Established in 1836, Madame Pommery is credited with creating the first vintage ‘brut’ style of Champagne in 1874, at a time when most champagnes were excessively sweetened with sugar. This revolutionary dry style set the benchmark for the rest of Champagne and it is in this spirit that the style of Pommery endures; with each cuvée displaying sublime elegance, finesse and freshness. Brut Royal NV has incredible balance and is a cheerful, lively and delicate wine.Pommery is one of the few Champagne houses that produce the large formats in their original bottles, to allow for optimal ageing. The Jeroboam comes individually packed in a timber case.

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne beginning in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc began following biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin continues the legacy of this visionary house.

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne starting in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc started to follow biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin continues the legacy of this visionary house. Ten hectares of vineyard spread between the Premier Cru villages of Cumières, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil in the Vallée de la Marne, Villers-Allerand and Rilly la Montagne in Montagne de Reims and the Grand Cru villages of Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. Leclerc Briant also holds long-term contracts with another 8 hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards. Les Basses Prières is from a single 0.17-hectare plot in the premier cru village of Hautvillers in the Vallée de la Marne. The southeast facing plot is planted to 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay with an average vine age of 40 years. Spontaneous fermentation and aging take place in used 225-liter French oak barriques for 9 months followed by 36 months aging sur lattes. The wine receives a low dosage with just 2 grams per liter of residual sugar. 1,800 bottles produced.

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne starting in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc started to follow biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin continues the legacy of this visionary house. Ten hectares of vineyard spread between the Premier Cru villages of Cumières, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil in the Vallée de la Marne, Villers-Allerand and Rilly la Montagne in Montagne de Reims and the Grand Cru villages of Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. Leclerc Briant also holds long-term contracts with another 8 hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards. Grand Blanc is 100% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru village of Cramant in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne. Fermentation and aging take place in used 225-liter French oak barriques for ten months followed by five years aging in bottle sur lattes. The wine receives no dosage with less than 1 gram per liter of residual sugar.

Champagne authority Peter Liem writes that “among all Champagne villages, Aӱ is the most historically esteemed… Today, its terroir is still just as storied, and its grapes are sought after by winemakers across the region.” It is perhaps no surprise that the poet Alfred de Vigny declared in 1853 that “the mousse of Aÿ radiates happiness”. From a Grand Cru where Pinot Noir reigns supreme, Bérêche’s cuvée is sourced from less than a hectare of 40+-year-old vines at 280 metres’ elevation in the cool parcels of Brise Pot and Froide-Terre, bordering Mutigny in Grande Vallée de la Marne, where thin topsoils (at a maximum of 30cm) rest over dense Campanian chalk. Pinot Noir (75%) and Chardonnay (25%) fermented slowly in barrels and aged on lees in bottle for 78 months. The dosage was under 3 g/L. It’s a striking, penetrating Champagne whose depth of crystalline white fruits and soft spices is matched by its sinewy, chalky length and cut-glass precision. A flat-out stunner.

Produced in the renowned Champagne region of France, the 2008 Clos Lanson Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is a truly exceptional vintage. With a bright golden colour and fine, persistent bubbles, this 1500ml bottle is a feast for the eyes. The nose is immediately greeted with aromas of freshly baked brioche, lemon zest, and a hint of honey. On the palate, the wine is crisp and vibrant, with a perfect balance of delicate minerality and zesty citrus flavours. As it lingers on the tongue, notes of apricot and white flowers emerge, adding depth and complexity to this already exquisite Champagne. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of sophistication and refinement. This is a must-try for any Champagne lover, and a true testament to the quality of Lanson's winemaking.

The Champagne Bérêche et Fils Grand Cru Mailly Champagne Blanc de Noirs (Disg. Jul 2023) 2018 is an exquisite offering from esteemed winemaker Raphael Bereche in the Champagne region of France. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this Blanc de Noirs showcases a beautiful pale gold color with delicate bubbles dancing in the glass. On the nose, enticing aromas of ripe red apples, brioche, and hints of toasted almonds greet the senses. The palate is elegant and complex, with flavors of stone fruits, lemon zest, and a touch of minerality leading to a long, crisp finish. This vintage 2018 Champagne is a true representation of the Grand Cru terroir of Mailly and will only continue to improve with age. Enjoy now or cellar for even greater depth and complexity. Salut!