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...(read more)

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.

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, and now that Bob Parker h...(read more)

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 delicio...(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 Bollinge...(read more)

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. Br...(read more)

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 giv...(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 'Long...(read more)

"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&...(read more)

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.

This is a genuine 'rosé de saignée' made only from Pinot Noir. Grapes are destemmed and left to macerate for about two days before the juice is bled off for fermentation. The wine is matured on the lees ove...(read more)

Francis Egly’s wines seem to have become real cult classics. This is their most classically styled cuvée, and it has all the hallmarks of this great producer. Weight and power – but lift and drive too. Clever sati...(read more)