What is Grower Champagne?
Growers Champagne is a sparkling wine that the producer oversees the production process every step of the way. While a handful of growers in Champagne started producing their own wines almost a century ago at this point, it wasn’t until the success of Jacques Selosse did it inspire a larger pool of growers to start taking the risk. Prior to Selosse’s success, growers never thought they could compete with top, large producers like Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, and Moët & Chandon. So the idea of a stable income from selling grapes, far outweighed the risk of going out on their own.
We are excited to announce that we have launched our monthly Champagne subscription. Check it out here!
For those of you that know me, you know that I will drink Champagne at every opportunity. So I thought it would be a great time to share some of my favorites we have in stock for the holiday season.
Pierre Péters, Cuvée de Réserve, Blanc de Blancs
Stunning Blanc de Blancs for all intended purposes. Pierre Peters Champagne has been a favorite for all discerning Champagne aficionados, and Sommeliers. Located in the famed village of Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Pierre Peters is world renown for its craftsmanship and at attention to detail. Fine mousse, aromas of fresh brioche, slight hint of minerality with faded notes of stoned-fruit. Crisp and dry with a prolonged finish.
Price: $63.99
Guillaume Sergent, Chemin de Chappes, Blanc de Noirs
50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier from two plots of selection massale vines in Vrigny: Les Grands Chemins (planted in 1972, eastern exposure and sandy soil) and Les Chappes (planted in 1982, a western facing plot composed primarily of silt and directly contiguous to Egly Ouriet's parcels).
Price: $67.99
Christophe Mignon, Pur Meunier, Blanc de Noirs
A Pinot Meunier specialist if there ever was one, these wines are on fire right now! Picking at optimal ripeness and low or no dosage along with biodynamic practices and a holistic approach to winemaking is clearly a recipe for success.
Price: $53.99
A blend of 20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 40% Pinot Meunier, this wine is nervy and vibrant. Layered with red fruit, toasted brioche, and balanced by savory elements. An absolute staple in the Rastello household.
Price: $49.99
Brick & Mortar, Block House, Brut Rosé 2016
The only non-Champagne in the mix here, but a stunning sparkling wine from California. Brick & Mortar is a project by husband-and-wife duo, Matt and Alexis Iaconis. Alexis is a former sommelier from The Restaurant at Meadowood and her husband is a seasoned winemaker. They produce focused, mineral-driven, sparkling wine from Northern California. They capture the California essence, but their wines have precision and flavor very rarely found in California sparkling wines.
Price: $44.99