Champagne

Champagne

Champagne is synonymous with celebration and the drink of celebrity.  This is undoubtedly true, but there is rather more to it than that.

It is largely unknown that it is a white wine made with red grapes; that the bubbles were once considered a nuisance; and that it took those perennial influencers of wine, the British, to discover how to strengthen glass to safely contain it.  The story of Champagne is every bit as effervescent as the wine it produces.

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    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Vinified as a homage to the exceptional Chardonnays grown on pure chalk from the Montagne de Reims, this single vintage Blanc de Blancs expresses all ... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Vinified as a homage to the exceptional Chardonnays grown on pure chalk from the Montagne de Reims, this single vintage Blanc de Blancs expresses all ... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £42.95 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £35.79 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £49.94 £41.62
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The perfect expression of the fruity and elegant aromas of Henriet Bazins' Grand Cru plots in Verzenay and Verzy, this blended rosé contains a good p... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The perfect expression of the fruity and elegant aromas of Henriet Bazins' Grand Cru plots in Verzenay and Verzy, this blended rosé contains a good p... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £44.94 What is MIX6?

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    £37.45 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £51.94 £43.28
    • Origin
    • Champagne
    • France
    Half-way between sec & demi-sec (dry & semi-dry) the cuvee Rich is distinguished by it's perfect harmony due to a fine balance between sugar and natur... Read More
    • Origin
    • Champagne
    • France
    Half-way between sec & demi-sec (dry & semi-dry) the cuvee Rich is distinguished by it's perfect harmony due to a fine balance between sugar and natur... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £49.94 What is MIX6?

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    £41.62 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £52.00 £43.33
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The Sélection de Parcelles cuvée combines the sensual minerality of the Chardonnay Premier Cru from Villers-Marmery with the elegant power of the Pi... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The Sélection de Parcelles cuvée combines the sensual minerality of the Chardonnay Premier Cru from Villers-Marmery with the elegant power of the Pi... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £39.95 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £33.29 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £45.95 £38.29
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Full and rich with a toasty character, this a truly well made Champagne from this renowned Champagne house. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Full and rich with a toasty character, this a truly well made Champagne from this renowned Champagne house. Read More
    Single 75cl bottle
    £52.94 £44.12
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Superbly balanced and tremendously elegant champagne with a fine depth and flavour. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Superbly balanced and tremendously elegant champagne with a fine depth and flavour. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £52.96 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £44.13 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £55.99 £46.66
    • Origin
    • France Champagne
    Absolutely delicious stuff, so approachable and easy-going and yet clearly of very fine, well-defined quality too. A seductive nose with notes of almo... Read More
    • Origin
    • France Champagne
    Absolutely delicious stuff, so approachable and easy-going and yet clearly of very fine, well-defined quality too. A seductive nose with notes of almo... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £95.15 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £79.29 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £102.95 £85.79
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is a beautiful expression of Champagne with Pinot Noir being the lead grape in the blend. Dry and crisp with an apple-like crispness. Delightfull... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is a beautiful expression of Champagne with Pinot Noir being the lead grape in the blend. Dry and crisp with an apple-like crispness. Delightfull... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £43.94 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £36.62 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £47.94 £39.95
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A light petal pink in colour, this really is as elegant as it looks and is another great wine from this very consistent Champagne house. Aromas of str... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A light petal pink in colour, this really is as elegant as it looks and is another great wine from this very consistent Champagne house. Aromas of str... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £48.95 What is MIX6?

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    £40.79 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £51.94 £43.28
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A beautiful Champagne which reveals a highly complex aromatic palate with fragrances of cherry, lemon and bergamot. When aerated, there are also subtl... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A beautiful Champagne which reveals a highly complex aromatic palate with fragrances of cherry, lemon and bergamot. When aerated, there are also subtl... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £145.00 What is MIX6?

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    £120.83 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £149.99 £124.99
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A brilliant vintage Champagne for which the grapes were harvested late due to the hot and stormy weather of 2013. The resulting wine is this stunningl... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A brilliant vintage Champagne for which the grapes were harvested late due to the hot and stormy weather of 2013. The resulting wine is this stunningl... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £57.95 What is MIX6?

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    £48.29 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £65.94 £54.95
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This superb prestige Champagne is the ultimate tribute to Sir Winston Churchill. Deep golden-yellow in colour with a continuous thread of fine bubbles... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This superb prestige Champagne is the ultimate tribute to Sir Winston Churchill. Deep golden-yellow in colour with a continuous thread of fine bubbles... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £239.99 What is MIX6?

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    £199.99 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £250.00 £208.33
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This elegant Champagne has delicate bubbles, with a nose packed with almonds and hazelnuts that are complimented by soft florality, whereas the palate... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This elegant Champagne has delicate bubbles, with a nose packed with almonds and hazelnuts that are complimented by soft florality, whereas the palate... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £130.00 What is MIX6?

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    £108.33 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £144.98 £120.82
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is only the 9th Celebris to be released in the past 35 years. An exquisite prestige cuvée from this historic Champagne house. Rich and elegant w... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is only the 9th Celebris to be released in the past 35 years. An exquisite prestige cuvée from this historic Champagne house. Rich and elegant w... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £199.00 What is MIX6?

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    £165.83 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £225.00 £187.50
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    An exceptional cuvée from the renowned Gosset Champagne house. The nose is packed full of floral notes such as acacia, jasmine and mimosa, that are c... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    An exceptional cuvée from the renowned Gosset Champagne house. The nose is packed full of floral notes such as acacia, jasmine and mimosa, that are c... Read More
    Single 150cl bottle
    £495.00 £412.50
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is a lovely fruity cCampagne with superb freshness, which is balanced, elegant and has a wonderfully vibrant finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is a lovely fruity cCampagne with superb freshness, which is balanced, elegant and has a wonderfully vibrant finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £374.99 What is MIX6?

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    £312.49 exc VAT
    Single 600cl bottle
    £394.98 £329.15
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A delicate, easy drinking rose, displaying light floral aromas with subtle red cherry fruit on the palate. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A delicate, easy drinking rose, displaying light floral aromas with subtle red cherry fruit on the palate. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £39.74 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £33.12 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £41.94 £34.95
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Outstandingly well balanced Champagne. A golden hue with a subtle bouquet that is delicate but full with strength, freshness and brioche-like characte... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Outstandingly well balanced Champagne. A golden hue with a subtle bouquet that is delicate but full with strength, freshness and brioche-like characte... Read More
    Single 75cl bottle
    £54.95 £45.79
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A golden colour with a rich, mature nose and toasty flavours on the palate - utterly delicious. Presented in the 'antique' champagne bottle style. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A golden colour with a rich, mature nose and toasty flavours on the palate - utterly delicious. Presented in the 'antique' champagne bottle style. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £31.94 What is MIX6?

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    £26.62 exc VAT
    Single 37.5cl bottle
    £34.94 £29.12
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A stunning rosé of exceptional quality, displaying vibrant aromas of redcurrant, strawberries and peach with a beautifully long finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A stunning rosé of exceptional quality, displaying vibrant aromas of redcurrant, strawberries and peach with a beautifully long finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £62.94 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £52.45 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £65.94 £54.95
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A stunning rosé of exceptional quality, displaying vibrant fruit and an exceptionally long finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A stunning rosé of exceptional quality, displaying vibrant fruit and an exceptionally long finish. Read More
    Single 37.5cl bottle
    £39.95 £33.29
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A classic medium dry champagne, displaying rich citrus fruit character on the nose and a lingering finish on the palate. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A classic medium dry champagne, displaying rich citrus fruit character on the nose and a lingering finish on the palate. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £39.95 What is MIX6?

    Add 6 or more bottles of selected wine to your basket to receive the wholesale price.

    £33.29 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £41.94 £34.95
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is lovely fruity Champagne with superb freshness which is balanced, elegant and has a wonderfully vibrant finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    This is lovely fruity Champagne with superb freshness which is balanced, elegant and has a wonderfully vibrant finish. Read More
    Single 37.5cl bottle
    £18.95 £15.79
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A smooth and elegant Champagne that is slightly orange in colour and has a nose full of raspberry and blackberry. This is also apparent on the palate ... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    A smooth and elegant Champagne that is slightly orange in colour and has a nose full of raspberry and blackberry. This is also apparent on the palate ... Read More
    Single 37.5cl bottle
    £19.94 £16.62
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History

Champagne acquired bubbles by accident.  The cold winters of the region would stop fermentation, but with the coming of spring it would start up again and release carbon dioxide.  In one of the greatest ironies in the history of popular myth, the 17th century monk Dom Perignon strived throughout his life to do away with these bubbles.  His legendary services to champagne were as the still wine it was supposed to be at the time.

When the British discovered, in the 18th century, the secret of strong-enough glass, the second fermentation was finally encouraged and sparkling champagne was intentionally and commercially produced.  It has never looked back.

Types of Wine

Quality, sweetness and style are the key things to look for and the label on the bottle will provide all the clues.

Concerning quality, there are three distinct designations.  Non-vintage champagne will be blended from the produce of several years and aim for a standard style; vintage champagne is the fruit of only one year and will have more depth of character and greater ageing potential; Prestige Cuvées are exclusive, excellent and enhanced by age.

Ultra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec, Demi-Sec and Doux are the six categories from driest to sweetest.  Sweetness is not created by noble rot but by adding yeast and sugar to the bottle before corking it.  Brut, the most popular and common style in the UK, is dry.

Other than the usual blend of three grapes, the following styles of champagne all exist: Blanc de Blancs, made only from Chardonnay; Blanc de Noir, from red grapes only; and Rosé, made by blending red and white wines before bottle fermentation.

Key Vines

It may be surprising to find that two of the three grapes that go into Champagne are red.  These are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  Chardonnay, the only white, makes up less than a third of the vines in the whole of the region.

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