NEW WAVE CHAMPAGNE: CHAMPAGNE VS. TERROIR 

Wine lovers agree fine wines from different places taste distinctive and different from each other. This sense of a place in the glass is called ‘terroir’. Maybe it is wreathed in mystery, some say mysticism, but is uncannily true and defines greatness in wine.

There is no dispute that the best champagnes are fine wine, however there is less consensus over whether its tastes are governed more by its claimed ‘savoir-faire’ of blending and making branded styles of wine, than by the influence of specific villages and vineyards.

Champagnes from single domaines (called ‘grower’ champagne) and from a handful of revered and family-owned boutique houses, are leading the charge to reform Champagne’s viticulture and make wines which reflect their locality and the origins of the grapes which make each bottle. They share a passion for champagne to be seen and judged as real wine, and they are all independent, family affairs.

Over two years ago the Club began tastings of these elite champagne estates, growers and houses side by side – we have called it New Wave Champagne. The first two were packed, and as such, we will run the event from 13.30 until 21.30, effectively tripling the time slot available for 67 Pall Mall Members and guests to attend.

Some 20 champagne houses and estates will be showing their wines in a free-pour walk-around tasting and we will make the final announcement of the line-up soon. To whet your appetite, here’s a selection of who will be showcasing their wines:
 
André Jacquart
A R Lenoble
Billecart-Salmon
Bruno Paillard
Geoffroy
Henri Giraud
Lacourte-Godbillon
Louis Roederer
Jacques Selosse
Jacquesson
Miniere F & R
Nicolas Maillart
Pierre Gimonnet
Vazart-Coquart
Vilmart
Veuve Fourny et Fils

We are honoured too that this year, Peter Liem, leading world expert on champagne and terroir will be signing copies of his new book – Champagne: the Essential Guide to the Wines and Terroirs of the Iconic Region, which includes superb reprints of the famous seven Larmat maps of the Champagne vineyards.