Barthélémy Saphir Brut 2014

This was our first champagne and is a serious product at a brilliant price. 

Many champagne houses have gorgeous stories about their romantic beginnings. Louis Barthelemy is a relative newcomer – 1923 – but ticks the box as it was created by a Russian Princess who fled Moscow and its revolutionary unrest for Éparnay.  The house was acquired in 2002 by Jean Barthélémy Chancel, the youngest négotiant manipulant of his generation.  Set amongst the great vineyards around Aÿ, the house benefits from rich and diversified buying contracts in many top-notch crus. 

Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, the style is about relatively low dosage, and longer than average on lees, creating a wonderful, complex, elegant wine. The champagne is made using the grapes from a single harvest and is produced only in exceptional years with the best ageing potential. 

This is proper, vintage champagne from a top-class producer.