The Five Princes of Champagne to Mark the Holiday Season

There is no doubt that the holiday season is the most popular time of year for drinking champagne. Introducing an effervescent quintet, each of the five princes of Champagne has a distinct personality guaranteed to get the party started. From the aromatic and balanced Palmer & Co. to the energetic and subtle Charles Heidsieck, the sophisticated and refined Tribaut, the audacious and distinctive Nicolas Feuillatte, and the elegant and graceful Veuve Clicquot.

Pairings in collaboration with

Discovering the Five Princes of Champagne

Palmer & co. Brut Réserve

This Brut Réserve from Champagne is crafted from a selection of the finest Premiers and Grands Crus terroirs on the Montagne de Reims. The bouquet is pure, revealing a rich palette of aromas – aged approximately 3 to 4 years or more on lees (sur lies). With aromas of citrus, pear, apricot and pastry, the bubbles are delicate and frothy, with a milky feel. Balanced and aromatic, with hints of hazelnut and a subtle buttery touch reminiscent of Viennese pastries. Harpist.

Varietal

• 50 % Chardonnay
• 29 % Pinot noir
• 21 % Pinot meunier

Pairing :

Salmon Coulibiac. Get your salmon here.

Charles Heidsieck Brut

Charles-Camille Heidsieck was born in 1822, 37 years after his great-uncle founded the Champagne Heidsieck et Cie House. These iconic champagnes are made with unique, energetic and vibrant reserve wines that impart complexity and finesse. Energetic and sublime, this product brings the lively flavours of apple and brioche to the fore with its delicate yet creamy bubbles. Violinist.

Varietal

• 40 % Chardonnay  
• 40 % Pinot noir  
• 20 % Pinot meunier

Pairing : Grilled Octopus : Buy here.

Tribaut — Schloesser Cuvée René Extra Brut

The “Maison” was founded in 1929 and the vineyards, located in the Marne valley, are partly situated on Premiers Crus terroirs. On the palate, it sings with notes of apple, lemon cream and candied apricot. The lengthy ageing process, 5 years on the lees, is remarkable, imparting refined flavours of hazelnut, vanilla and brioche. If not available in stores, consider the Tribaut-Schloesser Brut Réserve at a bargain price. Tubist.

Varietal

• 70 % Chardonnay
• 30 % Pinot noir

Pairing: Rockefeller Oysters. Find our recipe here.

Nicolas Feuillatte Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs 2012 

Nicolas Feuillatte was born in Paris in 1926, and grew up in a family of leading wine and spirits importers. Passionate and constantly on the lookout for something new at the age of 40, he invested in the Champagne vineyards. Hence, this Grand Cru boasts scents of apple, apricot, lemon zest, brioche and almond, as well as a beautiful mousse, all at a bargain price. Deep and fine, the wine has an airy, earthy yet delicate texture, thanks to its subtle fruit flavours on the palate. An extraordinary champagne! Oboist.

Varietal

•  100 % Pinot noir 

Pairing: Haddock Fish & Chips. Find the haddock at La Mer Fish Market.

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 

La Grande Dame is a tribute to Madame Clicquot. The iconic Madame Clicquot once said: “Our black grapes make the finest white wines.” She is incidentally known as “La Grande Dame of Champagne.” The colours of the label also convey a message of optimism. The palate unfolds a symphony of apple, pear, lilac, grapefruit, clementine, citrus peel, cookie and toasted hazelnut. Note the delicacy of the bubbles, the length, the elegance, the impression of minerality and complexity. A blissful mouthful of grace. Pianist.

Varietal

• 90 % Pinot noir
• 10 % Chardonnay

Pairing : Salad with lobster carpaccio, citrus fruit and squash from the vegetable garden. Find your lobster at La Mer Fish Market.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Selection of Five Princes of Champagne, we’ll be back with more suggestions in the coming weeks.

Thanks to La Mer Fish Market for sponsoring this article. You can support Gentologie by subscribing via this link.