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.

	Freixenet Rose Sparkling NV Spain 750ml x 12 Freixenet Rose is a true Methode Traditional fermented in the bottle and made to the strictest rules governing the production of sparkling wine in Europe. Only the finest quality, hand picked grapes are used grown in the cava region. A delicate rose, yet lively and complex flavours are ideal both as an aperitif and to be enjoyed throughout the meal. It is suitable for any occassion, anywhere.	QTY:

	Grandin Brut 750ml x 12 The Grandin comes on strong with big, profuse bubbles, a rich straw-gold color, and full-throttle scents of flowers, yeast, light citrus and a hint of smoke. It rolls happily into a fruity mouthful of juicy, front-loaded flavor. Pale straw color with gold reflection and persistent bubbles. Delicate almond fragrance with undertones of hazelnut, subtle touch of clove and lime tree. Crisp and elegant, round, easy palate, with good fruit, fresh tastes and some depth of flavor. Fine effervescence and bead. Since 1886, Grandin has produced an excellent quality sparkling wine from the Loire Valley, home to some of France's finest sparkling wines. At a reasonable price, Grandin produces exclusively by the “Méthode Traditionelle.” Identical to the method used in Champagne, the "Méthode Traditionelle" requires rigorous grape selection , constant quality, and a minimum 12 month second fermentation." For French bubbles at a low price try this tasty drop from the Loire Valley. There are apples, floral and citrus characters with a touch of honey and yeast, and a crisp finish." Fruit from the Loire, Bordeaux and Charentais Grape varieties. The Grandin property today still consists of this stunningly picturesque château and its cellars, producing an excellent quality in the purest tradition of the méthode champenoise, now called méthode traditionelle. Awarded Gold, Silver and Bronzes at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition, Grandin is described by professionals as "sophisticated, rich and toasty". Natural second fermentation in the bottle obtained by the ”Methode Traditionnelle" process. A minimum of 12 months with yeast culture in the darkness of the 17th century Grandin cellars which are at a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit.	QTY:

	Henkell Trocken 750ml x 6 This dry, fully matured sparkling wine owes its elegant character to a unique Cuvée of excellent wines originating from such classic grape varieties as French Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc de Noir from French Pinot Noir and Chenin from Saumur. Henkell Trocken sparkles with vivacious and long lasting effervescence. Thanks to the play of greenish reflections, the delicate light amber colour gains lively, expressive nuancing. The taste is fresh, tingling, with a lingering finish, while a subtle fragrance suggestive of tropical fruit develops in the bouquet. The finely blended, harmonious composition makes Henkell Trocken a well-balanced, consummate taste experience..Today Henkell & Co is Germany's largest and most modern sparkling wine cellar. Of the Henkell Trocken brand alone, the largest exported sparkling brand, more than 20 million bottles are sold world-wide per year.	QTY:

	Krug Grande Cuvee Half Multi Vintage Half 375ml x 12 Krug Grande Cuvee Brut Multi Vintage....A sublime mosaic of flavours in which a blend of over 50 different wines from 6-10 different years combine to give complexity,elegance and consistency to this, the greatest multi-vintage Cuvee de Prestige.	QTY:

	Krug Grande Cuvee Multi Vintage France 750ml x 6 Krug Grande Cuvee Brut Multi Vintage France 750ml...A sublime mosaic of flavours in which a blend of over 50 different wines from 6-10 different years combine to give complexity,elegance and consistency to this, the greatest multi-vintage Cuvee de Prestige.	QTY:

	Krug Grande Cuvee Multi Vintage Gift Box France 750ml x 6 Krug Grande Cuvee Brut Multi Vintage France ...A sublime mosaic of flavours in which a blend of over 50 different wines from 6-10 different years combine to give complexity,elegance and consistency to this, the greatest multi-vintage Cuvee de Prestige.	QTY:

	Krug Grande Cuvee Multi Vintage Gift Box Magnum France 1500ml x 1 Krug Grande Cuvee Brut Multi Vintage Gift Box France ....A sublime mosaic of flavours in which a blend of over 50 different wines from 6-10 different years combine to give complexity,elegance and consistency to this, the greatest multi-vintage Cuvee de Prestige.	QTY:

	Krug Grande Cuvee Multi Vintage Wooden Gift Box Jeroboam France 3000ml x 1 Krug Grande Cuvee Brut Multi Vintage Wooden Box France...A sublime mosaic of flavours in which a blend of over 50 different wines from 6-10 different years combine to give complexity,elegance and consistency to this, the greatest multi-vintage Cuvee de Prestige.	QTY:

	Krug Rose Gift Box Multi Vintage France 750ml x 6 Krug Rose Gift Box Multi Vintage France ....95 points A rose of exceptional character and finesse. Beautifully integrated layers of subtle ginger, orange zest, toast and vanilla give it complexity and depth, and the rich but light texture makes it sublime to sip.	QTY:

	Krug Rose Multi Vintage France 750ml x 6 Krug Rose Multi Vintage France....95 points A rose of exceptional character and finesse. Beautifully integrated layers of subtle ginger, orange zest, toast and vanilla give it complexity and depth, and the rich but light texture makes it sublime to sip.	QTY: