Champagne

For a number of years, we had represented a well known Champagne House. But the regular changes of ownership meant that we finally had to ask ourselves why we were dealing with a brand, being shuffled from one owner to another, when all other producers were passionate vignerons?

In 1993, we went to see many growers in the region and began working with Didier Gallimard in Les Riceys and the Robert family in Voigny. Almost immediately (and, admittedly, somewhat prematurely), we sensed that "growers Champagnes" were the way forward. We added the marvelous Premier Cru Vertus Champagnes of Veuve Fourny to our portfolio in 1995 and have since then enjoyed great success with all three producers.

Since taking on the Chardonnay based, Cote des Blancs wines from Veuve Fourny, we persistently tried, unsuccessfully, to find a grower with the same passion, skill and commitment on the Montagne de Reims to compliment our range. This we eventually achieved a couple of years ago, with the stunning Pinot Noir based, Grand Cru Ambonnay wines of Paul Dethune. Ironically, we later discovered that Emmanuel Fourny had known Pierre Dethune for years!

Growers' Champagnes simply offer the best value in Champagne. Just like our Growers all over France, they do not advertise, they have no costly publicity and marketing departments. They just make gorgeous Champagne with tastes that reflect their various "terroirs". We now feel that, with our four growers, we are able to offer customers a range of superbly made wines, across a variety of styles.

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