Farmer fizz
This article was originally published in December 2015
Akin to single-origin coffee and pasture-raised eggs, grower Champagne offers distinct flavors specific to the piece of land where the grapes were grown. These wines literally are labors of love: produced from vineyard to bottle, from pruning to packaging by the growers themselves.
Whereas many varieties of big-name Champagne involve formulaic flavors that are mechanically added to a neutral base, grower Champagne expresses the character of the region, the grape and the vineyard. Amazingly, these authentic wines are no more expensive (and often less) than their more renowned counterparts. We think that’s cause for even more celebration this holiday season!
What we recommend
- Florence Duchêne Brut “Tradition” Brut
- Chartogne-Taillet “Cuvée Ste. Anne” Brut
- Gaston Chiquet Brut “Tradition” Brut
- José Michel & Fils Blanc de Blancs Brut
- Dumont Père & Fils Brut Rosé NV