Tag: Champagne

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

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+

Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships 2024 Medal Results

The medal winners of the 2024 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC) have been revealed, with a total of 167 gold and 229 silver medals awarded this year.

Now in its 11th edition, the CSWWC received close to 1,000 sparkling wines from 20 countries, that were judged over 11 days at Goodnestone Park in Kent, England.

Italy once again dominated the rankings, securing 70 gold and 123 silver medals. France followed closely with 55 golds and 36 silvers. Australia claimed third place, trailed by Spain, with the UK rounding out the top five.

“We were thrilled with the quality of the whole range of wines that we tasted this year,” said judge Essi Avellan MW. “This has been another great year for results, once again demonstrating how exciting the sparkling wine industry is. It is not only the CSWWC’s mission to promote world class wines, but also to discover and reward new and exciting wines from established and emerging regions across the world!”

The Best in Class and trophy winners will be revealed at this year’s CSWWC awards dinner on October 24th in London.

Medal winners are found here: https://www.champagnesparklingwwc.co.uk/results-2024/

Source: www.champagnesparklingwwc.co.uk/