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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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 -
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 MoreCHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER 1ER CRU BRUT NV$59.99 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 item -
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 -
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$74.99 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 MoreCHAMPAGNE JACQUINOT 'PRIVATE CUVEE' BRUT NV$74.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Simply one of the best NV Champagnes around, made by the famous Champagne Salon. ... Learn MoreDELAMOTTE BRUT NV CHAMPAGNE$78.99 Per item -
Ayala, based in Aÿ in the heart of Champagne, has been transformed since Bollinger bought it in 2005 and this non-vintage proves it. This is a balanced blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier. The result is crisp while not ... Learn MoreAYALA BRUT MAJEUR NV$79.00 Per itemOut of stock -
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$79.99 Per item -
Only the juices from first pressing – the cuvées - are used. ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER BRUT NATURE NV$79.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Biodynamic and organic - A fine and complex blending excellent for aperitif. "Bright, appley and fragrant, this feels fresh and easy to drink, buttressed by taut, lively acidity. It finishes with brightly citrusy fragrance, its tangerine-like flavors showing energy and ... Learn MoreLAHERTE FRERES 'ULTRADITION' CHAMPAGNE BRUT NV$79.99 Per itemOut of stock -
GRAPES: 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay. Intense aromas of fresh fruit typical of the Pinot varietals. Fruit aromas intermingle with pastry notes, a sign of excellent maturity. ... Learn MoreCANARD DUCHENE 'AUTHENTIC' BRUT NV$81.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A beautifully crafted wine of balance, fine mousse and pleasant complexity. Initially the nose is precise, expressive and refreshing, with notes of citrus and yellow fruit; floral fragrances (vine flowers, elderflowers) and pastry aromas (brioche, toast, grilled almond) follow. On ... Learn MoreHENRIOT 'SOUVERAIN' BRUT NV CHAMPAGNE$83.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"Louis Roederer Bruit Premier NV is a perennial favourite of mine. I love its biscuity character, its backbone and structure, which are more impressive than in virtually any other NV. But I do prefer to stash newly bought bottles away ... Learn MoreLOUIS ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER NV CHAMPAGNE$84.99 Per item -
"Appealing candied berry and citrus aromas. A hint of bread dough and mineral... Though rich, it's lively too, with a smooth texture and lingering finish." - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator When to drink 2012 - 2015 ... Learn MoreLARMANDIER BERNIER 'LATITUDE' CHAMPAGNE BRUT NV$85.99 Per item -
100 per cent Chardonnay from the terroirs of Chavot, Vaudancourt, Voipreux 1er Cru and Epernay - all biodynamically farmed. Exuberant with lots of spicy white peach fruit, lemon pith and brown spice. The palate is crunchy and chalky with a delicious ... Learn MoreLAHERTE FRERES BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE NV$89.99 Per item -
Vintage 2008 is based on a blend of Pinot Noir (36%), Chardonnay (32%) and Pinot Meunier (32%), from a number of different crus including Hautvilliers, Avize, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Ay, and Rilly-la-Montagne. Full of aromas of toast and orchard fruit compote. The wine ... Learn MoreCANARD DUCHENE VINTAGE 2008$92.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The bottles of Blanc de Blancs remain for a period of 3-5 years in the calm and dark of the Henriot caves in Reims. Pure, concentrated and expressive, with floral (honeysuckle, orange flower, linden), fruity (lemon, dried apricot, almond) and ... Learn MoreHENRIOT BLANC DE BLANCS NV CHAMPAGNE$98.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The base wine is equal parts pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier from the'07 vintage, and 40% reserve wine is added prior to the wine being bottled for its second fermentation. The reserve wine has an average age of 10 years, so ... Learn MoreCHARLES HEIDSIECK RESERVE BRUT NV$99.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Rich, toasty and opulent. Notes of almond and ripe yellow fruit with a precise minerality. Vilmart has obtained something of a cult status by Champagne lovers everywhere. It is seriously good for the price. A beautiful wine, but what of ... Learn MoreVILMART – RILLY-LA-MONTAGNE GRAND CELLIER NV$99.00 Per itemOut of stock -
100% Grand Cru fruit from the villages of Chouilly and Ay. Only produced in exceptional years, of which 2014 was most definitely one. Chardonnay dominant, showing gorgeous white flowers, green apple and sweet caramel popcorn. A small percent of Pinot Noir adds ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE AUTREAU BRUT RESERVE GRAND CRU VINTAGE 2014$99.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 from Maison DRAPPIER is called Clarevallis, a tribute to the ... Learn More -
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 'CUVEE' BLANC DE NOIRS NV$99.99 Per item -
100% Grand Cru fruit from the villages of Chouilly and Ay. Only produced in exceptional years, of which 2013 was most definitely one. Chardonnay dominant, showing gorgeous white flowers, green apple and sweet caramel popcorn. A small percent of Pinot Noir adds ... Learn More -
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$99.99 Per item -
Won "Grappe d'Or" in Guide Hachette (Top French Awards) - Best Wine of the year Tasted against 36,000 other wines. A complex, creamy, layered nose with icing sugar life. The palate has beautiful complexity and mouthwatering length, with flavours of biscuit ... Learn MoreGOSSET 'GRAND RESERVE' BRUT MV CHAMPAGNE$99.99 Per item -
At Jacquesson we are fortunate to have some exceptional terroirs, all Premiers and Grands Crus from La Grande Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs. Our viticulture relies on time-honoured principles, we use only the cuvee from each ... Learn MoreJACQUESSON 'CUVEE NO 742' NV$105.00 Per itemOut of stock -
At Jacquesson we are fortunate to have some exceptional terroirs, all Premiers and Grands Crus from La Grande Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs. Our viticulture relies on time-honoured principles, we use only the cuvee from each ... Learn MoreJACQUESSON 'CUVEE NO 741' NV$105.00 Per item -
Lightly cooked apples and pears with spice and chalk. Grilled toast. Full-bodied. Creamy and soft texture with pretty acidity coming out. Light almonds at the end. - James Suckling Dry and toasty, this has good cut and a light chalkiness ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE POMMERY APANAGE NV$109.99 Per item -
Le Blanc de Blancs is produced in small quantities in exceptional years only and fully expresses the superb calibre of great Chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. After 6 years ageing in our cellars, remarkable minerality ... Learn MoreAYALA LE BLANC DE BLANCS 2013$110.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Les Terres Roses is crafted primarily with Chardonnay and a small percentage of “Bouzy Rouge”, a still red wine made from old vine Pinot Noir. Stephan Reinhardt from Robert Parker says: “This is simply great and well-structured Rosé! You are ... Learn MorePIERRE PAILLARD 'LES TERRES ROSES' GRAND CRU ROSE CHAMPAGNE NV$114.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"The Larmandier-Bernier Champagnes are some of the purest and most utterly engaging wines being made in the region today. I can't recommend them highly enough." - Antonio Galloni. "Bready, complex, mature bouquet, but bright and fresh as well. Very rich, ... Learn More -
GRAPES: Pinot Noir: 50% and Chardonnay: 50%. Chardonnay dominates on the nose with its fruity, mineral character. The Pinot Noir imparts structure and maturity. A complex, refined and elegant wine. ... Learn MoreCANARD DUCHENE 'CHARLES VII' BRUT NV$114.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A pioneer in the champagne trade, the Ruinart House has stood out due to its unique know-how and history. At first very intense on the nose, with fresh fruit notes, particularly ripe citrus fruits. A second refined floral nose with ... Learn MoreRUINART BLANC DE BLANCS NV CHAMPAGNE$119.00 Per itemOut of stock -
A mix of 3 great value and delicious wines that will be the perfect gift to get any Christmas party started! Showcasing wines from some of the best wine regions in the world, this is sure to make any true ... Learn More
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During the lead up to Christmas 2020, we're aware that things won't quite be the same as they have been in previous years (let's be honest- what isn't different this year!). Many restaurants and bars have tight restrictions on the ... Learn More
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Made by 4th generation producer Jean-Manuel Jacquinot. This is a Pinot Noir dominant Blend ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE JACQUINOT 'SYMPHONIE MILLESIME' 2007$119.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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$119.99 Per item -
Charles VII Blanc de Noirs NV is made from an exclusive blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier. On the nose, pronounced aromas of summer fruits and preserved fruits combine with spicy notes. On the palate, the Champagne's maturity and ... Learn MoreCANARD DUCHENE CHARLES VII BLANC DE NOIRS NV CHAMPAGNE$119.99 Per itemOut of stock
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