We have a new range of grower champagnes that we are seriously excited about. But what are grower champagnes, and why are they becoming so popular?
What Are Grower Champagnes?
To put it simply, grower champagnes are made by the grape growers, usually family producers, with grapes grown from their vineyards. This means grower champagne tends to be more reflective of the terroir and rarely tastes the same year on year. In contrast, Champagne Houses are known for their house style, blending grapes from different vineyards, growers, and even different vintages to create their signature wines.
It’s important to note that grower champagnes are not inherently better than co-operative or house champagnes; the difference lies in the production method and personal taste preferences.
How to Identify Grower Champagne
A grower champagne will often have a small ‘RM’ written on the label. This stands for Récoltant-Manipulant and describes a champagne producer who vinifies only his or her own estate-grown grapes.
Why the Popularity?
Grower champagne has grown in popularity in the last few years as champagne and wine lovers want to know the story behind their wines and love the connection between winemaking and the land, knowing exactly where and how the wine has been produced. Grower champagnes can also offer excellent value for the quality of the wines produced.
Our New Range
We have recently added three champagnes from Bonnaire, a fourth-generation family-run house with vineyards predominantly in the brilliant village of Cramant in the Côte des Blancs region. Their wines are round, opulent, and moreish with a nicely poised zesty edge.
We have also added one champagne from growers Caillez Lemaire, based in Damery in the Vallée de la Marne region. Their wines are crisp and age very well.
