Wine Cellar Accessories

Welcome To The World Of Grower Champagnes

At last, Champagne lovers are realising that some of the best Champagne is made by small growers and this is now also reflected on restaurant wine lists. These Champagnes have greater finesse, more complexity and most importantly, more flavour and we can introduce you to a few very special wines.

Back in the 90's, I contacted Pierre Larmandier, when he was president of a group called "Jeunes Viticulteurs de Champagne" and he introduced me to some of the most exciting members of that group. The group's charter, launched in 1997, pledged to reduce the amount of herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilisers in the soil. With respect for the environment and in complete control of the growing of the grapes and the making of the wine, these small growers produce some superb wines.

Initially, we introduce you to three exciting growers – Christophe Mignon from the village of Festigny in the Marne Valley; Pascal Doquet from Vertus in the Côte des Blancs and Emmanuel Pithois from the Grand Cru village of Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims.

Christophe Mignon

Christophe Mignon has 6 hectares in and around the village of Festigny, in the Marne Valley and most of his time is spent out in the vineyards, mostly planted to Pinot Meunier.

Initially, following the Charter of the Groupe Des Jeunes Viticulteurs de Champagne, Christophe went further and works closely in chime with the lunar calendar, using biodynamic preparations and natural fertilisers, before applying his wine making knowledge in his cellars.

This commitment and know how is reflected in the high quality of his Champagnes.

 

 

 

 

Christophe Mignon Brut Non Vintage
Price: £24.95 per bottle
sold in cases of 12 for £299.40 including VAT

Pascal Doquet

Pascal and Laure Doquet are based in Vertus at the southern tip of the Côte des Blancs, with parcels located in Grand Cru Le Mesnil sur Oger.

After receiving organic certification since the 2007 harvest, Pacal is now concentrating on marketing his new Pascal Doquet brand in the U.K. It already sells in 11 other countries worldwide.

Many other vignerons have reverted to "lutte raisonée" , which literally means the "reasoned struggle" having given up trying to be fully organic. This in essence is the next step down, being as organic as possible but retaining the right to use chemicals where necessary, to maintain the health of the crop.

Pascal, however, has insisted on remaining fully organic and although this creates problems during difficult years, his reward is critical acclaim throughout the world for his work and quality of wine.

 

 

 

 

Pascal Doquet Blanc de Blanc Non Vintage
Price: £20.95 per bottle
sold in cases of 12 for £251.40 including VAT

Emmanuel Pithois

Emmanuel Pithois produces fine Champagnes in the Grand Cru village of Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims. He too, like Christophe Mignon, is a former member of the "Groupe des Jeunes Viticulteurs de Champagne".

His jovial nature is infectious and his broken English an absolute delight – rather like a glass of his superb Champagne!

From Emmanuel, we have chosen his superb Rosé Champagne.

 

 

 

 

Emmanuel Pithois Rosé
Price: £25.95 per bottle
sold in cases of 12 for £311.40 including VAT