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Champagne is synonymous with sparkling wine the world over, but the uniqueness of its precious provenance is stringently protected. Only sparkling wine made and bottled in the Champagne region in the traditional method can be called Champagne and no other bubbles come close as symbols of luxury and celebration. 



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Sara Checchi, Group Head Sommelier and Beverage Manager of restaurant group Maximal Concepts, has always been intrigued by Champagne due to its unique history, terroir and production techniques. The 50 years from 1670 to 1720 were a turning point for the region as this was when specific techniques for making sparkling wines were developed. Legendary Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon played a significant role in perfecting the méthod Champenoise, or the traditional method, in which wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle to produce carbon dioxide and thus the effervescence essential for its sparkling quality.



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Aside from the fascinating history of the area, Checchi also adores the beauty of the landscape, its villages and “the breathtaking panoramic view over the vineyards”.&nbsp; The hillsides, houses and cellars of Champagne were added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 2015.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Climate impact&nbsp;</h3>



Checchi says Champagne benefits from a unique combination of both oceanic and continental climatic influences, being neither too cold in winter nor too hot in summer, in which grapevines used in making the region’s famed pour – predominately Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier – thrive. 


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The soil in the area, located 90 miles east of Paris, also contributes in an incisive way. “Deep in Champagne subsoil are layers of sedimentary rocks composed of chalk, marl and limestone. This type of subsoil allows for good drainage,” explains Checchi. 



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She does warn, however, that the continental influences can lead to freezing temperatures in winter, bringing frosts that can be devastating for the vineyards, and this occasional occurrence makes Champagne a challenging wine-growing area.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Salon salute</h3>



Asked for her Champagne of choice, Checchi unhesitatingly plumps for Salon. “It is definitely my favourite Champagne!” she exclaims. “It is produced from a single grape variety, namely Chardonnay, and comes from a single great terroir – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru in the Côte des Blancs.”  



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This exceptional Champagne is only made in years when conditions are perfect. “Salon is produced just in the best vintages; little more than 35 vintages were produced in a whole century!” she says. “Doubtless this is not a bottle for daily consumption because of its price and the difficulty of its availability in the market.” 



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The thought of this rare pleasure makes every sip of “the experience memorable, every single time I get the chance to drink it”. She believes the wine has a magical, almost potent effect: “If eternal youth exists, Salon definitely knows its secret recipe!”                                                               



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Despite Salon’s rarity, Checchi has savoured the tipple on enough occasions to be able to compare different vintages. “Even though I have had the honour of drinking many vintages from the maison, the one that is still in my heart is Salon 1997,” she reveals. She was extremely impressed by its youth when she tasted it in January 2020, yet “the nose is complex”. 



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Describing some of the tastes and aromas of her favourite vintage, she enthuses: “The 1997 is wonderfully refined, its minerality complemented by hints of white flowers. A salty note enhances aromas of bread crust, brioche with a little hint of green apple, and hazelnut.” Her appreciation becomes more infectious as she describes the mouthfeel, which “shows the very essence of Salon, dynamic and energetic. The mousse [sparkling-wine foam] caresses the tongue with the sensuality of silk, and there are rich and persistent flavours of ripe peach, honey and smoked tea.”

Top Of The Pops: Uncorking a bottle of Champagne is a slice of the finest things in life

Veuve Clicquot, the renowned French champagne brand, is no stranger to innovation. In fact, it&#8217;s has been an inherent part of the maison&#8217;s DNA ever since Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, an intrepid businesswoman, first took over the company&#8217;s reins after her husband&#8217;s passing back in 1805 and became known within oenologist circles as La Grande Dame of Champagne.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-46234" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes.jpg" alt="Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2008 champagnes" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Veuve-Clicquot-La-Grande-Dame-2008-champagnes-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
To pay homage to this avant-garde female entrepreneur, back in 1972 – coincidentally the label&#8217;s 200th anniversary – Veuve Clicquot launched a new prestige cuvée range of La Grande Dame champagnes, which debuted with a 1962 vintage.
<figure id="attachment_46233" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46233" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46233" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Madame-Cliquot-the-inspirational-figure-behind-La-Grande-Dame-champagnes.jpg" alt="Madame Clicquot, the inspirational figure behind La Grande Dame champagnes" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Madame-Cliquot-the-inspirational-figure-behind-La-Grande-Dame-champagnes.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Madame-Cliquot-the-inspirational-figure-behind-La-Grande-Dame-champagnes-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Madame-Cliquot-the-inspirational-figure-behind-La-Grande-Dame-champagnes-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Madame-Cliquot-the-inspirational-figure-behind-La-Grande-Dame-champagnes-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Madame-Cliquot-the-inspirational-figure-behind-La-Grande-Dame-champagnes-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46233" class="wp-caption-text">Madame Clicquot, the inspirational figure behind La Grande Dame champagnes</figcaption></figure>
Last week, the prestigious maison introduced its latest iteration, <a href="https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-hk/our-champagne/la-grande-dame-2008">La Grande Dame 2008</a>, to Hong Kong with an exclusive lunch at Central&#8217;s Sevva rooftop restaurant. Celebrating the audacious spirit of Madame Clicquot, the event was jointly hosted by Gaëlle Goossens, one of the brand&#8217;s three female winemakers, and Bonnie Chan Woo, winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Hong Kong 2018.
<figure id="attachment_46232" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46232" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46232" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gaëlle-Goossens-Winemaker-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg" alt="Gaëlle Goossens, Winemaker, Veuve Clicquot" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gaëlle-Goossens-Winemaker-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gaëlle-Goossens-Winemaker-Veuve-Clicquot-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gaëlle-Goossens-Winemaker-Veuve-Clicquot-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gaëlle-Goossens-Winemaker-Veuve-Clicquot-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gaëlle-Goossens-Winemaker-Veuve-Clicquot-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46232" class="wp-caption-text">Gaëlle Goossens, Winemaker, Veuve Clicquot</figcaption></figure>
From the go, La Grande Dame 2008 breaks the mold set by its predecessors. Where the 2004 and 2006 vintages featured a 61 and 53 percent pinot noir content respectively, this newest member boasts a staggering 92 percent pinot noir content, a first for Veuve Clicquot. It is perhaps a tad less surprising when you consider that it is also the first vintage overseen by the brand&#8217;s newest chef de cave, Dominique Demarville.
<figure id="attachment_46231" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46231" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46231" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dominique-Demarville-the-new-chef-de-cave-at-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg" alt="Dominique Demarville, the new chef de cave at Veuve Clicquot" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dominique-Demarville-the-new-chef-de-cave-at-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dominique-Demarville-the-new-chef-de-cave-at-Veuve-Clicquot-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dominique-Demarville-the-new-chef-de-cave-at-Veuve-Clicquot-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dominique-Demarville-the-new-chef-de-cave-at-Veuve-Clicquot-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Dominique-Demarville-the-new-chef-de-cave-at-Veuve-Clicquot-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46231" class="wp-caption-text">Dominique Demarville, the new chef de cave at Veuve Clicquot</figcaption></figure>
“My vision is to bring La Grande Dame towards the finesse and elegance that the Pinot Noir offers us in these Grands Crus,” said Mr. Demarville. “In a way, this is the Veuve Clicquot twist: to combine depth and silkiness with lightness and elegance in this exceptional cuvée.”

Veuve Clicquot launches La Grande Dame 2008 in Hong Kong

Champagne, that most favoured of fine French sparkling wine-producing regions, has long held a monopoly when it comes to the supply of socially-acceptable bubbly beverages. In fact, until très, très récemment, any non-Gallic grape grinder bold enough to dabble in bespoke bubbly – particularly if they hailed from the wrong side of the Channel, as British sparkling wine certainly does – would have gotten notoriously short shrift.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45156" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine.jpg" alt="Tracking the rise of British sparkling wine" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Tracking-the-rise-of-British-sparkling-wine-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
That all changed, however, and at a very particular time – January 2010. It was that month, during the ever-prestigious World Sparkling Wine Championships in Verona, that – much to the shock of a contingent of hitherto-unbeaten champagne producers – the UK-originated Nyetimber Classic Cuvée took home the tasting tournament’s top accolade. Even more gallingly, it saw off such previous festival fizz favourites as Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer to do so. Since then, English sparkling wines have gone from strength to strength, racking up a total of 15 Best Sparkling Wine titles.
So, what exactly has driven the British sparkling wine to becoming a true bubbly behemoth? According to the experts, it seems we have global warming to thank. As the world’s temperatures have risen, the counties of England’s southern coast – notably Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire – have become increasingly viable when it comes to the production of sparkling wines.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45154" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making.jpg" alt="Global warming has caused England's southern coast to become viable for British sparkling wine making" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Global-warming-has-caused-Englands-southern-coast-to-become-viable-for-British-sparkling-wine-making-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Addressing the effect of this climatic shift on the terroir of southern England, Eric Heerema, Chief Executive of Champenois-smiting Nyetimber, said: “The Home Counties now boast the perfect conditions for the production of sparkling wine. In particular, the cool climate encourages the slow ripening of grapes, allowing local winemakers to deliver truly delicate flavours, ones ideally-suited to the production of truly fantastic sparkling wines.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a development that has not slipped under the radar of the wider world of wine, with the huge influx of investment capital and professional expertise now pouring into the region being an apt testimony to this. Two of the most high-profile British sparkling wine producers – Woodchester Valley and Rathfinny – for instance, have both lured substantial domestic backing. Perhaps more surprisingly, two well-established French champagne houses, Taittinger and Pommery, have also seen the light. This has seen them, separately, invest in their own estates across the Channel with a view to producing a new line of English sparkling wines using traditional champagne techniques and grape varietals.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45155" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard.jpg" alt="No, it's not France, it's a British sparkling wine vineyard" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No-its-not-France-its-a-British-sparkling-wine-vineyard-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
According to WineGB – the country’s national organisation for grape nurturers and winemakers – more than 2,500 hectares of English and Welsh land have now been co-opted by the wine industry. This equates to some 170 vineyards and around 160 wineries. While sparkling wine accounts for 71 percent of their collective output, there is also now a smattering of reds, whites and rosés being produced. In 2018, apparently, the UK wine output rose to a record high of 15.6 million bottles – a staggering 264 percent increase over the previous year’s frost-afflicted 5.9 million bottles.
In fact, the organisation is so sure of the sustainability of this relatively new-found industry that it is predicting that roughly 30,000 new jobs will be created over the next 20 years. On top of that, by 2040, it is forecasting that wine production will contribute as much as £658 million (HK$6.8 billion) a year to the UK GDP through a combination of domestic and international sales, as well as vineyard-led tourism.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45153" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine.jpg" alt="Examples of great British sparkling wine" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Examples-of-great-British-sparkling-wine-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Capturing this new-born confidence in the British sparkling wine sector, Jancis Robinson, a UK-based wine critic, said: “Gone are the days when the English wine industry was dominated by those who decided to try out viticulture in a superfluous pony paddock. The country’s vintners are now producing sparkling wines capable of challenging not just supermarket champagnes, but also the likes of Krug, Cristal and Dom Pérignon.”
While it’s still too early to pronounce on the long-term prospects of Brit bubbly, there are at least clear hopes for continued short-term success. With the results of this year’s World Sparkling Wine Championships currently being decided – and set to be announced in just two months’ time – it could well be that champagne’s previously all-conquering confidence is set for yet another knock. While that may be bad news for the ex-champions of Champenois, it could prove a rare bit of good news for Brexit-blighted Blighty.
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Photos: Nyetimber, Pommery

Great Bruttania: Can British sparkling wine out-champion champagne?

Despite having only begun in 1976, French champagne brand Nicolas Feuillatte has quickly grown to establish itself as a market leader and one of the pre-eminent champagnes of the world. The brand’s Managing Director, Christophe Juarez, enlightens us on how this phenomenal growth came about&#8230;
<figure id="attachment_42068" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42068" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42068" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Christophe-Juarez-Managing-Director-of-Nicolas-Feuillatte.jpg" alt="Christophe Juarez, Managing Director of Nicolas Feuillatte" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Christophe-Juarez-Managing-Director-of-Nicolas-Feuillatte.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Christophe-Juarez-Managing-Director-of-Nicolas-Feuillatte-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Christophe-Juarez-Managing-Director-of-Nicolas-Feuillatte-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Christophe-Juarez-Managing-Director-of-Nicolas-Feuillatte-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Christophe-Juarez-Managing-Director-of-Nicolas-Feuillatte-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42068" class="wp-caption-text">Christophe Juarez, Managing Director of Nicolas Feuillatte</figcaption></figure>
Tell us a little bit about Nicolas Feuillatte.
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte was founded in 1976. Mr. Nicolas Feuillatte, himself, was a successful businessman who switched from running a US-based coffee bean business to opening his own domain in the Champagne region. He started a small estate and then joined Centre Vinicole de la Champagne, France’s oldest union of champagne producers, to build the Nicolas Feuillatte champagne brand as we know it today.
In the 40+ years of our existence, we’ve become very successful, both within France and on an international scale. I’m proud to say that we are now not only the No.3 champagne brand worldwide, but we are also the absolute leader, the preferred champagne of French people. In fact, we are the top-selling brand within France, which is quite a feat.
<figure id="attachment_42073" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42073" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42073" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017.jpg" alt="The new Espace Nicolas Feuillatte, inaugurated in April 2017" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-new-Espace-Nicolas-Feuillatte-inaugurated-in-April-2017-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42073" class="wp-caption-text">The new Espace Nicolas Feuillatte, inaugurated in April 2017</figcaption></figure>
What makes Nicolas Feuillatte so unique?
First of all, we are a co-op, which means that we are owned by the growers. We currently work with about 4,500 grape growers which represents one-third of the vineyards in Champagne. This huge source allows us to achieve exactly the blending we want for the best possible flavour and quality.
Secondly, we are known for making only the best champagnes. The jewel in our champagne collection, a special tete de cuvee, is the “Palmes d’Or”. It is created using only the most outstanding, flavour-packed grapes.
<figure id="attachment_42070" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42070" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42070" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Palmes-dOr-Rose-2006.jpg" alt="Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d'Or Rose 2006" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Palmes-dOr-Rose-2006.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Palmes-dOr-Rose-2006-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Palmes-dOr-Rose-2006-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Palmes-dOr-Rose-2006-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Palmes-dOr-Rose-2006-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42070" class="wp-caption-text">Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d&#8217;Or Rose 2006, a delicious tete de cuvee</figcaption></figure>
Tell us about the newly refreshed brand visual identity and packaging.
We are a relatively young brand compared to other champagne houses, and we pride ourselves on our innovative approach. We’ve just retooled our entire range of products this year, including the packaging and even our logo. Our new logo is very emblematic. We have the small grapes ringed by heart-shaped vines. The grapes represent our workforce, the people who drive our success. It is a tribute to the thousands of grape producers within the co-op who make Nicolas Feuillatte so special.
We’ve retained the signature blue label for the Reserve Exclusive Brut, which is iconic for Nicolas Feuillatte, to ensure we remain recognisable and attractive. Our bottles have also gone through a significant revamp. The Palmes d’Or collection, which features a unique and eye-catching ‘pearl-marked’ design, will be the next to follow.
<figure id="attachment_42069" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42069" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-42069" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Blanc-de-Blancs-2008.jpg" alt="Nicolas Feuillatte Blanc de Blancs 2008" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Blanc-de-Blancs-2008.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Blanc-de-Blancs-2008-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Blanc-de-Blancs-2008-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Blanc-de-Blancs-2008-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Nicolas-Feuillatte-Blanc-de-Blancs-2008-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42069" class="wp-caption-text">Nicolas Feuillatte Blanc de Blancs 2008</figcaption></figure>
What’s next for Nicolas Feuillatte?
Our focus now is very much on China. It’s an enormous market with huge potential, and we believe Hong Kong is the perfect gateway. Of course, Hong Kong already boasts a large legion of champagne aficionados, but we hope to introduce them to new expressions of our champagnes as well.
Thank you.

Interview: How Nicolas Feuillatte became France’s favourite champagne

Since 1843, renowned French champagne brand Krug has produced countless memorable expressions of the world&#8217;s favourite fizzy alcoholic beverage. In 2018, the brand paid tribute to its 175-year legacy by hosting a series of immersive Krug Encounters in key locations around the globe to explore Music x Krug x Food in unexpected ways. After stops in the UK, France, Switzerland, South Korea and Japan, its international odyssey culminated in fantastic fashion two days ago at high-end eatery <a href="https://www.hexa-hk.com/">Hexa</a>, situated in Hong Kong&#8217;s own Harbour City mall.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-40995" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong.jpg" alt="Krug Encounters 2018 culminated in a fantastic night at Hexa in Hong Kong" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Krug-Encounters-2018-culminated-in-a-fantastic-night-at-Hexa-in-Hong-Kong-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Surrounded by stunning vistas of Victoria Harbour, Olivier Krug – a sixth-generation scion of the family-run marque – welcomed a select group of VIP guests for an evening of fine food, marvellous music and, of course, a series of the Reims-based brand&#8217;s much-loved champagnes. The highlight of the night, though, was undoubtedly the unveiling of the 166th edition of its Grand Cuvée, a beautiful expression created from an amalgam of 140 wines across 13 years that offers a delicious nutty note with a citrusy undertone.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-40994" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Japanese-jazz-band-Bloodest-Saxaphone-serenaded-guests-at-Krug-Encounters-Hong-Kong.jpg" alt="Japanese jazz band Bloodest Saxaphone serenaded guests at Krug Encounters Hong Kong" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Japanese-jazz-band-Bloodest-Saxaphone-serenaded-guests-at-Krug-Encounters-Hong-Kong.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Japanese-jazz-band-Bloodest-Saxaphone-serenaded-guests-at-Krug-Encounters-Hong-Kong-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Japanese-jazz-band-Bloodest-Saxaphone-serenaded-guests-at-Krug-Encounters-Hong-Kong-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Japanese-jazz-band-Bloodest-Saxaphone-serenaded-guests-at-Krug-Encounters-Hong-Kong-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Japanese-jazz-band-Bloodest-Saxaphone-serenaded-guests-at-Krug-Encounters-Hong-Kong-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
In keeping with the Music x Krug x Food theme, attendees were also treated to tasty treats crafted by Executive Chef Robin Zavou from the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, as they whiled the night away to the toe-tapping musical numbers of Bloodest Saxaphone, the renowned Japanese jazz band flown in from Tokyo especially for the event. &nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-40993" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Guests-tasted-a-series-of-delicious-champagnes-at-the-final-Krug-Encounters-2018-event-in-HK.jpg" alt="Guests tasted a series of delicious champagnes at the final Krug Encounters 2018 event in HK" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Guests-tasted-a-series-of-delicious-champagnes-at-the-final-Krug-Encounters-2018-event-in-HK.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Guests-tasted-a-series-of-delicious-champagnes-at-the-final-Krug-Encounters-2018-event-in-HK-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Guests-tasted-a-series-of-delicious-champagnes-at-the-final-Krug-Encounters-2018-event-in-HK-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Guests-tasted-a-series-of-delicious-champagnes-at-the-final-Krug-Encounters-2018-event-in-HK-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Guests-tasted-a-series-of-delicious-champagnes-at-the-final-Krug-Encounters-2018-event-in-HK-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Text: Tenzing Thondup

Krug Encounters unveiled 166th edition of Krug Grand Cuvee in Hong Kong

Krug Encounters: Renowned champagne brand ends 2018 with a bang

Unveiling its latest collaboration, luxury champagne brand Perrier-Jouët presents&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/tag/conrad-hotel-hong-kong/">The Conrad Hong Kong&#8217;s</a>&nbsp;latest afternoon tea set. Nestled in the hotel lobby, Executive Chef <a href="https://www.hospitalitynet.org/appointment/79015626.html">Claudio Rossi</a> and Pastry Chef Billy Yuen invite you to escape the cold of winter and the rush of the holiday season and celebrate the joy of Christmas.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-40983" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Sweets.jpg" alt="Perrier-Jouët" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Sweets.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Sweets-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Sweets-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Sweets-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Sweets-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
The delightful selection of dishes are made with deluxe ingredients that elevate the festive mood. Sweets lay atop the spread, offering an exciting palate of French cocktail-inspired treats, many with a berry twist. The classic dessert of mini chestnut Mont Blanc stands out as a seasonal favourite, offering an unmatched sweetness to compliment the champagne.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-40982" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong.jpg" alt="Perrier-Jouët" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Placed in the centre and bottom of the festive spread lay the savoury items. Among the marvellous assortment of items, the braised wagyu beef short rib with truffle mashed potato stands out and takes you back to Grandma&#8217;s holiday cooking. Another holiday favourite the roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry cream that blends together the nostalgia for autumn and the excitement for Christmas – all in one bite!&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_40981" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-40981" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-40981 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet.jpg" alt="Perrier-Jouët" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Festive-Perrier-Jouët-Champagne-Afternoon-Tea-at-Lobby-Lounge-Conrad-Hong-Kong_Complimentary-Bracelet-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-40981" class="wp-caption-text">Those who enjoy the tea set will also take home a complimentary Perrier-Jouët Anemone bracelet as a special Christmas gift.</figcaption></figure>
Complimenting the sweet and savoury dishes of the tea-set perfectly is the Grand Brut Champagne from&nbsp;Perrier-Jouët. Served in a signature flute glass, the beautiful bubbly is the perfect way to usher the festivities with your near and dear ones.&nbsp;
The Bubbly Perrier-Jouët Champagne Afternoon Tea Set is available from 1 December to 6 January.
Text: <a href="mailto:bailey@itotalmedia.com">Bailey Atkinson</a>

Perrier-Jouët joins The Conrad Hong Kong for Afternoon Tea

As Veuve Clicquot celebrates the 200th anniversary of its first rosé, we chat with winemaker Gäelle Goossens about the brand’s legacy of female trailblazing, and staying competitive two centuries on.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34849 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old.jpg" alt="Veuve Clicquot Rose is now 200 years old" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-Rose-is-now-200-years-old-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
With over two centuries of winemaking under its belt, how has Veuve Clicquot stayed so successfully, and what makes it relevant to today’s market?
Veuve Clicquot has a perfect balance between tradition, modernity and innovation. It’s been at the core of its DNA since its foundation. The excellence of our Champagne, and the motto of Madame Clicquot: “Only one quality, the finest”. Our spirit of innovation, inherited from Madame Clicquot certainly explains how the brand has kept being so relevant over the centuries.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34845 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-interview-Gäelle-Goossens-winemaker-of-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg" alt="We interview Gäelle Goossens, winemaker of Veuve Clicquot" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-interview-Gäelle-Goossens-winemaker-of-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-interview-Gäelle-Goossens-winemaker-of-Veuve-Clicquot-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-interview-Gäelle-Goossens-winemaker-of-Veuve-Clicquot-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-interview-Gäelle-Goossens-winemaker-of-Veuve-Clicquot-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-interview-Gäelle-Goossens-winemaker-of-Veuve-Clicquot-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Wine-making has traditionally been a male-dominated sphere. What are the biggest challenges you face as a woman, and do you see that culture changing?
Things are changing. We see more and more women becoming winemakers and wine specialists. The main challenge for tomorrow will be to see more women in the top management of wine company.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34847 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-has-been-making-rose-for-200-years.jpg" alt="Veuve Clicquot has been making rose for 200 years" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-has-been-making-rose-for-200-years.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-has-been-making-rose-for-200-years-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-has-been-making-rose-for-200-years-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-has-been-making-rose-for-200-years-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Veuve-Clicquot-has-been-making-rose-for-200-years-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Tell us a bit about the newly announced Veuve Clicquot Business Woman award.
The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award was first initiated in 1972 to honour and sustain the legacy of Madame Clicquot – one of Europe’s first female entrepreneurs. It is awarded to those who share the same qualities: an enterprising spirit, with the courage and the determination necessary to accomplish her business goals.
Following a detailed consultation and voting process with an esteemed jury – a panel of five exceptional business people, and an advisor – the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Hong Kong will be awarded at a prestigious ceremony in Hong Kong in October 2018.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-34846 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg" alt="Multicoloured celebration of Veuve Clicquot" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Multicoloured-celebration-of-Veuve-Clicquot-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
For rosé -drinking novices, what are the top things to keep an eye out for when drinking rosé?
Rosé champagne is not a sweet wine as a still rosé. It has more fruits, more intensity and more structure.&nbsp;Rosé champagne is an excellent choice when&nbsp;in a&nbsp;restaurant to share with friends, as it can be paired with spicy food, red meat, sauce meal, vegetables, raw tuna, etc.
VCP created the first rosé champagne d’assemblage (blending). We vinify our own pinot noir red wines first. They are deep, tannic, full-bodied, fruity and complex.
Finally, what is your favourite rosé &nbsp;vintage from Veuve Clicquot?
Vintage Rosé 1989. Deep, rich, intense and complex with smoky notes and dry fruits aromas.
Thank you.

Gäelle Goossens of Veuve Clicquot on female trailblazing and 200 years of rosé

Taste-testing Le Pan&#8217;s seven-course &#8216;Hedonist&#8217;s Lunch&#8217;&nbsp;
Kowloon Bay has been undergoing a major revitalisation in the last couple of decades since the old airport relocated to Lantau in 1998, exactly 20 years ago. Nowadays, however, when one thinks&nbsp;Kowloon Bay, the following might come to mind: the <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/9157-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kai Tak Cruise Terminal</a>, concerts at <a href="https://www.kitec.com.hk/eng/index.php">KITEC</a>, the red monstrosity that is MegaBox (Hong Kong&#8217;s biggest ice skating rink!) and maybe the cinema at Telford Gardens.&nbsp;
How about the most opulent brunch you could possibly find this side of the harbour?&nbsp;
Kowloon East has finally gotten its own swanky Saturday bubbles ritual by way of Le Pan&#8217;s elaborate Hedonist&#8217;s Lunch featuring seven courses of contemporary French cuisine in a positively palatial property effused with natural sunlight.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-32721" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/LE-PAN_Private-Dining-Room4-e1519114105817.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/LE-PAN_Private-Dining-Room4-e1519114105817.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/LE-PAN_Private-Dining-Room4-e1519114105817-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Admittedly, we were not prepared for the grandeur that greeted us upon arriving at Le Pan, in the middle of a heretofore unexplored industrial-looking area of Kowloon Bay. Located on the ground floor of a brand spanking new skyscraper, this expansive restaurant&nbsp;extends over 10,000 square feet&nbsp;– a far cry from the tight spaces of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.&nbsp;
One might feel a twinge of embarrassment, as we did, about not dressing up for such an impressive setting. But our nerves were quickly calmed upon meeting&nbsp;Herman Pang, Le Pan&#8217;s sincere and easygoing Assistant Manager. He even seemed genuinely curious about the hike we were planning to do after the lunch: the nearby &#8220;<a href="https://hkfiles.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/suicide-cliff-hong-kongs-most-photogenic-and-dangerous-hike/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suicide Cliff</a>&#8221; on Kowloon Peak.&nbsp;
After Pang introduced the menu to us, we were then familiarised with the drinks as presented by&nbsp;Lauri Vainio, Le Pan&#8217;s Finnish Wine Director and award-winning sommelier. That was the beginning of the day&#8217;s free-flow champagne: Jacques Picard “Le Chapitre” Brut NV. If you&#8217;re celebrating something as we were, there couldn&#8217;t be a more opportune moment for this indulgent menu.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-32723" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Free-flow-Champagne-Jacques-Picard-Le-Chapitre-Brut-NV-01-e1519115472646.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Free-flow-Champagne-Jacques-Picard-Le-Chapitre-Brut-NV-01-e1519115472646.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Free-flow-Champagne-Jacques-Picard-Le-Chapitre-Brut-NV-01-e1519115472646-200x133.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The meal started with a stomach-soothing&nbsp;chicken&nbsp;consommé&nbsp;followed by&nbsp;Royal Oscietra caviar in an oh-so-authentic tin; dig in and you&#8217;ll be rewarded with a satisfyingly salty&nbsp;Petuna ocean trout tartare.&nbsp;Crustacean lovers would love the fresh Fine de Claire oyster flown in from France, flavoured with the most subtle ginger vinaigrette. We got a taste of the sea, but it wasn&#8217;t overwhelming; texture was impeccable.&nbsp;
The seafood continues with the&nbsp;Blue lobster ‘piperade’, a concoction of arroz bomba grains and calamari: equal parts crispy, foamy and chewy. For the main course, you can choose between a lightly spiced&nbsp;Hapuka fish and jumbo prawns;&nbsp;Picalou French yellow chicken and Hokkaido scallop; or&nbsp;USDA Prime onglet ‘Bordelaise’. We went with the first and last dishes.
The ocean grouper didn&#8217;t quite melt in the mouth, but the prawn made up for where the white Hapuka was lacking. We had no complaints about the steak, which came in rich and filling cuts of tender beef with&nbsp;duxelles pureé (mushrooms) and&nbsp;grelot (pearl) onions.

<div id="gallery-818" class="ngg-gallery">[{"id" : "32742","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/le-pan/1.png","caption" : "Royal Oscietra caviar, Petuna ocean trout tartare"},{"id" : "32745","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/le-pan/7.png","caption" : "Blue lobster ‘piperade’, arroz bomba grains"},{"id" : "32747","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/le-pan/14.png","caption" : "USDA Prime onglet ‘Bordelaise’, duxelles pureé, grelot onion"},{"id" : "32752","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/le-pan/IMG_8504.JPG","caption" : "Hapuka, jumbo prawn, light spice emulsion"},{"id" : "32754","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/le-pan/IMG_8506.jpg","caption" : "Tropical ‘rum baba’"}]</div>
And last but not least, dessert: the Tropical ‘rum baba’. If you&#8217;re a chocolate person, this might not be your cup of tea, but after such a heavy meal you might appreciate the fruity zing and spongey cake. There&#8217;s also a weighty cheese selection for those who prefer savoury to sweet.
If one day you find yourself in the vicinity of Kowloon Bay and feel like treating yourself to a stately experience, there is only one place to go. Complimentary valet parking beckons to those with wheels coming from the New Territories and don&#8217;t want to get stuck in downtown traffic. For the more centrally located, however, you would have to exhaust the champagne brunches closer to home before heading further afield to this rare gem in Kowloon East.&nbsp;
Le Pan&#8217;s Hedonist Lunch is available every Saturday, from noon until 3:30 p.m at HK$980 per head. Ground Floor, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong. (852) 3188 2355.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lepan.com.hk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.lepan.com.hk</a>
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Written by: <a href="http://www.morenatravels.com">Julienne C. Raboca</a>

Le Pan: A review of Kowloon Bay’s ritziest restaurant

<div id="gallery-699" class="ngg-gallery">[{"id" : "26375","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/2809_armandbrignac/Img-1.jpg","caption" : "Img 1"},{"id" : "26378","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/2809_armandbrignac/Img-2.jpg","caption" : "Img 2"},{"id" : "26380","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/2809_armandbrignac/Img-3.jpg","caption" : "Img 3"}]</div>
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Sebastien Besson, the CEO of French champagne brand, Armand de Brignac, was recently in Hong Kong for an intimate luncheon with a select few guests. We took this opportunity to have a tête-à-tête with him and get a deeper insight into the brand’s 250 years of history.
You have showcased six different varieties of Armand de Brignac champagne. What is the speciality of each?
We are very well known for the Gold Brut, our flagship champagne, which assembles three distinct grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Our next most famous offering is the Rosé, which is lighter on the palate and quite a favourite with the ladies. The Demi Sec is a sweeter champagne and can be paired quite well with desserts or can act as a complete contrast to spicy dishes. The Blanc de Blancs, a very limited collection, is a 100% Chardonnay and achieves the finest balance in terms of grapes used. A lot of people can make Chardonnay champagne but only a few know how to make the very best. The Blanc de Noirs is the rarest cuvée in the Armand de Brignac range and a highly coveted champagne among connoisseurs.
As a family-run business, how does Armand de Brignac ensure top-quality craftsmanship over generations?
As a family-run business, we like to time to nurture our champagne. We do not have to respond to market pressure, we have a long-term generational objective in everything we do. We want to innovate, we want to bring new things to the market, but at the same time, we won’t compromise our ‘classic’ style and quality. You can say, we take the time to do things right, always.
How do you ensure sustainability while harvesting?
Sustainability is a core principle of our vineyard management and all our owned lands are certified HVE level 3 – the highest grading from the French government – acknowledging the level of care we give to the environment, to protect it for future generations. We’re very preoccupied with our vines as well as with the ground they grow on. With that objective in mind, we have minimised the use of pesticides and have maximised the use of all things natural. It is okay to let weed grow, because it helps renewal of the ground.
What is the significance of the Ace of Spades logo?
The Ace of Spades logo was adopted by the brand centuries back. It fitted the modernism narrative of those times. Over the decades, the Ace of Spades has become synonymous with the Armand de Brignac champagne. The ‘A’ in the logo is a very intricate design and matches our French aesthetics.
Thank you.
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Uncorking history with Armand de Brignac champagne

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-9937 size-full aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Prosecco-on-ice-e1477621759987.jpg" alt="Prosecco on ice" width="600" height="364" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Prosecco-on-ice-e1477621759987.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Prosecco-on-ice-e1477621759987-200x121.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Prosecco-on-ice-e1477621759987-462x280.jpg 462w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Prosecco-on-ice-e1477621759987-400x243.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, we are now at least four months into champagne’s annual marketing drive, all designed to leave us in no doubt that if it doesn’t fizz, it ain’t festive. It is, indeed, the safest of assumptions that a huge number of champagne corks will be popped over the Season of Good Will. At the risk of sounding heretical, however, it seems many of us are likely to break with the orthodoxy and indulge in other forms of fizz over the festive period – and not just out of price considerations.
For generations, it has generally been assumed that champagne is the only wine that truly says celebration. Should other bubblies be substituted, this has been seen as more of a matter of penny-pinching than of preference. In most instances, that is probably still pretty much the case. Much of the attraction of Spain’s cava or Italy’s prosecco is their appeal to the pocket rather than to the palate. As a result cava, typically topped up with orange juice, is now a well-established choice, while prosecco sales have similarly boomed over recent years.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-9944 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/new-year-s-eve-ceremony-champagne-sparkling-wine-e1477621977497.jpg" alt="new-year-s-eve-ceremony-champagne-sparkling-wine" width="600" height="364" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/new-year-s-eve-ceremony-champagne-sparkling-wine-e1477621977497.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/new-year-s-eve-ceremony-champagne-sparkling-wine-e1477621977497-200x121.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/new-year-s-eve-ceremony-champagne-sparkling-wine-e1477621977497-462x280.jpg 462w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/new-year-s-eve-ceremony-champagne-sparkling-wine-e1477621977497-400x243.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
Perhaps more surprising is the surge of interest in English sparkling wines. More surprisingly still, these often cost more than the champagnes they often beat in blind tastings. The Champenois are certainly conscious of the competition. With wine consumption falling in many key markets, they seem resigned to the fact that champagne sales may never again reach the giddy heights of yesteryear.
In 2007, some 339 million bottles of champagne were shipped. In 2008, though, global sales took a major hit on account of the financial crisis. Recovery has been gradual. As of the end of 2015, sales were still only hovering around the 312.5 million mark.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-9947 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bollinger-champagne-e1477622071503.jpg" alt="Bollinger champagne" width="600" height="364" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bollinger-champagne-e1477622071503.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bollinger-champagne-e1477622071503-200x121.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bollinger-champagne-e1477622071503-462x280.jpg 462w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bollinger-champagne-e1477622071503-400x243.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
Other sparkling wine categories have been notably more lively. In terms of volume, global sales of Italy’s prosecco overtook champagne in 2013, maintaining its lead ever since. Prosecco also overshadows cava although the latter is, in many ways, a more interesting drink. As the very apex of quality in the sparkling wine world, Champagne still has the territory more or less to itself. There are few contenders outside the region to compete with Dom Perignon, Krug or a number of the top cuvees from Billecart-Salmon, Bollinger or Perrier-Jouet. For more casual consumption, though, champagne has some serious competition. So what’s worth trying? While, for many, prosecco seems to be the answer, there are just as many who would demur.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-9949 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Crémant_de_Bourgogne_french-fizz-e1477622329908.jpg" alt="Crémant_de_Bourgogne_french fizz" width="600" height="364" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Crémant_de_Bourgogne_french-fizz-e1477622329908.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Crémant_de_Bourgogne_french-fizz-e1477622329908-200x121.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Crémant_de_Bourgogne_french-fizz-e1477622329908-462x280.jpg 462w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Crémant_de_Bourgogne_french-fizz-e1477622329908-400x243.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
Italy, however, is responsible for several sparkling wines that are far closer in style to serious champagnes – particularly in Lombardy in the Franciacorta DOCG. Franciacorta has only had its DOCG status since 1995 and, although wine has been made in the region since Roman times, it only started going into bubbles in the 1960s. U n d e r I t a l i a n w i n e l a w Franciacorta’s sparkling wines have to be made by the “traditional methods.” As a result, the region’s quality tends to be 
impressively high. To date, only a limited selection is available in Hong Kong and China, although one of the best of the 
producers – Bellavista – is represented by Altaya Wines.
Many lovers of sparkling wines believe that the highest quality available outside Champagne comes from one of two regions. Franciacorta is one, and the other – pretty much to everyone’s astonishment – is now southeast England. This really shouldn’t be all that surprising. The areas that are home to the most successful of the English sparkling wine producers are, after all, located close enough to Champagne to enjoy similar terroir. Unlike cava and prosecco, English sparkling wine has not had the option of competing with champagne in terms of price. Neither can it approach its production volume. Essentially, it is expensive to make, the grapes grow on small parcels of land and the vintages are unpredictable. Wine from a number of UK producers – notably Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Nyetimber – have performed consistently strongly in blind tastings in recent years. In fact, when an English sparkler beats a French fizz, it is scarcely deemed newsworthy these days.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-9950 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Franciacorta_Vigneto_con_Santissima_di_Gussago-e1477622623123.jpg" alt="Franciacorta,_Vigneto_con_Santissima_di_Gussago" width="600" height="364" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Franciacorta_Vigneto_con_Santissima_di_Gussago-e1477622623123.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Franciacorta_Vigneto_con_Santissima_di_Gussago-e1477622623123-200x121.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Franciacorta_Vigneto_con_Santissima_di_Gussago-e1477622623123-462x280.jpg 462w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Franciacorta_Vigneto_con_Santissima_di_Gussago-e1477622623123-400x243.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" />
The stand-out here is Gramona, a cava house that Berry Bros &amp; Rudd have been promoting in Asia for some time now. As with the Franciacorta producers, Gramona uses the “traditional method.” Not all of the serious competition to the Champagne region, of course, comes from outside France. While Champagne has long been an important part of the Parisian lifestyle, when The Parisian Macao opened recently, Arnaud Echalier, its beverage operations manager, said it wouldn’t be the only sparkling wine on offer. Its wine l ist features both international sparkling wines, as well as France’s regional fizzes – Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Limoux and Crémant de Loire. He says these “second tier bubbles” do not lack in quality. While Angelina is not the first sparkling wine to be made in China, it is the first to be made by the “traditional method.” It comes courtesy of the Grace Vineyard, one of the more artisanal producers and one that has garnered praise for its still wines. Its initial release in 2015 consisted of a 2009 blanc de blancs, a non-vintage blanc de blancs and two other single varietal sparkling wines – one Cabernet Franc and one Chenin Blanc. While the limited release 2009 is probably a challenge to track down now, the others in the range will certainly add a different kind – though not inferior – sparkle to your celebrations.

Tag: champagne