Discovering the Other Side of Champagne.
When most people think of Champagne, they tend to think of the ‘Les Grande Marques’; the large, world-famous houses that dominate the shelves and the market. The likes of Moët & Chandon’s Dom Pérignon, Krug, Perrier-Jouët or Louis Roederer’s Cristal, have worked hard to create an aura of exclusivity and luxury that’s now become synonymous with the wine itself.
However, there’s another side to Champagne, where you can enjoy all of the quality without the eye-watering price tag. Recently, dozens of new, high-quality cuvées have emerged, and they’re not coming from the old guard’s cellars. Grower champagne is fast becoming one of the most exciting categories in the wine world, as independent, avant-garde producers are redefining rarity in their image, with ultra-limited, single vineyard bottlings.
Not only are you getting better value, but these emerging brands are often more experimental and interesting than the vintages produced by the bigger houses, which are confined by centuries of tradition. Smaller producers can be much more nimble and daring, and the results are evident in the finished product.
Champagne Collery
Champagne Collery is a boutique champagne house located in Aÿ, near Epernay, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for producing some of the finest champagnes. Established in 1893, the house has built a reputation for crafting high-quality champagnes that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
One of the hallmarks of Champagne Collery is its focus on local Grand Cru vineyards, offering ideal conditions for growing the key grapes of the region. Their champagnes are known for expressive aromas, fine bubbles, and a well-balanced profile with notes of brioche, citrus, stone fruits, and subtle minerality.
We recommend: Champagne Collery NV Rosé Grand Cru
Porte Noire Champagne
Founded by Idris Elba in collaboration with wine expert David Farber, Porte Noire has been garnering critical acclaim since its launch in 2018. This brand emphasizes craftsmanship and heritage, producing high-quality, artisanal champagnes with a focus on independently sourced grapes and small-scale production.
Porte Noire’s wines are made in collaboration with the prestigious Coopérative de Sanger, a small, independent producer located in Avize, Champagne. Their methods emphasize sustainable farming and minimal intervention, producing wines of authenticity, heritage, and exceptional quality.
We recommend: Porte Noire Vintage Grand Cru Champagne 2013
Louis Nicaise
Louis Nicaise is a family-owned champagne house based in Hautvillers, the home of Dom Pérignon. Established in 1928, Champagne Louis Nicaise has built a strong reputation for crafting artisanal champagnes that reflect both tradition and the unique terroir of the Montagne de Reims.
Louis Nicaise is known for its Premier Cru vineyards and commitment to sustainable viticulture. Their champagnes are elegant, complex, and well-balanced, featuring fine bubbles, vibrant acidity, and flavors of citrus, orchard fruits, toast, and subtle minerality.
We recommend: Louis Nicaise Brut Reserve NV
Finding Hidden Champagne Gems
If you’re looking for a champagne that’s both interesting, delicious, and easier on the pocket, it’s absolutely worth exploring some of these smaller producers. You’ll almost certainly unearth some hidden gems in the range, and that’s always cause for celebration!
