A Journey Of Discovery – Renardat-Fache

champagne marketing on a lemonade budget

The day began with a visit to my new neighborhood Farmers Market down the street. As a recluse, I rarely go out to interact socially, but this is an unseasonably bright invigorating late winter weekend morning, I was hungry and motivated. After living for 9 years in a residential neighborhood (elementary schools around the corner),…

Read More

Uncorked: Differentiating Sparkling Wines of the World

Pop, fizz, clink! You have a celebration approaching, and you need a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. But what wine should you buy? And when you are in the store staring at the array of wines on the shelves, what is the difference between the many types of sparkling wine? Here is your guide to…

Read More

What is Crémant?

Crémant is the name given to a range of sparkling wines that are produced outside the Champagne region but using the same technique. Currently, throughout France, there are eight different appellations which are officially designated as Crémant producing areas. Several varied styles can be found of this sparkling wine. The varieties of grapes, that are…

Read More

Interview with Jean-Claude Mas of Domaines Paul Mas

Nestled in the Coteaux de Languedoc AOC between Pézenas and Sète on the Mediterranean coastline, Château de Conas has been in the Mas family home for over one thousand years. Fourth-generation vintner, Jean-Claude Mas took over the helm in 2000 and his mission has been to use only premium quality grapes to craft superior wines…

Read More

Sparkling Wines from Europe

Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Crémant… there’s so many great sparkling wines being produced in Europe and it’s easier than ever to discover them all. The continent has a huge variety of styles, grapes and climates which make for some interesting tastes. The continent has some of the most famous sparkling wine regions in the world and…

Read More

New Crémant de Bourgogne Ranking System

A new ranking system for Crémant de Bourgogne has been approved by Burgundy producers and will include ‘Eminent’ and ‘Grand Eminent’ levels. Producers following certain rules will be able to add ‘Eminent’ or ‘Grand Eminent’ to their bottle labels. Crémant de Bourgogne Eminent wines must be aged on lees for at least 24 months. Grand…

Read More

Dopff au Moulin Crémant d’Alsace

Dopff au Moulin Crémant d'Alsace

Dopff au Moulin can be considered one of the pinoeers of Alsatian wine having been first founded by the Dopff family in 1574. Julien Dopff was also first Alsatian winemaker to adapt the méthode champenoise after attending a demonstration during the Exposition Universelle in Paris. From there he began training in Épernay and selling his own…

Read More

Domaine Jean Bourdy Crémant du Jura

Domaine Jean Bourdy Crémant du Jura

Jean-François Bourdy has been managing the historic Jura vineyards of Domaine Jean Bourdy since 1990.  The history of this house, however, is amongst the longest commercial histories in any sector in any country: the Bourdy family became involved (through marriage) only in 1896, but Jean-François represents the 15th generation of family ownership stretching back to…

Read More

Champagne & Sparkling Wine at London Wine Fair

Champagne & Sparkling Wine at London Wine Fair

Sparkling wine will be well represented at this year’s London Wine Fair.  Leading Champagne Houses Taittinger and Pol Roger will launch their 2009 Brut and 2008 Rosé, respectively.  Taittinger Champagne will also show the new Taittinger Nocturne City Lights packaging, which is available in bottles, magnums and jeroboams. Family-owned, independent Maison, Champagne Bruno Paillard will…

Read More