Tsarine is made by Chanoine Frères, which was founded in 1730; only the house of Ruinart is older. The Tsarine Cuvee Champagne was originally created in honour of the Russian tsars, since Russia was a major export market for champagne in the nineteenth century. The cepage is approximately 33% pinot noir, 33% pinot meuniere and 34% chardonnay. Golden hues highlight the aspect of this cuvée, imparting brightness and elegance. Delicate effervescence is enhanced by a chorus of fine bubbles. Aromas are expressed gradually on notes of mirabelle plum and freshly picked grape blossoms. Yellow fruit flavours peach, apricot and nectarine gradually blend with those of bitter orange, producing a well-balanced wine with remarkable breadth that finishes on lemony notes.

The house of Besserat de Bellefon was founded in 1843 near Ay in Champagne, and is now based in Epernay. The hallmark of the house is the lower than normal pressure that the wine is kept at under cork. This lower than normal pressure does not reduce the effervescence, but softens it, allowing the wine to partner better with food. Aspect: Soft rose with fine clear beads Bouquet: Red berries, hawthorn, the verve of springtime Palate: Wild strawberries, refreshing, seductive Assemblage : Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Gimonnet Gonet’s L’Origine is a Blanc de Blancs Champagne composed of fruit from five Grand Cru villages—Oiry, Chouilly, Oger, Cramant, Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger. As Gimonnet Gonet eschews the use of oak, the wine is fermented in stainless steel before it’s blended with reserve wines (30-35%), then aged in bottle for 22-36 months. Its golden colour, and mild mousse, leads to an expressive nose of bright fruit and a subtle nuttiness. The palate is grippy and fresh, yet creamy and elegant, with stone fruit, lemon zest, and a sense of minerality. 6g/l dosage.

With over 200 years of history in every bottle, its no wonder Charles de Cazanoves Head Winemaker, Christophe Rapeneau, was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge 2017. We think its great value from one of the largest family owned champagne producers in the world. A nose containing confectionery notes (brioche, cocoa beans, vanilla) with strong hints of pink grapefruit. Superb freshness on the palate, delicious and structured with notes of toasted oak.