Search Results: champagne
What is an old Champagne?
Tasting an old Champagne is always a moment of discovery; a voyage into the unknown with the ever-present risk of encountering a bottle that hasn’t withstood the test of time. But, what is the definition of old Champagne exactly? How old does it have to be? In fact there’s no absolute rule but by general…
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Vintage 2002: A Great Champagne Year
The climate in 2002 in La Champagne–as the region is called by its inhabitants–was just about perfect for a potentially outstanding vintage: A mild spring; warm, but not hot summer; with dry, sunny days in the fall. Alcohol levels were high enough, combined with good-enough acidity to balance the wines. Here are some 2002 Champagnes…
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Blanc de Blancs: The Best Champagne Style?
I happen to love all types of Champagne, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be Blanc de Blancs. Among Champagne lovers, this is a very controversial statement, because many believe that Pinot Noir, not Chardonnay (which alone makes Blanc de Blancs), is the region’s most prestigious grape variety. Or that…
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Grower Champagnes
Grower-producer Champagnes–commonly known as Grower Champagnes–are exactly what they sound like: Champagnes that are made by the estate that actually grows the grapes. Grower Champagnes make up just a small segment of all Champagnes produced; 71 percent of Champagne is still made by négociant houses, especially such large houses as Moët & Chandon and Veuve…
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Charles Heidsieck: World’s Most Underrated Champagne
One year after he founded his Champagne house in 1851, 29-year-old Charles-Camille Heidsieck took the unusual step, at that time, of journeying to the United States to sell his Champagne. In fact, he was the first Champagne producer to visit the U.S.A. Champagne Charlie, as he became known, a gracious gentleman and a born salesman,…
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The Summer of Rosé Champagne
Summer is here, and my thoughts turn to rosé wine. I’m all for that. What is more refreshing than sitting outdoors somewhere beautiful, such as by the ocean or on the French Riviera, sipping a glass of cold rosé wine with good company, and watching the world go by? But the absolutely best scenario for…
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Prestige Cuvée Champagnes ~ Part 3 – Full-Bodied, Rich Prestige Cuvées
Full-Bodied, Rich Prestige Cuvées Champagne Bollinger, Vieilles Vignes Françaises Blanc de Noir 2002: Bollinger’s position is that it really doesn’t make a prestige cuvée, but we can consider its Grand Année or R.D. as prestige cuvées if we want. Actually, these two Champagnes, as good as they are, are really Vintage Champagnes. Bollinger’s only true…
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Prestige Cuvée Champagnes ~ Part 2 – Medium-Bodied Prestige Cuvées
Medium-Bodied Prestige Cuvées Champagne Deutz, Cuvée William Deutz 2000: Deutz is one of my favorite houses, and I especially love its prestige cuvées, Cuvée William Deutz and Cuvée William Deutz Rosé (one of the best rosé Champagnes made, in my opinion). Deutz has become even better since Champagne Louis Roederer bought a majority interest in…
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Prestige Cuvée Champagnes ~ Part 1 – Lighter-Bodied, Elegant Prestige Cuvées
What is a “Prestige Cuvée” Champagne? It is the finest Champagne that a producer makes, from the finest grapes in Champagne’s best vineyards. In most cases, a prestige cuvée is a premium Vintage Champagne–but a few producers do make a non-vintage prestige cuvée. The French term for prestige cuvées is Têtes de Cuvée. Almost every…
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