❀ vina@bmtv ❀

It’s always important at this time of the year and in preparation for the New Year’s celebration, to know something about Champagne.

Here is a list of those known and appreciated in France (work-in-progress):

GRANDES MAISONS ET COOPÉRATIVES

• DRAPPIER
  • 10200 Urville
  • T: +33 (0) 3 24 27 40 15
  • www.champagne-drappier.com

Recommended:

CARTE D’OR BRUT (16,50€), 1995 (27€), 1996 (28€)
Drappier’s Carte d’Or Brut champagne has all the aroma of the Pinot Noir quality grape variety, which in fact makes up 90% of the blend. This is a black grape with white juice and is highly prized not only for its structure but also for the subtle notes of red fruits which characterize it.

A touch of Chardonnay gives freshness, while the more souple Pinot Meunier grapes impart a fine after-taste. By using only the most noble extracts go to make up this blend, for which Drappier is justly famed.

GRANDE SENDRÉE 1999 (27,50€), 1998 (29€), 1996 (35€)
Grande Sendrée is produced from a plot of vines planted over 70 years ago. This “cuvée” is today a blend of highly fragrant wines produced in very small quantities. Chardonnay, of which there is 55% confers finesse and elegance, and Pinot Noir 45% gives body and fruit, forming the remainder brings the body and richness of a very traditional Champagne. Only wines from the best years are used and carefully matured in our 12th Century cellars. The bottle is a handmade reproduction of the type used during the 18th Century, this is the hallmark of an exceptional Champagne.

• DEVAUX
  • 10110 Bar-sur-Seine
  • T: +33 (0) 3 25 38 30 65
  • www.champagne-devaux.fr
  • info@champagne-devaux.fr

Recommended:
BLANC DE NOIRS (19€)
ROSÉ INTENSE (24€), 1998 (22,50€) cuvée D (26€), cuvée D 1996 (36€)
ROSÉ DES RICEYS 2002 (18€)

• MOUTARD PÈRE ET FILS
  • 10110 Buxeuil
  • T: +33 (0) 3 25 38 50 76
  • www.champagne-moutard.fr

Recommended:
BRUT GRANDE CUVÉE (16,40€)
GRANDE RÉSERVE (17,30€)
cuvée des Six Cépages (37,30€)

• VENOGE
  • 51530 Epernay
  • T: +33 (0) 3 26 53 34 34
  • www.champagnedevenoge.com

Recommended:
1998 (33,32€)
BLANC DE BLANCS 1996 (33,32€)
GRAND VIN DES PRINCES 1993 (51,12€)
CUVÉE LOUIS XV 1995 (79€)

• NICOLAS FEUILLATTE
  • 51530 Chouilly
  • www.feuillatte.com
  • T: +33 (0) 3 26 59 55 50

Recommended:
1996 AMBONNAY OU CHOUILLY (37€)
1997 AY, VERZENAY, AMBONNAY, LE MESNIL or CRAMANT (37€)
BLANC DE BLANCS 1999 (24€)
CUVÉE SPÉCIALE 1999 (30€)

• SAINT GALL
  • 51190 Avize
  • T: +33 (0) 3 26 57 94 22
  • www.de-saint-gall.com

Recommended:
1er CRU 2000 (26€)
GRAND CRU 1998 (43€)
CUVÉE ORPALE 1996 (55€)

• PANNIER
  • 02400 Château-Thierry
  • T: +33 (0) 3 23 69 51 30
  • www.champagnepannier.com

Recommended:
CUVÉE EGERIE 1998 (38€)