Thanks to a very good friend of mine (Lore) we have spent a wonderful week-end discovering the Champagne "terroir" as well as it's worldwide recognized sparkling wines.
We have tasted several Champagnes from various "Maison" (nickname for champagne wineries): from the most well-known and bigger ones (e.g. Castellane, Perrier-Jouët), "underdogs" (e.g. Mandois) to lesser known winemakers (e.g. Serge Humbert). Thus, giving us a good benchmark.
One of the highlight of the week-end was certainly the visit+tasting of Champagne Mandois estate accompanied with its very kind and knowledgeable Sales Manager, Stéphane Dubois. Thank you so much Stéphane!
Personal comment : price doesn't mean quality. You can find very good Champagne from15€ (at the winery). So, try to put the branding aside of your decision factor when picking-up Champagne!
Few basics :
- Location
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Almost the most northern wine growing region of France +100 Champagne houses (big players), 19 000 winemakers, 32.000h, 323 bottles sold (2011) |
- Vines : Pinot Meunier (red), Chardonnay (red), Pinot Noir (red) / Champagne Blanc de Blanc : 100% chardonnay
- Types : White, Rosé, Red
- Sweetness : 0 sugar, Extra Dry, Brut, Sweet
- Top markets : UK, USA, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Italy
- Keeping/Drinking : Champagne should not be kept for long (max. 3 years)
- food macthing : true champagne people often enjoy and recommend to serve Champagne throughout the diner. They use the wide choice of types and blend to get the best synergy with each meal. Did it myself!
Champagne Mandois wellcoming tasting lounge, I ordered the full bucket, just kiddin'!! |
My pick, Cuvée Victor from Mandois |
Tasting session @Mandois (10am!): "Blanc de Blanc", "Brut", "Victor", "Brut Rosé" |
The Guy that made this all possible : Dom Perignon (1638-1715) |
Dom Perignon : main facts |
Champagne wineyard : Côte des Blancs |
Pupitre : an innovation allowing aging of Champagne |
Want to know more about Champagne wines :
Very interesting blog : http://winefolly.com/review/champagne-map-infographic/