'Oenotheque 2002$259.00 Per item -
Dom Pérignon could very well be the most celebrated champagne brand in the world. Owned by pioneers of luxury, Luis Vuitton Möet Hennessy (LVMH), Dom Pérignon champagnes are uniquely crafted by vino-genius Richard Geoffroy, otherwise known as ‘ ... Learn MoreDom Perignon Champagne 2012$330.00 Per item -
Celebrate Champagne with these exclusive Champagnes!
... Learn MoreCelebrate With Champagne! (3x2)$360.00Out of stock -
Celebrate Champagne with these exclusive Champagnes!
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2x Champagne Jacquinot 'Private Cuvee' Brut NV
2x Champagne Autreau Brut 1er Cru Rose Nv
2x Champagne Drappier 1er Cru Brut NvOut of stock -
2008 is one of the highest rated vintages in history for Champagne. Only the juices from first pressing – the cuvées - are used. Nose of freshly pressed black grapes, of red, white and citrus fruits. Ample palate with flesh of ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Grand Sendree 2008 Magnum$399.00 Per item -
The 2008 vintage in Champagne is being hailed by all and sundry as one of the best vintages in recent memory. If not longer. Certainly Tyson Stelzer is in no doubt: ‘A vintage [2008] of classic finesse, crystalline purity, tightly clenched acidity, ... Learn MoreGosset 'Celebris' Vintage 2008 Rose Champagne$450.00 Per item -
Bottling: 2015 Disgorgement: July 2021 Time on lees: 72 months This is the emblematic wine from Francis Egly. Michel Bettane, the influential French critic, encouraged Egly to bottle this single vineyard wine separately and the first vintage was in 1989. This latest release was ... Learn More -
The history of the Drappier family began in the 13th century, when Saint Bernard built a block of flats in Urville for the Abbey Clairvaux. The Carte d'Or is one Drappier's most famous Cuvee's. The Reserve de l'Oentheque is a ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier Reserve De L'Oenotheque 1979$699.99 Per item -
This cuvée Blanc de Noirs vinified in oak casks allows the richness of the terroir and the purity of the wine to express itself. This rare vintage of incredible typicity will live on for future decades with strength and ... Learn MoreBillecart-Salmon Le Clos Saint-Hilaire 2006$1,199.00 Per item
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