Champagne News
James Bond & Champagne
Just as there have been many dashing actors portraying the infamous James Bond over the years, he has had many fabulous Champagne co-stars. With the twenty fourth James Bond film ‘Spectre’, Daniel Craig’s James Bond Champagne co-star is the 2002 Bollinger R.D. (Recently Disgorged) Extra Brut. Bond and Bollinger Champagne (founded in 1829) have been…
Champagne Bureau Tasting London March 2017
When you have been in an industry for a few years you certainly get to find out who the characters are, those to know, those to stay clear of, ones who will make you laugh, those who will educate, some who are forever serious and then sometimes even romance blossoms just like any other business…
Roundabouts & Champagne Flutes
The villages in the appellation are well known for their Champagne themed decorations. The Aube has one new one and another in development that will add to an already rich collection. Hautvillers is famous for its iron hanging signs. These can also be seen throughout the Champagne making area. Some villages have murals. Old presses…
‘R’ is for Ruinart
Of all the houses in Champagne, a lady of course has her favorites. One of mine happens to be the oldest established Champagne house, that has been producing Champagne since 1729. That house is Ruinart, located in the historic city of Reims. Ruinart currently produces three non-vintage selections; Blanc de Blancs, ‘R’ Brut and a…
The Art of Sabrage
The Art of Sabrage originated in France during the Napoleonic wars. The story says that the legendary Barbe Nicole Ponsardin, known today as Veuve Clicquot, after her husband’s death (veuve in French is widow), took over the company and managed to became one of the largest exporters of Champagne for the royal courts in Russian…
Step in to the World of Champagne Charles Heidsieck
When you are in the business of Champagne and Sparkling Wine then a whole world of exploration and experiences lay before you from tasting the wines to standing in the middle of the vineyards where they are made, you get to sample each and every part that takes things from a seed to a glass…
A Woman Amongst Men – Moët & Chandon’s Elise Losfelt
A woman running a business was unheard of in 19th Century France. Yet the Champagne widows did just that, ‘veuves’ who stepped in to fill the shoes of husbands killed in battle or dying otherwise: Mathilde Emilie Perrier lost her husband Eugene Laurent and went on to launch the first “Grand Vin Sans Sucre,” or…
Champagne – The Better Half
As an avid Champagne drinker, I have discovered that a half bottle is often the perfect treat for a casual brunch, to start a meal, the right amount for an afternoon delight, or an evening nightcap. Here are some of the many that I love. Lanson Black Label Brut In 1798, the Maltese Cross became…
A New Dawn For The Aube
The word ‘aube’ in French means ‘dawn’ in English and it’s also the name of the southernmost region of the Champagne region. So far, so straightforward, but this area of Champagne is also referred to as La Côte des Bar. You may not have heard either name and it’s true that the region is much…