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Champagne and Imported Sparkling Wines
 Of the great wines of France, Champagne is the newest arrival. Champagne as a district has been making wine since the early Roman times, and by the ninth century it had become sufficiently well established as a high quality region for distinction to be drawn between the wines of the Vallee de la Marne and those of the Montagne de Reims. From this time on it went from strength to strength: by the early sixteenth century, the wine of Ay had become so highly prized that it was said to be 'the ordinary drink of Kings and Princes. It was not until the seventeenth century, however, that the first sparkling wines made their appearance, and not until the nineteenth century that Champagne came to be synonymous with sparkling wine. neither were the numerous special techniques essential for making Champagne all discovered by discovered by one person - notwithstanding the extraordinary feats popularly attributed to Dom Perignon nor at any one time.
The evolution of the present day method of making clear sparkling wine using the second fermentation took over 200 years. Champagne is a wine that appeals to the broadest senses, rather than to the particular. It is the overall impression it leaves in the mouth after it is swallowed which matters most .It is true that the greatest Champagnes are wines of extraordinary finesse, balance, and above all else length of flavours, the intrinsic quality of these wines is on a par with the greatest of the still white or red table wines. Just as the Burgundians place special emphasis on the bouquet, the Bordelais on the palate and structure, so the Champenois claim the finish and, in particular, the aftertaste as a special feature of their wine. Not that all Champagnes taste the same, there is a world of difference between a Pol Roger and a Krug,a Taittinger and Bollinger, let a alone between a vintage Champagne of one of the grandes marques and a non vintage, "buyer's own brand" from one of the cooperatives. Yet the overall consistency of the quality and style and non - vintage Champagne from the grandes marques exceeds that of any other category of wine in any region - an astonishing achievement, given the marginal climate in which the Champenois grow their their grapes, and the fluctuations in supply and demand which they so skilfully manage from making viewpoints.
 Assemblage known as blending is the most critical stage of the long and delicate process which makes the finished Champagne. It is the art that made Dom Perignon the most famous oenologist of his day, indeed, perhaps the famous winemaker in history. Blending involves a detailed knowledge of the past, present, and future of the materials, and requires highly specialized tasting skills which can see beyond the often hard, acidic, thin, and chalky base wines that give only a barest glimpse of how they will taste once they have been blended, undergone the second fermentation, benefited from contact with yeasts during years of maturation on the lees, and been adjusted for sweetness using liqueur d'expedition.
The task demands the mental skill of a chess grand master as literally endless permutations and combinations are considered. The blenders at Moet & Chandon typically have 300 different base wines from any one vintage to deal with the possible permutations are beyond calculation. one of the most fascinating, and important aspects of Champagne is the use of "reserve" wine held from earlier vintages. It may be held in magnums under slight gaseous pressure, in stainless steel, or less commonly in oak.
Champagne house's such as Krug have reserve wine of up to twenty years old, although in diminishing quantity with age. They will usually be held over from vintage years,and,tasted on their own, can be superb. reserve wines can be used at three stages in the making of Champagne. They can be incorporated in the primary ferment, then most commonly and importantly at the time of blending or assemblage along with the liqueur de tirage, and least importantly because of the tiny volume with the liqueur d'expedition . All the Champagne houses privately acknowledge that the quality and style of their reserve wines have a powerful influence on their overall house style, but tend to downplay this importance publicly.
 Vintage champagne is strictly directed under European Union legislation, eighty five percent of the wine must be from the stated vintage year, which would allow generous incorporation of reserve wine. Under the appellation controlee of Champagne, the wine must be one hundred percent from its stated vintage. So reserve wines are customarily used in the blending of vintage Champagne - and to its great benefit-just as much as with non-vintage wines. The Champenois and the Comite Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne are ever alert to emphasize their unique combination of terrior and climate. Champagne is France's northern most vineyard region. Without the special properties of its chalk soil, free - draining and sun reflecting, it would be a very doubtful area for ripening grapes.
At Chancellors Cellars we have assembled an extensive range of famous Champagnes for you to select.
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Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Gift Box NV France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial is unquinely presented in a Gift Box for those special occassions and is the most extrovert and seductive expression of the Moet & Chandon style. Lively and generous, Rose Imperial distinguishes itself by a radiant colour, an intense fruitiness and flamboyance on the palate, that instantly seduce and delight.
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Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Flower Gift Box NV France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Flower is unquinely presented in a Gift Box for those special occassions and is the most extrovert and seductive expression of the Moet & Chandon style. Lively and generous, Rose Imperial distinguishes itself by a radiant colour, an intense fruitiness and flamboyance on the palate, that instantly seduce and delight.Package including one bottle of Moet & Chandon NV Brut Imperial rosé and 4 Champagne flutes
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Mumm Gordon Rouge Brut NV Champange 750ml x 6
Mumm Champagne...this champagne was a favourite of the courts of Europe from its birth in 1879, and is still the champagne of connoisseurs of extra-dry in the 21st century. For more than 120 years, Mumm has been the epitome of balance: perfect balance between suppleness and acidulous freshness, between lightness and fruitiness, strength and roundness. Cordon Rouge expresses all the subtleties of the Mumm vineyards. All the richness and finesse of the Mumm vineyard is expressed in Cordon Rouge. In the late nineteenth century, this champagne was decorated with the famous red ribbon, as a tribute to the Légion d'Honneur.
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Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Blanc de Blanc France 750ml x 6
Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Blanc de Blanc comes from the light chalky subsoil of the region land is the Grand Cru standard for prime Champagne grapes - first demonstrated a century ago when the very best Perrier-Jouet was introduced in the now famous Flower Bottle commemorating France's Belle Epoque at the start of the 20th century. The exquisite vineyards in Champagne which contribute to exclusive cuvees that make up the Belle Epoque have been handed down from generation to generation by families who have known no other patron than the noble House of Perrier-Jouet. Beneath the chalky hills of Champagne, the hand-painted sleeping bottles rest on their sediments, awakened from time to time by the ancient traditions of the Methode Champenoise. A nose full of florid effervescence, gentle with peaches and stonefruits, mango and sweet tangy citruses, soft and feminine. A delicate fresh palate, with a flesh-toned and ripe rich mid-palate; creamy and toasty, buttery and cashew nutty. A well matched lemon acidity; crunchy grapey figures, candy and confection. The flavours cling to the palate for many minutes, the hallmark of a remarkable Champagne. This wine is a gentle food; a satiating mouth and a long embracing aftertaste. "The nose is nutty, complex and developed, with aged lychee-like fruit, aromas reminiscent of a mushroom farm; a lovely lemon-like lift. The full, buttery palate is still powerful, showing great structure and length!" -Winestate
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Perrier Jouet Grand Brut NV France 750ml x 6
Perrier Jouet Grand Brut NV has lovely aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, spice and yeast. The fine, persistent mousse accents the exceptionally fresh aromas and luminous golden yellow color. This elegant, complex, crisp and balanced Champagne features lingering flavors of fresh apples and lemons. This elegant Grand Brut can be enjoyed upon release or cellared for an additional two to three years or more if aged in magnums or jeraboams. Lively bubbles and a fine, persistent mousse, matched by a crisp body make this a superb wine to be enjoyed with food. This Champagne pairs well with game hens or duck; pomme frittes with subtle horseradish aioli; mushroom tarts with truffle creme sauce; wild mushroom ravioli with shaved asaigo; duck confit with crispy leeks; salt baked king salmon; and roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing. All smoothness on the palate. Medium bodied with lovely apple, toast, and pear flavors, good acidity and a long finish. Score: 92. The Wine Spectator
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Piper Heidsieck Champagne NV 200ml x 24
Piper-Heidsieck is an exceptionally well balanced champagne – fresh and lively, with light aromas of citrus fruits and spring flowers. Piper-Heidsieck champagne brings its own lively, vivacious and exuberant character to dry champagne’s traditional elegance and finesse. Piper-Heidsieck’s combines 50 rigorously selected growths. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes give its structure and elegance. Reserve wines from earlier years are used to create a more rounded blend and ensure the originality of the Piper-Heidsieck style. The wine’s harmony develops over the course of slow ageing in Piper-Heidsieck’s chalk cellars.Ideal for drinks with friends, cocktail and garden parties, nights spent enjoying every moment until dawn’s early light, informal fish and seafood dinners, “nouvelle cuisine” surprises… all manner of choice is permitted! A wine that celebrates joie de vivre, and the pleasure of getting together with the people we love.
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Piper Heidsieck Champagne NV 375ml x 24
Piper-Heidsieck Champagne has quickly become the true star of every party. Party all the time, parties everywhere, today Piper comes to your house too. Champagne in every heart, red on every mouth, we are drunk with the passion of its sparkling body that transports us through a black and gold straw into the magic of the night. Angelic and demoniac, Baby Piper has flirted with the angels, it has kissed love. It is more elegant, invited to every evening, unexpected and astonishing
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Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut 750ml x 12
Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut with its distinctive red label, this has established itself as one of the most reliable champagnes at the lower priced end of the market. Has excellent fine mousse and a complex bouquet of ripe fruit and yeasty brioche, the refined palate tightening the game with fresh apple and ripe citrus fruit, then a pleasingly dry finish. 93 out of 100, James Halliday, Weekend
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Piper Heidsieck Gift Box 750ml x 6
Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut with its distinctive red label, this has established itself as one of the most reliable champagnes at the lower priced end of the market. Has excellent fine mousse and a complex bouquet of ripe fruit and yeasty brioche, the refined palate tightening the game with fresh apple and ripe citrus fruit, then a pleasingly dry finish. 93 out of 100, James Halliday, Weekend
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