Single Vineyard Exploration

The beauty of the blend has been synonymous with Champagne for centuries, so it wasn’t until the 20th century that the idea of focusing on the purity of one specific vineyard, let alone labelling it as such, took shape. Wines from Philipponnat, Clos des Goisses and Cattier, Clos du Moulin started the ball rolling in the 1950s and ‘60s, but it was with Champagne Krug and the magical Clos du Mesnil that the concept really took off. At the time, many Krug lovers (including some of the family) laughed at the idea, but a decade later the first vintage was released and the rest is history.  

Since then single vineyard Champagne has become synonymous with high quality, low yield, terroir focussed winemaking and many Maisons have followed suit. Taste your way from the Montagne de Reims to the Côte des Bar. Start with the Pinot Noir of Les Chauffours in Verzenay and finish with Jean Josselin’s Les Blancs, a Chardonnay from two sites in Gyé-sur-Seine. It makes a lovely comparison with the single-vineyard wines in the case.

Rousseaux Batteux Verzenay 'Les Chauffours'

We start in the north of the appellation with a pure Pinot Noir made from a north facing Grand Cru lieu dit 'Les Chauffours' planted out in the mid 70's. This is a great example of the finesse and texture that comes from well-crafted Montagne de Reims Grand Cru Pinot – wonderfully fresh, with a lovely saline element that sits alongside the dark fruits.

Georges Remy Le Mont de Tauxieres 

Staying in the Montagne de Reims we move south to experience a real beast of a wine from Georges Remy. Coming from the village of Tauxières this 50/50 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend is deep, dark and rich with loads of complexity that continues to build as it opens. It's a wine that would work well with food and is certainly worth stoppering and returning to a day or two later.

Louis Brochet La Jacquesson Blanc de Meunier

Entering the Marne valley in the west we sample a wonderful pure Meunier. Rich and perfumed on the nose, the palate follows with great intensity and a nice layer of sweet fruit. It's hugely juicy on the mid to late which links up with a touch of oak and a grip of salinity.

Famille Delouvin L'Arpent Rouge

Please note: Occasionally, due to stock availability, we may need to substitute bottles. In this situation, the replacement cuvées will be in the same style, and of the same or greater value.