Champagne - Wines
Brut Non-Vintage (Brut NV)
Brut Non-Vintage (Brut NV) is the most common style of Champagne, made from a blend of different years’ harvests. This style represents the house’s signature taste, aiming for consistency across each release. Typically dry, with less than 12 grams of residual sugar per liter, Brut NV Champagnes are versatile, with notes of citrus, green apple, brioche, and almond. These wines pair well with a wide range of dishes, making them a popular choice for celebrations and everyday enjoyment.
Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, offering a refined and elegant profile. These wines are often produced in the Côte des Blancs sub-region, where Chardonnay thrives in chalky soils. Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are known for their light, crisp character, with notes of citrus, white flowers, and minerality. They age gracefully and are prized for their finesse, making them an ideal match for seafood, light appetizers, and delicate dishes.
Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Noirs Champagnes are crafted solely from black grape varieties, predominantly Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These wines tend to be fuller-bodied, with richer flavors and a more pronounced structure compared to Blanc de Blancs. Blanc de Noirs often feature notes of red berries, brioche, and spice, making them excellent companions for heartier dishes like roasted meats and aged cheeses. Their depth and complexity make them highly sought-after among Champagne enthusiasts.
Rosé Champagne
Rosé Champagne is distinguished by its pink hue, achieved either by blending red wine into the base Champagne or by the saignée method, which involves macerating the grape skins with the juice. Rosé Champagnes are versatile, offering flavors of red fruits like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, balanced with bright acidity. These wines range from delicate and subtle to bold and full-bodied, making them suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events. Rosé Champagne is particularly popular for celebrations and romantic occasions.
Vintage Champagne
Vintage Champagne is produced only in exceptional years, where the grapes are deemed of high enough quality to stand alone. Unlike non-vintage blends, vintage Champagnes are made from grapes harvested in a single year and reflect the character of that specific harvest. These wines are aged longer, typically for a minimum of three years, allowing them to develop greater depth and complexity. Vintage Champagnes often exhibit richer flavors, with notes of honey, toasted almonds, and dried fruits, and they are highly prized for special occasions and cellaring.
Prestige Cuvée
Prestige Cuvées represent the pinnacle of a Champagne house’s production, using only the best grapes from the finest vineyards. These wines are often crafted from Grand Cru vineyards and aged for extended periods to develop exceptional complexity and elegance. Examples include Dom Pérignon, Cristal, and La Grande Dame. Prestige Cuvées are known for their rich, layered flavors, with notes of brioche, nuts, citrus, and minerality. They are often enjoyed on the most exclusive occasions, offering a true expression of luxury in the world of Champagne.