One of the hot topics in wine right now is grower Champagne. There has been buzz around it for the past few years here in Hong Kong, and interest in these Champagnes seems to be growing. As you learned from Sora a few weeks ago, we are now proudly representing the Champagnes of Georges Laval here. So, we’ve decided to do a tasting and discussion about grower Champagne and share with you a few examples from Georges Laval as well as some of our other favourite grower Champagnes.

The tasting will cover Champagne from Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and the Aube. And we will taste examples of 100% Chardonnay, 100% Pinot Meunier and 100% Pinot Noir. In addition, we will feature two Rosé Champagnes.

We’re including a Champagne from Anselme Selosse who likely can be credited with making this category so famous. Wine critic and author of ChampagneGuide.net, Peter Liem describes Selosse as follows: ‘No champagne grower is as renowned or as influential as Anselme Selosse. Whether directly or indirectly, he has inspired an entire generation of young winegrowers in the region, and among consumers, his champagnes have become some of the most sought-after wines in the world.’ For me, his wines are really the ones that made me take notice and want to explore grower Champagnes.

In addition to Jacques Selosse Brut Initial, another unique example at the tasting will be from the Aube from Anselme’s friend, Bertrand Gautherot, who used to sell his grapes but after some convincing by Anselme in 2001 he started making his own Champagne. With Vouette et Sorbée Saignée de Sorbée Rosé, you taste a very pure expression of Pinot Noir fermented in whole cluster with minimal intervention – no fining, filtering, cold stabilization or dosage and very little sulphur; it’s Champagne that drinks more like a light Pinot Noir. It’s the rarest Champagne in their portfolio. Below is our lineup for the evening. If you like Champagne, come out and join me for some geeky bubbles!

Wines to be served:

Montagne de Reims:
NV Eric Rodez cuvée Zéro Dosage
2012 Eric Rodez cuvée Lieu Dit "Les Genettes"
2012 Hugues Godmé cuvée Fins Bois
2009 Hugues Godmé Lieu-Dit "Les Alouettes St Bets"

Vallée de la Marne:
NV Champagne Georges Laval - Cumières 1er Cru Brut Nature
2014 Champagne Georges Laval - Les Hautes Che`vres 1er Cru Brut Nature
NV René Geoffroy Lieu-Dit "Les Houtrants"
NV René Geoffroy Blanc de Rosé Extra Brut

Côte de Blancs:
NV Jacques Selosse - Initlal Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

The Aube:
NV Vouette et Sorbée - Saignée de Sorbée Rosé