Category: French Wine

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

The BEST Hostess Gift: Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive [Brut] Champagne Gift Pack + Two Flutes

I found this exclusive Nicolas Feuillatte Gift Pack, complete with two elegant flutes, to be a perfect choice for holiday shoppers seeking a sophisticated yet accessible hostess gift it is a harmonious blend of history, quality, and elegance, making it an exceptional choice. Cheers to making every moment special with this exquisite Champagne!

Nicolas Feuillatte’s Réserve Exclusive Brut is a perfect balance between Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, and at the same time offers remarkable complexity and elegance. This exclusive brut goes perfectly with tasty dishes such as crispy smoked salmon, turkey and on its own as a holiday aperitif!

Wine News: Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles have their first Premier Crus!

The Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles ODG (Organisme de Gestion et Défense) have just officially announced the recognition of their first Premier Cru wines. The wines can be officially labelled commencing with the 2024 vintage – the ministerial decrees defining the new production specifications for our two appellations were signed on November 18, 2024, by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

These Premier Cru classifications are the culmination of a long process that began in 2006 in partnership with the INAO (Institut Nationale des Appellations d’Origine). This achievement is rooted in a detailed geological and pedological study of the terroirs, an exploration of the historical significance of the parcels, an analysis of agronomic and winemaking practices, and the recognition of the most renowned Climats (Burgundian lieux-dits) within the appellations.

The production specifications for the new Premier Cru wines are both strict and groundbreaking, notably banning all herbicides and mandating manual harvesting. This is a first in Bourgogne for Premier Cru Climats, reflecting environmental responsibility.

The two appellations, Pouilly-Loché (32 ha) and Pouilly-Vinzelles (52 ha), both exclusively planted with Chardonnay, are true gems of the Mâconnais in southern Bourgogne. Their finest clay-limestone Climats have now been classified as Premier Crus, joining our friends and neighbors from Pouilly-Fuissé, who achieved their Premier Cru status in 2020.

The following have received the much-coveted designation:

New Pouilly-Loché Premier Cru (32 ha)

Les Mûres (7.09 ha)

New Pouilly-Vinzelles Premiers Crus (52 ha)

Les Longeays (7.50 ha)

Les Pétaux (2.76 ha)

Les Quarts (12.45 ha)

Wine Review: Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne

The Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne stands out as one of my favorite champagnes, not only for its exceptional quality but also for its unique and elegant metal jacket adorned with intricate petal designs.

Tasting Notes:

Laurent-Perrier’s Metal Jacket Petals Edition Brut Cuvée Rosé presents a refined expression of the house’s signature elegance and craftsmanship. On the nose, it unveils a bouquet of fresh red berries, predominantly strawberry and raspberry, intermingled with hints of rose petals and subtle notes of currant. The palate is marked by a lively acidity that enlivens the delicate fruit flavors, with a touch of minerality adding complexity. The finish is long and crisp, leaving a refreshing impression. The fine bubbles enhance the champagne’s light and airy texture, making it an ideal choice for celebratory occasions.
Score:  94

Technical Details:

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alc./vol.: 12%

Dosage: Brut

Aging: Minimum of five years on the lees

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)

The Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne reflects Laurent-Perrier’s dedication to excellence and luxury. The unique metal jacket, adorned with petal designs, not only protects the bottle but also serves as a tribute to the elegance and refinement that define the house’s creations. This is a standout choice for this holiday season, combining luxury and exceptional taste in one exquisite presentation! 

Historical Background

Laurent-Perrier Estate was founded in 1812 by André Michel Pierlot and has grown to become one of the most esteemed champagne houses in the world. The estate is located in Tours-sur-Marne, in the heart of the Champagne region, and has been guided by a dedication to tradition and innovation over the centuries.

Laurent-Perrier is renowned for its pioneering spirit, especially in the production of rosé champagne. The house’s Brut Cuvée Rosé was first created in 1968 by the visionary Cellar Master, Bernard de Nonancourt. Unlike many other rosé champagnes, Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Cuvée Rosé is made using the saignée method, which involves allowing the grape juice to remain in contact with the skins until the desired color is achieved. This technique imparts a rich and distinctive character to the wine.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture practices. Laurent-Perrier emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in its vineyards and has adopted measures to minimize its environmental impact. The house’s meticulous approach to winemaking includes hand-picking grapes and employing traditional methods in its state-of-the-art facilities.

Champagne Review: Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 Brut Champagne

Laurent-Perrier’s “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 is a meticulously crafted multi-vintage blend, incorporating 65% 2012, 25% 2008, and 10% 2007 vintages. This cuvée is also composed of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, exclusively sourced from grand cru vineyards. The Chardonnay component is selected from Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize, and Oger, while the Pinot Noir is derived from the prestigious terroirs of Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzy.

Tasting Notes:
Aged for a decade sur lattes, this champagne offers an extraordinary aromatic profile, with complex layers of ripe apple, white peach, fresh-baked brioche, and mineral-rich chalkiness. Delicate undertones of caraway seed, dried florals, with a hint of smokiness which adds depth. On the palate, it demonstrates remarkable purity and structure, presenting a full-bodied profile with a refined mousse and finishes with length and complexity, showcasing impeccable balance and a vibrant core of fruit.

Although this wine is still youthful, it promises to evolve beautifully over the next five to ten years, rewarding patience with further layers of complexity.

Rating: 98+