“The tasting was solely of ‘growers’ champagnes’, as opposed to ‘house champagnes’. A ‘house’ (such as Pommery, Mumm, Dom Pérignon et al.) is in this context a producer who mainly makes his wine from purchased grapes. There are around 300 houses of different sizes. It is also common for grape growers to be part of a cooperative. There are around 135 cooperatives in Champagne (code RC = récoltant-cooperateur). The members of cooperatives in Champagne own about 35% of the champagne area.”
BKWine Magazine’s Henrik Stadler reports from an interesting tasting at the French ambassador’s residence: Champagne recommendations: four grower champagnes with character and individuality.
Coming on a wine tour to Champagne is of course the very best way to get to know these wines.