Champagnes

A Pinot-Noir-dominant Champagne with intense berry flavours. This is a sparkling wine that can deal with stronger flavours.

In 2009 Jean-Marc introduced Biodynamics to his vineyards and is now on the way to organic conversion which is planted on hilly slopes over 72 individual plots in Charly-Sur-Marne. A really great value for money Brut NV that delivers plenty of rich fruit, a hint of brioche, apple pie and some roasted yellow plums.

Gallimard Pére et Fils are based in the lesser-known Aube region. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, this is rich with red fruit notes.

Nicolas François Billecart was the founder of the house, and the prestige cuvée is named after him. From the excellent 2002 Champagne vintage, this is full-bodied, complex and intense, toasty with notes of nuts. Perfect with light fleshed game birds and white meats.

Champagne Telmont is a relatively new kid on the Champagne block. They are very much about sustainability with 72% of their land being either organic or in conversion and the goal is to have 100% of the land certified by 2021. They are also being very transparent in their labeling which we 100% applaud. On the nose this wine has notes of crème brulee, lemon verbena and almond tart. The palate has a good weight to it with baked apple and a punch of citrus on the finish.

Guy Mea is based in the Montagne de Reims with 7 hectares of Grand and Premier Cru vineyards looked after by Guy Mea’s granddaughter Sophie and her husband. They not only produce their own wines but also sell their wines to Pol Roger, Roederer and Gosset. Le Grillon is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. It still has the lovely concentration of the Cuvee la Tradition but with more elegant orchard fruits and a hint of brioche. A wine that will partner beautifully with roasted monkfish or paella.

Charles Heidsieck is the smallest of all the Grand Marques but is one of the top in terms of quality. Over the last three decades their winemakers have won 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' an unprecedented 15 times.

An excellent value for money champagne, Pol Roger Reserve is great for drinking now but is also suitable for ageing, taking on a fuller flavour with time. With its fresh summer fruit flavours and tiny, persistent mousse, Pol Roger is one of the most easily-enjoyed well-made NV champagnes around.

An intense Champagne from Bérèche & Fils, the Brut Reserve has notes of apples, wild flowers and a whiff of seaweed.