Champagne – C’est Magnifique!

For a special occasion, some would say, “It has to be Champagne”. There are many companies producing excellent Champagnes of superb quality and for me, it is a case of trying the various brands until the palate is satisfied and the sparkle brings life to a celebration or special event.

Some of the Champagne brands have centuries of history, with interesting stories to be told. At the mere mention of Champagne, luxury, superb quality and something which will tantalise the senses, all come to mind. The Champagne region of France produces splendid grapes, with varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, being at the forefront, to create remarkable Champagnes. It is very interesting to learn of the manual picking of grapes and the destalking process, then the maceration, as the ‘chain of events’ unfolds. From the vineyards to the press houses, retaining freshness, through alcoholic fermentation, in vats under controlled temperature conditions, secondary fermentations, the yeasts and the ageing in cellars, under temperature control, are all in the method of operation, leading up to wonderful Champagne productions.

There are several Champagne brands that we see every day in shops and supermarkets etc. The ‘Biggest’, the ‘Oldest’, and other descriptions are attributed to them. In my quest to locate something ‘different’, I was most pleasantly surprised to learn of other vineyards – new, to me – who have been producing fine Champagnes for many generations, some, at a current rate of approx 100,000 bottles per year.

Champagne Bochet – Lemoine came into being by the merger of two farms. With the marriage of Miss Valerie Lemoine and Mr Jacky Bochet, the Champagne Bochet-Lemoine was created. Their Brut Cuvée, with 50% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, grape varieties, I found very elegant, with a pleasing aroma and fresh finish.

Champagne Chapuy is from the Chapuy family, who have a history linked with the French Revolution, as one of their ancestors was the village mayor, at that time. Winemaking has been in the family for over 100 years and the productions of Champagne have been commercialised, also. Exports include Europe, USA, plus Hong Kong, South Africa and Russia. The Chapuy, Carte Noire Brut Tradition Cuvée, delighted me, very much so, both on the palate and with and excellent finish.

Written by Trevor Langley