Some Gems Among Champagne’s Smaller Producers

Some Gems Among Champagne's Smaller Producers

December is the month Champagne producers love best, because as much as 40% of their annual  retail sales takes place during the holiday time.  An overwhelming amount of the Champagne sold will be by eight large brands:  Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Nicolas  Feuillatte,  G.H. Mumm, Laurent-Perrier,  Lanson, and Piper-Heidsieck. These eight Champagne brands…

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Blanc de Blancs: The Best Champagne Style?

Blancs de Blancs best

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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