France - All Sparkling Wines
Several regions in France are renowned for producing sparkling wine, but the most famous and prestigious are Champagne, Alsace, and the Loire Valley.
Champagne is the most well-known region for producing sparkling wine, and the name "Champagne" is protected by law to designate only the sparkling wines made in that region. The climate and soil of the Champagne region, located in northeastern France, are ideal for growing the grapes used to make sparkling wine, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Some notable Champagne houses include Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Pérignon.
Alsace, located in northeastern France, is also known for producing high-quality sparkling wine, primarily made from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling grapes. The wines from Alsace are typically drier and crisper than Champagne, with a more pronounced fruitiness. Notable producers include Domaine Bruno Sorg, Domaine Mittnacht Frères, and Domaine Weinbach.
The Loire Valley, located in central France, is another region known for producing excellent sparkling wine, made primarily from Chenin Blanc grapes. The wines from the Loire Valley tend to be lighter and fresher than those from Champagne, with a more pronounced acidity and minerality. Notable producers include Bouvet Ladubay, Langlois-Château, and Domaine des Baumard.
Other regions in France that produce sparkling wine include Burgundy, which produces Crémant de Bourgogne; Limoux in Languedoc-Roussillon, which is known for its Blanquette de Limoux; and the Jura region, which produces sparkling wine made from the Savagnin grape. However, Champagne, Alsace, and the Loire Valley remain the most well-known and respected regions for producing sparkling wine in France.
France - All Sparkling Wines
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Champagne | 2 | 99 (JS) | HK$10,005.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)An extraordinary champagne experience that you’ll never forget! Tons of white chocolate on the savory nose pulls you into this concentrated and chalky champagne with rich candied citrus and mirabelle fruit. So much oily umami complexity right through the huge breathtakingly vivid finish. Just 10% of each vintage of Cristal gets the extra years of aging for release as Vinotheque. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (WA) | HK$41,255.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (98)Wafting from the glass with aromas of mandarin oil, warm bread and raspberries, mingled with notes of clear honey, blanched almonds and pastry cream, the 1996 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque is showing superbly. It's full-bodied, tensile and searingly chalky, but this concentrated and intense wine's racy spine of acidity is beautifully integrated. This was the first blend Lécaillon presided over as a Roederer employee—three years before he was appointed chef des caves in 1999—and it was clearly a harbinger of great things to come. Amazingly, the finished pH is fully 2.82, yet the wine is perfectly balanced. |
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Champagne | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$27,500.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2000 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque is similarly striking, soaring from the glass with notes of confit orange and stone fruit mingled with honeycomb, freshly baked bread and subtle hints of fresh field mushrooms. Full-bodied, vinous and multidimensional, it's ample and layered, with a concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and a long, sapid finish. It's a remarkable wine in its prime today. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$15,000.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 1 | 98 (DC) | HK$2,145.00 | |||||
Decanter (98)A most subtle hint of toastiness is expressed as grilled hazelnut on the rather shy nose. Later on, a hint of crushed lemon balm adds to the citric aroma. The palate has a vivid mousse that carries very bright, vibrant lemon notes to the nose, backed and supported by a chalky depth. That line of acidity is luminous, scented, pure, lasting and rather linear, but it is balanced by notions of riper fruit, ripe Mirabelle plum, even apricot. There is something saline, long, absolutely citrus-focused here; exquisite. There is just so much fruit, which is always framed by citrus. Exquisitely long. Tasted from magnum. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$9,500.00 | |||||
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Emanating elegance and refinement, the Louis Roederer Vignoble de la Montagne Late Release 1995, 1996 NV graced the world with its majesty, courtesy of the acclaimed Champagne House of Louis Roederer. Birthed in the grandeur of Montagne de Reims, France, this wine is a testament to the meticulous cultivation and artistry in every Roederer creation. It offers an engaging dance of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, matured over three exceptional years, heightening its charm. Upon tasting, connoisseurs savour the profound complexity and robust flavours held within its golden depths. A beautiful interplay of orchard fruits, honeyed brioche, and stone fruits, harmonised with an exquisite, mineral-laced finish that is quintessential of Louis Roederer Vignoble de la Montagne late releases. Its evolved, yet vibrant taste, earned through an extended ageing period, unveils a masterful balance that gleams through every sip, telling a story of a momentous vintage. |
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Champagne | 3 | - | HK$8,800.00 | |||||
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Expertly crafted by acclaimed winemaker, Louis Roederer, the Vignoble de la Montagne Late Release 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 NV is a wine of exceptional calibre. Born of the revered soils of the Champagne region in France, its exquisite blend marries Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in captivating harmony. This prestigious vintage is preserved with a late release, allowing the wine’s unique characteristics to evolve and enrich over time. The producer, Louis Roederer, is globally recognised for its meticulous viticultural practices and commitment to terroir expression. Each vintage showcases his expertise and passion; the elegant effervescence, the crisp acidity and complex flavour profile are true testament to this. For those seeking the epitome of fine wine, the Louis Roederer Vignoble de la Montagne Late Release 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 NV offers a tasting experience of incomparable prestige. |
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Champagne | 2 | 97 (DC) | HK$4,300.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)A touch of Mirabelle plum is framed by strident lemon on the nose. Smoky echoes seem to appear with more air, alongside freshly picked chestnut mushrooms. Later on, there is a real note of honey. The palate is bundled in its lemon expression: pure, heightened, linear, alive with lemon zest, almost like freshly squeezed Amalfi lemon juice tempering ripe Mirabelle plums. Yet there are shadows of grilled nuts, of deep chalk, of subtle smokiness - the bubbles still burst, carrying all these flavours. The finish presents a lovely note of peppery rye crumb. A very complex and compelling wine. You want to go back because every time you do, new things happen. Wow. Tasted from magnum. |
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Champagne | 4 | 97 (DC) | HK$2,140.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)A touch of Mirabelle plum is framed by strident lemon on the nose. Smoky echoes seem to appear with more air, alongside freshly picked chestnut mushrooms. Later on, there is a real note of honey. The palate is bundled in its lemon expression: pure, heightened, linear, alive with lemon zest, almost like freshly squeezed Amalfi lemon juice tempering ripe Mirabelle plums. Yet there are shadows of grilled nuts, of deep chalk, of subtle smokiness - the bubbles still burst, carrying all these flavours. The finish presents a lovely note of peppery rye crumb. A very complex and compelling wine. You want to go back because every time you do, new things happen. Wow. Tasted from magnum. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (DC) | HK$4,595.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)The merest touch of caramel pops up on the nose – or is it a tone of apple with a touch of maple syrup? Later on, lovely smokiness sets a reductive accent. The palate has a very textural presence, a very lively mousse, almost urgent and certainly vivid. That textural element is also expressed in flavours of wet chalk, countering bright lemon and being complemented by rounded ripeness of fruit. The lemony length is endless, mouthwatering, with an edge that is reminiscent of apricot or Mirabelle plum skin, underlining the mouthfeel before that lemon zestiness takes over again on the long finish. Tasted from magnum. |
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Champagne | 1 | 97 (DC) | HK$2,025.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)The merest touch of caramel pops up on the nose – or is it a tone of apple with a touch of maple syrup? Later on, lovely smokiness sets a reductive accent. The palate has a very textural presence, a very lively mousse, almost urgent and certainly vivid. That textural element is also expressed in flavours of wet chalk, countering bright lemon and being complemented by rounded ripeness of fruit. The lemony length is endless, mouthwatering, with an edge that is reminiscent of apricot or Mirabelle plum skin, underlining the mouthfeel before that lemon zestiness takes over again on the long finish. Tasted from magnum. |
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Champagne | 1 | 96 (JS) | HK$3,875.00 | |||||
James Suckling (96)Just over two-thirds pinot noir (Verzenay) and the balance southeast-facing chardonnay from Chouilly. This has 30% of oak fermentation which has compressed the wine, lending it an air of extreme concentration. The nose is gently spicy, offering peaches and cherries as well as neat autolysis edge. The palate has a powerful, long and assertive feel, with peach and lemon pith, chalky minerals, and some grapefruit. A powerful vintage for Roederer. |
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Champagne | 4 | 95 (WA) | HK$4,930.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (95)Roederer's newly released 2013 Brut Vintage is showing brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved but incipiently complex bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, citrus zest, fresh bread and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, this is a tightly coiled, elegantly muscular Champagne, its layered core of fruit built around an incisive spine of acidity. Seamless and complete, this is an over-performing vintage that puts many prestige cuvées to shame. Built to age, it will reward patience. |
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Champagne | 1 | 95 (JS) | HK$3,417.00 | |||||
James Suckling (95)Round and creamy, yet bright and tangy, with delicious pie crust, walnuts, lemons, sourdough, white peaches and apricot stones. More gourmand, with a creamy mousse. Lingering praline and pastry notes. Pinot noir and chardonnay. Drink or hold. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$3,350.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$3,190.00 | |||||
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The Marguet Shaman 20 Rose Grand Cru NV is a remarkable embodiment of masterful winemaking. Hailing from the prestigious champagne-producing regions of Bouzy and Ambonnay in France, it boasts a distinct richness and complexity. Elemental minerality, luscious raspberry tones, and intriguing cocoa accents converge in each bottle. Discreetly crafted by Marguet Père & Fils, a family-owned winery esteemed since 1875, this exceptional Champagne is composed of 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay, and enhanced with red wine from older vintages. It matures on lees for nearly six years, enhancing its depth and flavour profile while a minimal dose of sugar keeps it authentically fresh. Embracing organic and biodynamic practices, Marguet Shaman 20 Rose Grand Cru NV articulates the purity of its terroir, nurturing its esteemed character. For a wine expert, this exquisite Grand Cru NV reveals an unparalleled wine experience. A perfect companion for discerning palates, it carries the allure of its legacy with pride. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$2,745.00 | |||||
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$16,840.00 | |||||
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Indulge in the exquisite Marie Noelle Ledru Brut Grand Cru Millesime 2010, a distinct, luxurious champagne showcasing the impeccable craftsmanship of Marie Noelle Ledru. Cultivated in the revered vineyards of Ambonnay, a prime region in Champagne, France, each bottle encapsulates the essence of the terroir. This prestigious cuvée is made from 100% Pinot Noir, meticulously hand-picked and vinified using traditional methods. With its splendid balance of freshness and complexity, the 2010 vintage incapsulates the year's idyllic conditions. The genius of Ledru, a champion of manual processes and organic principles, is demonstrated in this spectacular vintage. The Marie Noelle Ledru Brut Grand Cru Millesime 2010 teases the senses with intricate notes of ripe fruits, toasted almonds and a hint of brioche. On the palate, it unfolds in layers of deep, vibrant flavours, culminating in a persistent, minerally finish. A radiant testament to the allure of champagne, it's truly an epicure's delight. |
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Champagne | 7 | 90 (VN (AG)) | HK$11,080.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)The NV Brut Grand Cru is a fine introduction to the Marie-Nöelle Ledru house style, a Champagne with plenty of the resonance and breadth that are such signatures of the Pinot-Noir-driven wines from Ambonnay. |
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Champagne | 1 | - | HK$9,055.00 | |||||
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An exquisite product of the Champagne region, the Marie Noelle Ledru Grand Cru Cuvee Goulte Blanc Noirs Brut 2007 is a testament to the unique mastery of its revered producer. One of the few female vignerons in the region, Marie Noelle Ledru meticulously cultivates a small set of vineyards, applying traditional and sustainable practices. Crafted solely from dark-skinned Pinot Noir grapes, this Blanc de Noirs champagne imbues a golden clarity. The wine exemplifies the terroir with its expressive aromas and flavours. Raspberry and apple notes softened by brioche undertones result from its meticulous méthode champenoise. Fermented in oak, the wine spends an impressive 9 years on lees before disgorging. Its remarkable complexity and depth are reflections of this extended maturation. A testament to the elegance of Ledru's style, the Marie Noelle Ledru Grand Cru Cuvee Goulte Blanc Noirs Brut 2007 personifies both power and grace, offering a distinctive and rewarding gustatory experience. |
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