Françoise Bedel, Champagne Brut “Dis Vin Secret”
November 25, 2009 by Derek Swanson
A last minute recommendation to start tomorrow’s feast, this week’s pick comes from Master of Wine Liz Berry, of Provence, France. Ms. Berry offered these comments on a Champagne she is fond of: ”I have been incredibly impressed by the quality of all the Champagnes from Françoise Bedel. With 8.4 hectares in Crouttes sur [...]
Taittinger, Les Folies de la Marquetterie, Champagne, NV
October 28, 2009 by Derek Swanson
This week’s pick comes from Essi Avellan, MW, the editor of FINE Champagne Magazine: ’Champagne is first and foremost a blended product. However, there is increasing excitement amongst enthusiasts for single vineyard wines. Taittinger produces one of my favourite single vineyard Champagnes, Les Folies de la Marquetterie. It comes from a four hectare steep south to [...]
Ayala Brut Majeur NV, Champagne
September 16, 2009 by Derek Swanson
This week’s pick comes from Craig Hanna, the Cellar Master at Topper’s at the Wauwinet on Nantucket. Craig remarked that the Ayala is a wonderful food Champagne, offering a cleanliness that is perfect for oysters and other fresh seafare. The wine is produced from prime vineyards located in Aÿ and Mareuil sur Aÿ, that were [...]
Champagne Moutaudon, Grande Rose, Brut, Non-Vintage
February 11, 2008 by Derek Swanson
Valentine’s Day? This champagne is made in the heart of Reims, France, steps from the historic war-scarred cathedral. Nothing against the mass-marketed bottles so familiar to the US market, but if you can try a rose from La Champagne, especially for around $35, Mountaudon will certainly please your Valentine.
