Three Champagnes worth celebrating
Many people refer to all sparkling wine as “Champagne.” While this is not true, the moniker pays homage to the popularity and cult following of this luxurious, very special and often costly drink made in the Champagne region of France. All Champagne is typically a blend of different wines, grape varieties and vintages with a final blend that will create the style of the house. This is known as the cuvée.
From reasons that span everyday happenings to celebrating special occasions, many people will be opening a bottle of bubbly this holiday season. Instead of reaching for a bottle from the big houses like Veuve Clicquot, Moet Chandon and Bollinger (that tend to get all the attention during the holiday season), check out some other high-quality but not-so-famous Champagnes. Perhaps you’ll discover a new favourite to grace your table this month.
De Venoge, in the town of Épernay, has origins dating back to the 15th century, with a claim to fame of having one of the richest wine libraries in Champagne, composing nearly 20,000 vintage bottles. The eye-catching, elegant and unique bottle shape of the Princes’ line makes it stand out on both home and retail shelves. These wines are made from a careful selection of grapes from the best vintages, so whether it’s blanc de blanc, rosé, or the prestigious Louis XV, any choice is a fine choice. Find the Princes Blanc de Noirs at the Canadian Liquor Store (#101, 18003 – 105 Avenue, Edmonton).
Vilmart and Cie is a fifth generation, family-owned and -operated Champagne house. Located in Rilly-la-Montagne, they only produce wines from grapes grown in Premier Cru vineyards. The vines here range from 35-60 years of age. Ageing for all the wines that will make up the cuvée takes place in wood—a unique technique that gives their Champagne the character of body, fruit, roundness, and subtlety. Their Grand Cellier Brut Premier Cru is clean, citrusy and perfectly balanced—a testament to their style and quality, and the reason why this house is universally recognized. Head over to Color de Vino (9606 Whyte Avenue, Edmonton) for this bottle.
Pol Roger might not be a small house, but it’s certainly not as well known as some of the aforementioned, bigger establishments. This year (2024) Pol Roger celebrates the 175th anniversary of its first bottle sold in 1849.The Champagnes of Pol Roger became a favourite of both the Royal Family and Winston Churchill, giving it one of the most flattering reputations amongst the leading brands. Winston Churchill’s favourite drink was undoubtedly Champagne, as he was known to enjoy a bottle or two along with his ever-present cigar. The Pol Roger Prestige Cuvée was created in homage to Churchill keeping in mind the qualities he enjoyed most in his Champagne: full-bodied character, maturity and robustness. “My tastes are simple; I am easily satisfied with the best,” he is famously known to have said. The cuvée is only made in the best vintages, with the best grapes, and aged longer than their other blends. When the celebration calls for something really special, pick up a bottle of this world-famous cuvée at Baseline Wine and Spirits (#172, 11 Athabascan Avenue, Sherwood Park).
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