am in Epernay at the Terroirs & Talents de Champagne tasting at the Au Restuarante Theatre.  Okay, so the theme is terrior and the winemakers brought rocks like you see above from their estate and vins clair (still wines) to show how the rocks produce the minerality in the still wine that makes the champagne blend. pours the wine. MORE >>

No disgorgement date, no review: Antonio Galloni, who reviews Champagnes for The Wine Advocate, announced in issue 186 that if nonvintage Champagne doesn’t come with a disgorgement date, then it will not be reviewed. SPIT: bling champagne. SIPPED: upgrading label info? SIPPED: solitude. Tasting Room ]. The Pour ]. WSJ ]. MORE >>

NV Champagne Raymond Boulard Mailly Grand Cru Brut Nature , $42, Imported by Selected Estates of Europe. This wine is an outstanding example of a Brut Nature , a Champagne with no sugar or other sweetener added to the dosage. But it is not easy to make a good non-dosé Champagne. And this bottling is particularly exceptional. MORE >>

They actually have a wine spitting contest in France! Speaking of distress sales, a French blogger wonders if a Chinese bidder may emerge for Heidsieck Champagnes. SIPPED: spitting! “The length and precision of the stream are just unbelievable.&# No, this is not something from Urology. France24 ]. SIPPED: tariffs. WSJ ]. Check. MORE >>

Peter generously brought a bottle of Selosse Champagne from France for my birthday in the fall. And a concrete reminder, if we needed one, that Champagne is a great table wine. An unusual pairing, maybe, but Champagne is great with fried food, and the pickles didn't intrude at all. Well, of the last few months anyway. MORE >>