The other day I was fortunate enough to meet Emmanuel Lassaigne, son of Jacques, and now the wine maker at Champagne Jacques Lassaigne. The Lassaigne estate is located in Montgueux, a large chalky hill whose vineyards produce what many consider to be the finest Chardonnay grapes in the Aube. Excellent wine. MORE >>

I'm usually wary when wineries give their wines a funky or even classical type name instead of just labeling it 'meritage.' My fault for always believing the only descent white wines from France were Chardonnay and Champagne. Here at home, I guess eventful would be saying it a tad mildly. Still have to put together that list. MORE >>

Interestingly, labeled as “vin de France”–will have to explore these more, but, sadly, the NY importer is out of stock of all but the rosé… The 2009s from Pierre & Catherine Breton were pretty serious and the 2010s showed well, if tight. Also, unphotographed, the Francois Bedel Champagnes were also notable. MORE >>

So after visiting the three champagne festivals, I was lucky enough to get a VIP tour of Champagne G.H. I couldn't resist asking, for even though I am not a poster kind of person the color and vibrance displayed here -- gorgeously dressed people enjoying Mumm Champagne at the opera -- was a happy thought. Champagne News g.h. MORE >>

The hills of Champagne, as in Burgundy, are divided into many individually named vineyards, some containing more than one lieu-dit , or named parcel. Champagne houses, in general, followed a different path. Champagne is a blended wine, mostly. Trips Salon André Clouet Peter Liem Champagne Champagne 2011 Trip MORE >>