THE TERROIRS
Where each drop is lovingly grown
EPERNAY, CÔTE DES BLANCS
Located in the central region of Champagne this terroir is prolific in growing chardonnay. With predominantly east facing slopes and an abundance of pure chalk, these champagnes are sharper with a signature elegance found nowhere else outside Côte Des Blancs.
AŸ, GRAND VALLÉE DE LA MARNE
The village of Aÿ is most well-known for Pinot Noir. Combining steep, southern-facing slopes with its proximity to the Marne River, this terroir stands out in this grape variety, creating complex flavours with subtle overtones.
REIMS, MONTAGNE DE REIMS
As the northern neighbour to Grand Vallée De Marne, Reims is the champion of diversity in Champagne. Montagne De Reims is known for its horse-shoe shape, giving the terroir East and South facing slopes that lend itself to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir respectively. The diverse soil types in Montagne De Reims produce full bodied varieties with fruit textures.
What do you recommend ?
glad you asked.
Charles-Heidsieck
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First, you have our signature pour, 2012 Charles Heidsieck Brut Millésimé $50gls or $420 to share the bottle.
Terroir: Montagne De Reims
Tell me more
Grape: Pinots are grown with outstanding quality here, due to the diversity of land types. This gives the grapes dense juices producing a rounded character.
Soil: Cold clay soils that when combined with the summer sun produce a freshness into the wine
Vintage: 2009 was a particularly sunny year and thus a very fresh wine.
In one sentence?
Expect a bright, fruity taste with a pleasant bitterness on the attack, delicate beads of mousse and a long, lingering finish.
Billecart-Salmon
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Next is Australia's latest trend, Rosé. In this category you cannot go past the NV Ruinart Rosé. $40 gls or $263 to share the bottle. This varietal is made for Spring and sunny afternoons.
Terroir: Montagne De Reims
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Grape: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the specialties of the region. Serendipitously, this Rosé is a blend of those two grapes. The Pinot Noir gives a fullness and the red colour, balanced by the freshness of the pure white Chardonnay.
Soil: Cold clay soils that when combined with the summer sun produce a freshness into the wine
Vintage: This is a non-vintage (NV), so this blend is consistent year on year with the features the make Ruinart unique.
In one sentence?
Expect a subtle nose with hints of tropical and berry fruits, a distinct attack on the palette and a voluptuous body, leaving you with a delightful balance of freshness.
Ruinart
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Moving into Grand Vallée de la Marne, we must sing the praises of NV Perrier-Jouët. $211 to share the bottle. This champagne house is famous for their floral texture
Terroir: Grand Vallée de la Marne
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Grape: The home to Pinot Noir, this grape makes up 80% of the PJ blend
Soil: Its proximity to the Marne River makes the soil rich in minerals and moisture, attributing an elegant crispness to the wine.
Vintage: This is a non-vintage (NV), so this blend is consistent to the standards of Perrier-Jouët.
In one sentence?
Expect a complex, crisp wine with a persistent mouth feel, and lingering flavours of fresh apples and lemons.