Champagne is often seen as a dry, fizzy drink for special occasions. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and our goal is to show you just how exciting and varied Champagne can be.

The Producers

We work predominately with what’s known as ‘Recoltant Manipulant’. Essentially, this means that the Champagne we sell enjoys a journey from grape to bottle under the stewardship of the same farmer (hence the term ‘Grower’ Champagne). Whilst this might sound like an obvious method to make Champagne, it’s not as common as you expect. The vast majority of the Champagne you find on supermarket shelves and online stores is what’s termed ‘Négociant Manipulant’. This is the category all the big Champagne Houses belong to and it means that they buy in the grapes or grape must in bulk, from a range of vineyards, and make a large volume of Champagne from this common batch. These production methods, (along with a couple of others that we won’t go into here) are denoted on a Champagne label as RM or NM.

The benefits

Aside from the virtue of supporting the local farmers who tend the soil, grow the grapes and bottle their own produce, we’re convinced that small-batch, artisan Champagne offers superior flavour and value. Working with grapes from a single slope in a specific village ensures more of the expression of the ‘terroir’ comes through, (an element hugely prized in wine but often overlooked in Champagne), which means all the cuvées we offer are totally unique, with flavour profiles you would have never thought possible in Champagne! Finally, these small vineyards don’t have the overheads of the Grand Marques, so there’s no ‘paying for the brand’ with Sip Champagnes.

Where do I start?

We’ve got some cracking options in our bottle shop from just £30 – perfect if you want to dip your toe. For a more immersive experience, check out our range of cases that provide an overview of vintage, non-vintage and Rosé Champagne. Looking for a deep dive? Join one of our subscription packages and each month we’ll introduce you to Chardonnay’s, Pinot Noirs, Meuniers, blends, oak-fermented, vintage and non-vintage bottles from across the width and breadth of the Champagne region. The quality of these Champagnes cannot be contested, and we are certain you will taste the difference and never look back.