France - Champagne

This most prestigious sparkling wine region has a cool continental climate and is the most northerly wine region in France; frost is one of the biggest challenges in the vineyard. To balance this the majority of Champagne produced is non-vintage (NV), prepared using a blend of wines from multiple years to smooth out some of the vintage variations. This is arguably one of the hardest tasks of the winemaker: to achieve a consistent house style from year to year.

In exceptional years up to half the fruit may be dedicated to creating a vintage champagne entirely made from that year's harvest, with the remainder reserved for non-vintage wines.

The three main grape varieties used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. After traditional fermentation and blending, the Méthode champenoise technique calls for secondary fermentation for at least 15 months in the bottle, during which the natural carbonation occurs.

Champagne's sugar content varies. The sweetest level is 'doux' (meaning sweet) and then, (in increasing dryness) 'demi-sec' (half-dry), 'sec' (dry), 'extra sec' (extra dry), 'brut' (very dry-dry), 'extra brut' (very dry), 'brut nature' (no additional sugar, bone dry).

Featured Growers


Bauchet 1er Cru Cuvée Mémoire

Champagne Bauchet
Bisseuil, Champagne, France

Chardonnay 75%, Pinot Noir 25%

A highly classical Champagne, which expressed itself gently and elegantly. Its aromatic balance hovers between freshness and a feeling of early maturing, its softened effervescence and balanced sugar/acidity combination make it particularly attractive.

ABV 12.5%

Bauchet 1er Cru Cuvée Signature

Champagne Bauchet
Bisseuil, Champagne, France

Chardonnay 80%, Pinot Noir 20%

Flaxen gold in colour. Gentle and steady effervescence. A vinous champagne whose effervescence is mellow with a silky texture. It displays a fine maturity as well as a certain complexity. The finish perfectly preserves the sensations perceived on the palate.

ABV 12.5%

Bauchet Cuvée Origine Brut

Champagne Bauchet
Bisseuil, Champagne, France

Pinot Noir 60%, Chardonnay 40%

This champagne has a clear finish that is slightly mineral and effervescent. The general flavour is fruity with hints of toasted bread. When you let it breathe, this cuvée becomes even more full-bodied and welcoming.

Contains: sulphites.

ABV 12.5%

Bauchet Rosé Brut 'Seduction'

Champagne Bauchet
Bisseuil, Champagne, France

Chardonnay 60%, Pinot Noir 40%

Its robe is reminiscent of the colour of rose petals. The first nose is fruity and floral. Raspberry and roses combine with biscuit aromas. After airing, fresh ripe cherries and peonies appear with aromas of strawberry liqueur and blackcurrant. This is a cuvee of pure elegance and class.

Contains: sulphites.

ABV 12.5%


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