World Wine – The aromatics are just lovely, delicate, floral, with a white stone and white peach character. A very gentle palate follows, showing some lightly honeyed fruit cast against a minerally background and a fine pétillance too. A very attractive wine, a delicately poised style, but with plenty of acid and grip to give it form.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The NV Brut Premier Cru is a very pretty wine laced with expressive notes of citrus, lemon, white peaches and flowers. This mid-weight, floral Champagne will make an excellent aperitif, but it can also stand up to lighter-bodied foods. It is a beautifully balanced wine with plenty of Chardonnay character.
World Wine – This is one of the most remarkable champagnes I have ever tasted. Quite a deep pink, it is almost impossibly perfumed - like a really good red burgundy, with forest fruit and spice aromas - and is intense, elegant, entrancing, crisp, juicy and endless in the mouth. Wow! Max Allen, The Weekend Australian Magazine.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Larmandier-Bernier's NV Extra Brut Rosé de Saignee is one of the most profound wines I encountered in my tastings. The color resembles the tonality of blood orange juice. This is a powerful wine that flows onto the palate with an expression of bright red fruit that recalls the wines of Chambolle in its luxuriousness, but is backed up with serious structure. This compelling, totally seductive wine possesses awesome richness and vibrancy, with layers of aromas and flavors that continue to develop in the glass all the way through to the long, intensely satisfying finish. The wine could be served alongside any dish that might be served with grand cru Burgundy, but like all of the world's great wines, this is a bottle that creates its own occasion. Larmandier-Bernier completely redefines what Rosé can be all about with this monumental effort. The estate's Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from Vertus vinified on the skins (saignee) and bottled with 3 grams of dosage.
Wine Spectator – A delicate Champagne, with a refined mousse and finely honed acidity, this offers a subtle range of black currant, lemon zest, toast and chalk flavors that linger on the lightly spiced finish.
Wine Enthusiast – This producer gives this style of bone-dry Champagne just the right bottle aging to allow it soften and fill out with ripe fruit. Of course, it still has crispness as well as a tight mineral texture. Together with the fruit, the elements are balanced, right in place, giving a wine that is ready to drink. ROGER VOSS
French Champagne is not just any sparkling wine; it's a symbol of celebration, luxury, and tradition. Originating from the Champagne region in northeastern France, this beverage has been a part of many historic moments and joyous occasions for centuries. The unique terroir, characterized by chalky soil and a cool climate, imparts distinct flavors and aromas that make Champagne stand out from other sparkling wines. The meticulous process of its production, including the second fermentation in the bottle, ensures a fine mousse and complex taste profile. From the grand cru vineyards to the boutique producers, each bottle tells a story of its lineage, artistry, and the passion of its makers. The delicate balance of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, coupled with extended aging, results in a drink that resonates with history, luxury, and a taste that's truly timeless.
French Champagne is the epitome of sparkling wines, holding an iconic status in the world of fine beverages. Originating from the Champagne region in northeastern France, this effervescent drink is created using a unique method called the "Traditional Method" or "Méthode Champenoise." Unlike other sparkling wines, only those produced in this specific region can proudly bear the name "Champagne." The wine undergoes a second fermentation in its very bottle, which gives it its distinct bubbles. The primary grape varieties used in its production are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, each contributing to Champagne's distinctive taste and elegance.
The Champagne wine region, divided into several sub-regions like the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs, and the Côte des Bar, is solely responsible for the production of authentic French Champagne. Each sub-region, with its unique terroir and microclimate, imparts distinct characteristics to the Champagne produced. The chalky soil, rich in minerals, combined with the cool climate, ensures the grapes have a crisp acidity, essential for the production of top-quality Champagne.
Several prestigious houses and brands dominate the French Champagne scene. Brands like Dom Pérignon, Krug, Bollinger, Veuve Clicquot, and Moët & Chandon are recognized globally and epitomize the luxury and grandeur associated with Champagne. These houses have established their reputation over centuries and continue to be the benchmark for quality and style in the sparkling wine world.
While the top-tier Champagne brands come with a premium price tag, many smaller producers or "grower Champagnes" offer exceptional value. Houses like Agrapart & Fils, Pierre Gimonnet & Fils, and Bérêche & Fils are renowned for producing exquisite Champagnes that rival the bigger names in terms of quality but are often more competitively priced. These bottles provide an excellent entry point for those new to Champagne or those seeking value without compromising on taste.
French Champagne is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. Its crisp acidity and delicate bubbles make it an excellent match for a range of dishes. Classic pairings include oysters, caviar, and smoked salmon. However, it can also complement sushi, tempura, light poultry dishes, and even popcorn. Its versatility extends to many cheeses, especially Brie, Camembert, and aged Parmesan. The lightness and effervescence of Champagne cut through rich and fatty foods, making it a delightful companion for many culinary delights.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.