[mks_dropcap style="square" size="96" bg_color="#000000" txt_color="#ffffff"]I[/mks_dropcap]t is easy to find Jean-Pierre Vazart: the tall vigneron usually stands out from the crowd and welcomes everyone with a gentle and kind smile. He is the third generation of the domain Champagne Vazart-Coquart & Fils, located in Chouilly, a
[mks_dropcap style="square" size="96" bg_color="#000000" txt_color="#ffffff"]S[/mks_dropcap]ome wine stories don't need any technical facts. This is one of them. The most cited name when it comes to grower champagnes doesn't need much explanation or introduction. Some call him a genius, others call him a hippie. He's known
Champagne Pol Couronne Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut A fresh and crisp champagne, with refreshing notes of apples, lemon, and pink grapefruit zest, followed by a touch of sweet brioche notes and underlined with well-structured, chalky minerality. 100% Chardonnay from various Grand Cru terroirs. Base 2012 with
[mks_dropcap style="square" size="96" bg_color="#000000" txt_color="#ffffff"]I[/mks_dropcap]t was his ancestor, Pol Auguste Couronne – born in the so-called cradle of champagne, Hautvillers, in 1862 – whose name has been chosen by Jean-Baptiste Prévost to represent his champagnes. His ancestor created his own champagne brand in 1887 and
Champagne Olivier Horiot Solera Curry and cumin on the nose, accompanied by slightly oxidative hints of truffle and licorice. On the palate it shows blackberry and subtle blackcurrant as well as lots of nutty notes and orange zest, finishing on exotic spices like curry and cumin.
[mks_dropcap style="square" size="96" bg_color="#000000" txt_color="#ffffff"]M[/mks_dropcap]eeting Olivier Horiot at his domain in the Côte des Bar in the Aube region requires a good two-hour drive from Reims. Located in the village of Les Riceys, Champagne's southern border with Burgundy is just a few minutes away. Olivier
Champagne Alfred Gratien Brut Millésime 2005 A lovely, dense champagne full of tertiary notes and creamy vinosity. Fresh mushrooms, grilled ceps, dark rye bread notes, and toasted nuts are balanced by a vibrating, fresh acidity integrated into a supple and smoothened-out body. 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot
Champagne Janisson-Baradon 7C Soft texture with a racy acidity and aromas reminiscent of spring: hints of tarragon, thyme, mint, fresh rhubarb, and greengages. Tart like fresh rhubarb and greengage plum cake without sugar, with buttery pastry notes, and firm and vibrant acidity. Long finish on the
Champagne Benoît Déhu Rue des Noyers Champagne 2013 Wet, stony, and nutty notes on the nose. Lively and fresh, with a delicious mix of tangy mandarine zest, grapefruit, vanilla, honey, and dark nutty notes, as well as subtle hints of tarragon and menthol in the long
[mks_dropcap style="square" size="96" bg_color="#000000" txt_color="#ffffff"]F[/mks_dropcap]ounded by Lucien Leclerc in Cumières in 1872, Bertrand Leclerc, a sibling of Lucien, transforms the domain into a negociant house in 1955, giving it the name Leclerc-Briant. He relocates the domain to Épernay where it still is located today, at
