Category: champagne region

British Airways Makes History: Prestige Cuvée English Sparkling Wine Takes Flight

British Airways announced last week that it will be the first airline to serve prestige cuvée English sparkling wines in First Class as part of its award-winning wine list this year.

BA is working with pioneering English sparkling wine houses including Nyetimber, Gusbourne and Sugrue South Downs, to offer a range of new sparkling options across its First Class and Business Class/Club World, available on a rotational basis.

The airlines has also carefully selected a rotation of prestige cuvée Champagnes for customers travelling in First and Business Class to enjoy at 35,000 ft featuring the return of well-loved Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle.

“We are proud to lead the way in championing provenance and British originality, as we continue to work with the very best wine producers across England and beyond for our customers to enjoy both on the ground and in the air,” said Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer, British Airways. “We have selected the highest quality of wines with our customers’ expectations in mind and more than a thousand of our incredible colleagues have undergone specialist training to deliver our award-winning wines through world-class service, every time they fly with us.”

The airline’s latest English sparkling wine and Champagne additions to its First and Business Class/Club World, include:

English Sparkling Wine

New additions in First Class

1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2014 April – June
Gusbourne Fifty One Degrees North 2016 July – September
1086 by Nyetimber October – December
Sugrue South Downs Blend January – March 2026

New additions in Business Class/Club World

Digby Fine English’s Brut NV April – June
Gusbourne 2019 Vintage Rosé July – September
Hattingley Valley’s Blanc de Noirs 2019 October – December
Roebuck Reserve Brut 2020 January – March 2026
Digby Leander Pink Brut NV April – June 2026

Champagne

New additions in First Class

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV April – June
Lanson NOBLE 2008 and NOBLE Blanc de Blancs 2005/2008 July – September
Bollinger Grande Année and PN AYC18 October – December
Rare Champagne and Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires January – March 2026

Moët & Chandon’s Triumphant Return to the F1 Podium

It was confirmed this past week that Formula 1 and LVMH will begin their historic 10-year Global Partnership – the iconic luxury champagne brand Moët & Chandon will return as the Official Champagne of Formula 1, bringing the sport together in celebrating every victory.

The champagne has held a special place in Formula 1 since the inaugural season in 1950, when two passionate fans, Paul Chandon-Moet and his cousin, Count Frederic Chandon de Briailles, invited Juan Manuel Fangio to share a toast following his French Grand Prix victory.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “The tradition of toasting on the podium is one of the most iconic moments in our sport and we are thrilled to welcome once again Moët & Chandon as the Official Champagne of Formula 1.

“This partnership celebrates the history, emotion and excellence that bind Formula 1 and Moët & Chandon, in a perfect union of performance and refinement in a truly special year that sees us celebrate our 75th anniversary.
The return of Moët & Chandon to the podium strengthens further the bond of our innovative partnership with LVMH and we cannot wait to toast this extraordinary collaboration together.”

Sibylle Scherer, CEO and President of Moët & Chandon, said:

“We are honored and excited to return as the Official Champagne of Formula 1, celebrating a shared history of collective triumph and dedication since the 1950s. We honor the extraordinary teamwork, the unlimited precision, and the pursuit of excellence that drive both motorsport and our craft. This partnership is a tribute to the unity and shared achievements of inspiring drivers, their devoted teams, and the global community that rallies behind them. As Moët & Chandon takes its place on the podium once again, we proudly continue to craft moments of celebration that belong to everyone committed to this incredible journey.”

Sources: Formula1 and LVMH

Wine Review:  Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont is an elegant and sustainable choice for Valentine’s Day!

I invite you to immerse yourself in elegance and sustainability this Valentine’s Day with a bottle of Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont. This champagne will not only tantalize your palate but also exemplify environmentally sustainable practices.

Réserve de la Terre is a non-vintage cuvée made from three harvests: 2020 at 70%, 2019 at 15%, and 2018 at 15%, with blends of three grape varieties: Meunier at 37%, Chardonnay at 43%, and Pinot Noir at 20%.

Tasting Notes:  a delegate gold hue and on the nose, it presents a bouquet of fresh citrus fruits, white flowers, and subtle hints of brioche. The palate is well-balanced with flavors of green apple, and plum with a hint of spice, complemented by a fine and persistent mousse. The finish is long and refreshing, with a mineral undertone that adds complexity and depth to the overall profile.

I found this champagne to be sophisticated and elegant, while simultaneously offering a delightful sensory experience.
93 Points
Liz Palmer

History of Telmont: The House of Telmont was founded in 1912 by Henri Lhopital in Damery, a village in the heart of the Champagne region in France. Over the years, Telmont has built a reputation for producing high-quality champagnes that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The family-owned estate has always been committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, which is evident in their organic and biodynamic vineyard management. In recent years, Telmont has taken significant steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity, making them a pioneer in the world of sustainable viticulture. Telmont has converted its 24.5ha estate to organics.  The Organic Cuvée Telmont Réserve de la Terre is a testament to their dedication to preserving the environment while crafting exceptional champagnes.

Exploring Champagne Duval-Leroy + Prestige 1er Cru Brut 2008 Blanc de Blancs

History and Evolution of Duval-Leroy

The Duval-Leroy champagne house, established in 1859 through the partnership of Jules Duval and Edouard Leroy, has evolved into a symbol of quality and tradition. Duval-Leroy is situated in the picturesque town of Vertus, France. Unique among champagne houses, Duval-Leroy remains independent and family-managed. This enduring continuity allows the house to uphold its traditional values while adopting innovations that enhance both the quality of its champagnes and its environmental impact.

Since the late 20th century, under the leadership of Carol Duval-Leroy, the house has experienced significant growth and modernization, establishing itself as one of the leading champagne producers globally. Carol Duval-Leroy stands out as one of the few women to helm a champagne house, pioneering sustainable practices in viticulture and production, and driving innovation in winemaking processes.

Duval-Leroy was also among the first to obtain sustainable viticulture certification for its vineyards, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible production.

Wine Tasting Notes: Duval Leroy Prestige 1er Cru Brut 2008 Blanc de Blancs

Duval Leroy Prestige 1er Cru Brut 2008 Blanc de Blancs is an elegant Champagne crafted exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the premier vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. This prestigious cuvée reveals an inviting bouquet of fresh baked brioche, honey, and baked apple, accented by delicate aromas of walnuts. The fine and persistent perlage enhances the sensory experience, offering a lively and elegant effervescence.

On the palate, it unfolds with vibrant flavors of green apple and zesty lemon, accompanied by a subtle hint of nuts. The wine is beautifully balanced, with a harmonious interplay of fruit and acidity, leading to an elegant, light mineral finish. This wine stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and quality of the Duval Leroy house.

93 Points
Liz Palmer

Toasting to Trailblazers: Madame Louise Pommery and Women in Wine This Holiday Season

During the holiday season, as we celebrate and toast to good times, it is important to remember the remarkable women who have paved the way in the wine industry. These trailblazers have influenced the world of wine and left an indelible mark on history. Let’s take a moment to honour and celebrate them.

One such extraordinary woman is Madame Louise Pommery. A true visionary of the 19th century, Madame Pommery was one of the iconic widows who revolutionized the Champagne industry. After her husband’s death, she took the helm of the Pommery estate and transformed it into one of the most renowned Champagne houses in the world.

Madame Pommery’s pioneering spirit and innovative approach played a crucial role in developing modern Champagne as we know it today. She came up with the invention of “brut” Champagne. At that time dosage was added to champagne which was varied and unregulated resulting in sweet wines; she wanted something more elegant and fresher. Madame Pommery also popularized the use of caves for aging Champagne and is credited with pioneering wine tourism. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to quality established Pommery as a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

As we enjoy this holiday season with a glass of champagne in hand, let us raise our glasses to Madame Louise Pommery and all the incredible women who have contributed to the wine industry. Their legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of winemaking.

I’m sharing Pommery Brut Rose with my family and friends over the holidays, and toasting to all Women in Wine – Past, Now and Future!

Champagne Pommery is available at LCBO  

NO HST (ONTARIO) THIS HOLIDAY SEASON !!

Champagne Pommery Brut Rose LCBO #38632

Champagne Pommery Grand Cru Royal Brut 2009  LCBO #40870