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Champagne Louis Roederer
Founded in 1776, and still family-owned. Known for their highly-regarded Prestige Cuveé Champagne Cristal (which was created for Alexander II, tsar of Russia) back in 1876. Interesting story behind why Cristal bottles are transparent and have flat bottom, link to FT article here. Biodynamic Viticulture Louis Roederer owns 240 hectares of vineyards, of which 80 ha goes into Cristal and 6 ha goes into Cristal Rosé. Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the chef de cave of Louis Roederer, started treating some of their vineyards organically in 2000. Since 2012, all 80 hectares of vineyards for Cristal has been cultivated organically, and in 2013 completely biodynamically. Horses are used to plow to vineyards. The…
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Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle
Grand Siècle is the Prestige Cuvee of Laurent Perrier, one of the few non-Vintage Prestige Cuvee in Champagne. Started in 1950s, Bernard de Nonancourt decided to blend 3 of the great vintages together to create a perfect cuvee that a normal a Vintage Cuvee won’t be able to match. Grapes are from Grand Cru vineyards only. Grand Siècle key characteristics: Blend of 3 top vintages Chardonnay dominant, and Pinot Noir from 11 Grand Cru villages Aged on lees for a minimum of 10 years Tasting Notes Laurent Perrier Vintage 2008 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards only in this vintage. Disgorged 6-8 months ago. Delicate nose of…
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Domaine Bruyère & Houillon
After 20 odd months into the pandemic, my first winery visit was a slightly different visit to my usual Burgundy voyage, location: Pupillin, Jura. (c. 100km east of Beaune) Domaine Bruyère & Houillon is one of the most sought-after producers in Jura, known for their elegant and pure whites and reds. Adeline Houillon and Renaud Bruyère founded the Domaine in 2011. Adeline is the sister of Emmanuel Houillon, who worked at Overnoy. Renaud started his career in wine in 2004 at Overnoy until 2007 (before that he was a chef), he then worked with Stephane Tissot for 8 years (2007-15) while starting Domaine Bruyère & Houillon in 2011. Vineyards All…
