I often find it quite difficult to identify the grape blend when drinking Champagne. If the drinker feels "this is so very much about Chardonnay," that's probably not what the wine maker was going for. The finish is delicately floral and very fragrant, and the sensation that lingers for me is pure, ripe Chardonnay. MORE >>

I want to tell you about what I think is one of the best wine values in Champagne, a wine made by René Geoffroy. I'm talking about Empriente, the Pinot Noir based wine made from a single vintage, although it is not a vintage wine. NV René Geoffroy Champagne Empriente , $55, Terry Theise Selections/Michael Skurnik Imports. MORE >>

Cédric Bouchard is one of the leaders of the new wave in Champagne. He comes from a Champagne family - his father is an old school grower, but Cédric does things differently. He wants to make wine, and he happens to be doing this in Champagne. Let me first say that it is not a joke, what they say about Champagne out of magnum. MORE >>

As reported in ChampagneGuide.net , Franck Pascal is a rising star in the northern part of the Marne, in the village of Baslieux-sur-Châtillon where the soil is especially friendly to Pinot Meunier. This rosé is mainly Meunier, based on the regular NV cuvée with still red wine (both Pinot Noir and Meunier) blended in. MORE >>

If you were invited to a sumptuous dinner at your friend’s boss’ house and had to bring the bubbly, would you bring a grower champagne or a better-known label? Grower champagnes are a great story, since the wines are made in limited quantities by those who grow the grapes, not the norm in the region. and a lovely arc. MORE >>