SELECT BRANDS’ Champagne Picks for 2020/1
What a year this has been! One of my lessons from 2020 is to live each day like it is my last. So this year, I am definitely living by the saying “life is too short to drink bad wine”. Interpret that to mean: “Life is too short to drink wine that I cannot savour and enjoy.” Segue straight to the blessed nectar of the gods: Champagne!
To celebrate every day we go with GH Mumm Brut Grand Cordon.
The look
Exuberant bubbles, Mumm Grand Cordon has a brilliant and golden colour.
The aromas
Lush aromas of ripe peach, apricot and pineapple cascade from the glass, chased by hints of vanilla and caramel, yeast, dried fruit and honey.
The taste
One sip and Mumm Grand Cordon unleashes intense, complex flavours of fresh fruit and caramel that morph into a long, lingering finish.
Ideal as an aperitif and beyond... Whether savoured with a meal of white meat or fish or shared as a toast for the ultimate moment.
For the most adventurous...
Try Mumm Grand Cordon with savoury candy apple/white sausage.
To raise the celebration bar, we break out the GH Mumm Olympe Rosé, the cuvée of our very own Usain Bolt.
Mumm Olympe Rosé demonstrates once again the daring spirit of the house when it comes to exploring new territories in the domain of Champagne with the addition of a liqueur de dosage aged in cognac barrels. It also fully reflects the personality of Bolt: His preference for sweet Champagne, his willingness to take on new challenges and his passion for celebration.
An audacious Champagne. By elaboration: After two years of aging Mumm Olympe Rosé in the cellars, a wine aged in cognac barrels is added — a method that proves Maison Mumm’s ability to defy convention and innovate. These qualities have been part of its DNA since the house’s creation.
A characterful Champagne. Mumm Olympe Rosé is characterised by the intensity of Pinot Noir, the signature grape variety of Maison Mumm. The Pinot Noir is selected from some of the most prestigious crus in Champagne, and their intensity dominates the fruity aromas of Pinot Meunier and the delicate nature of Chardonnay.
Notes of vanilla and caramel are also present. This blend produces a wine with a standout personality. Lively and fresh, it is ideal for celebrations. The subtle gourmet notes are also particularly appreciated by Bolt. “I’m very proud to have been part of creating Mumm Olympe Rosé. It’s a sweet Champagne that defies convention and breaks new ground — two things that Maison Mumm and myself have in common. I’ve always been associated with celebrations and this one is on its way to become iconic!” said Bolt.
Mumm Olympe Rosé can intensify any of life’s moments or celebrations!
When the occasion is ultraspecial and there are no limits we turn to the house of Perrier-jouët for its Belle Epoque:
A masterpiece of blending
Though Maison Perrier-jouët is famed for its Chardonnay vineyards, it also possesses exceptional plots of Pinot Noir — a fact magnificently demonstrated by Perrier-jouët Belle Epoque,
which combines the two grape varieties in almost equal proportions. This outstanding vintage cuvée is also a supreme example of the art of blending in the Perrier-jouët style, with Pinot Noir grapes from the north of the Montagne de Reims being used, not for their power, but in order to support, accompany and enhance the delicate structure of Chardonnay from the celebrated Grand Cru villages of Cramant and Avize. A small quantity of Pinot Meunier grapes from Dizy perfects the balance between the two.
2012 Perrier-jouët Belle Epoque
The year
A mild winter was followed by a cool, wet spring which resulted in the late blooming of the vines between June 16 and 21, 2012. The summer was hot and bathed in sunshine from mid-july all the way until the end of the harvest, favouring the maturity of the grapes. The rain only returned at the end of the harvest period. These excellent conditions produced an ideal balance between sugar and acidity, resulting in a wine of exceptional harmony, with great energy, character and potential.
The eye
A pale, translucent gold, with radiant clarity and subtle glints of apple green.
The nose
Distinctive notes of white flowers combine with white peaches, crisp pears and lemon.
The palate
Freshness prevails, releasing a beautiful harmony.
The beauty of wine is that no matter what your taste profile is there is a wine or Champagne to suit your palate, budget, age, mood, occasion, lifestyle… so sip around!
Cheers!
Debra “Wineladydebra” Taylor-smith Trade Development Manager
Select Brands