
Champagne, France
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.
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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- If you like your Champagne dry & clean with great fruity notes, this is the one! Since 1770, the Orban family has been growing grapes in Troissy, a region renowned for its Pinot Meunier. The wine has a fine mousse and supple ... Learn MoreOrban Champagne Blanc De Noir Brut NvNZ$56.99 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! One of the finest Grower Champagnes on the market, crafting luxury Champagne for more ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier 1er Cru Brut NvNZ$64.99 Per item
- Double Gold Medal winner from Gilbert & Gaillard and Concours des Vignerons Independants. A United Cellars exclusive growers Champagne produced by the family owned Champagne Breton Fils. Crisp floral aromatics, with notes of citrus, crunchy apple, plum & brioche. A refreshing and ... Learn MoreChampagne Victoria Rey Brut NVNZ$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 NvNZ$69.99 Per item
- A beautifully balanced Champagne, offering up bright citrus aromas, toasty brioche and lingering green apple notes. Family owned & operated for the past 135 years, in the heart of the Cotes de Blancs area. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir. ... Learn MoreAlbert Le Brun Champagne Cuvee Reserve Brut NvNZ$70.00 Per item
- A gorgeous and evocative Champagne Rose made with 100% Premier Cru fruit. A fine mousse and delicate bubbles brings forth aromas of warm orchard fruit, red apple, rhubarb and baked bread. The palate is mouth-watering and elegant with perfectly balanced sweetness ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Brut Premier Cru Rose Champagne NvNZ$74.99 Per item
- 100% high quality Grand Cru with freshness, delicacy and elegance. A classic expression of Champagne, with a buttery, hazelnut finish. The nose is a combination of ripe citrus fruits with a buttery overtone and flowery finish. The flavours are fresh and ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Grand Cru Champagne NvNZ$79.99 Per item
- The signature wine of an elite Champagne House, producing wine for over 80 years. An exclusive United Cellars import, with stunning freshness & balance. 100% Grand Cru fruit with more than 36 months on lees. A lovely, clean, tropical fruit bouquet, with notes of ... Learn MoreChampagne Jacquinot 'Private Cuvee' NvNZ$79.99 Per item
- Consistently, classy, light & fresh, celebrating the purity of Cuis. 100% Chardonnay from five different harvests, blended in a subtle but classic "Pierre Gimonnet" style. Low dosage and aged in bottle for up to 30 months before release. "One of the most pristine ... Learn MorePierre Gimonnet Et Fils Cuvee Cuis 1er Cru NvNZ$80.01 Per item
- The tete-de-cuvee of this stunning Champagne house- a Grand Cru made with a delightful combination of carefully selected Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. Bright yellow in the glass with fine bubbles and a persistent mousse. Delicate aromas of citrus and acacia blossom, ... Learn MoreChampagne Autreau Les Perles de la Dhuy Grand Cru 2014NZ$129.98 Per item
- The Symphonie Rose is only produced during exceptional vintage years. Produced using Grand Cru fruit, the Symphony is raspberry in appearance with hints of salmon pink and has a lively effervescence. Its bouquet is very delicate with notes of morello ... Learn MoreChampagne Jacquinot 'Symphonie Rose Millesime' 2013NZ$129.98 Per item
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You can't go past Champagne for Mum this Mother's Day. We've put together a selection Mum will love, including a gold-medal-winning Champagne, a vibrant, mouth-watering Nelson Sauvignon Blanc and a classy, moreish rose from the south of France. A ... Learn More
Mother's Day Gift PackNZ$132.99Out of stock - Cellar master Régis Camus sums up each vintage at this tasting with a single word or phrase. In 2006, ‘sunny’ is the word, reflecting both the warm and sometime humid summer conditions, and also the style of the wine: bold ... Learn MorePiper Heidsieck Rare 2006 ChampagneNZ$304.99 Per item
- Complex and intense bouquet disclosing candied citrus, yellow fruit, Williams pear, pollen and toasted almond. The delicately seductive bouquet shows intensity and well-honed precision. The wine is derived from the dryness of the chalk soil in a particularly cool summer. ... Learn MoreLouis Roederer 'Cristal' 2013NZ$399.99 Per item