Grower Champagnes

Tasted 'blind' in a line-up of inexpensive champagnes (as well as one Grande Marque) this showed remarkably well, coming out as a clear winner. Bright, light and very fresh, this is an easy drinking 'aperitif' champagne with a very good finish. The Universelle cuvée comes from 7 dif...(read more)

(75cl reduced from £24.95) A blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with about 10% Chardonnay to give a dash of elegance. Considerably better than some widely available cheap Grandes Marques, and very consistent in quality and value.

(Reduced from £31.95)
All from Grand Cru vineyards of Bouzy, two-thirds Pinot and one third Chardonnay, full style with balance and brightness to support the rich flavour. Rapidly becoming our best selling Champagne,...(read more)

A big, full-blown, powerful blanc de noirs (100% Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru vineyards of Bouzy), which nevertheless retains a balance and freshness along with its considerable vinosity. Rated even higher than Bollinger by Robert Parker this is exceptional value!

(75cl reduced from £33.50) 70% Chardonnay from Bisseuil, a very early-ripening site, with expressive aromas of white flowers and subtle peach. Only 6g/l of dosage, but rich and harmonious, the ripeness from the sunny site. Inviting, simply delicious, t...(read more)

Bouzy and, indeed, Barnaut are very associated with Pinot Noir, so a Blanc de Blancs is a surprising offering to find in these parts. It is made from Chardonnays grown in Bouzy and in the Marne Valley, and it's a little beauty. An almost coppery yellow gold, it is ripe and full, offering a...(read more)

(75cl reduced from £35.95) From the Grand Cru vineyards of Chouilly, this entirely Chardonnay champagne has pale colour, smooth weight and fresh flavour, with remarkable clean length and a zesty finish. A really exciting quality Champagne which (still) deserves a wider audience.

(75cl reduced from £40.95) 100% Pinot Noir, 80% being from Bisseuil, and 20% from Ambonnay. Ripe grapes means that this wine has quite a deep colour, almost oeuil-de-perdrix. Very fine and persistent bubble, full-flavoured with good acidity to give it 'peps'. Gorgeous.

(75cl reduced from £38.95) Wow. Every sip here is a thrill. The Latitude is a very dry blend of 100% Chardonnay from Vertus (this is in fact an extra-brut), elegant and pure flavours, making for an interesting contrast to the Egly-Ouriet style. Breath-...(read more)

A slightly fuller bodied, but really easy drinking Rosé, with notes of fresh wild strawberries and a delicate finish.

(75cl reduced from £43.95) "Rosé", says Xavier, "should be the most elegant cuvée". Bright and lifted from lemony Chardonnay grown on an east-facing slope in le Mesnil, with just 3% red wine, this is a perfect ap&eacut...(read more)

This is a touch more full bodied than the Latitude, even though it is also 100% Chardonnay. There are some more evolved notes yet this remains very elegant and long. Chiselled but with softer edges. Now labelled as 'Longitude.' All the fruit here comes from the village of Vertus, as well a...(read more)