The world of Champagne is sparkling again in Italy
Thanks to the "Champagne Experience" a two-day event in Modena, 121 Maison presented more than 600 selected cuvée to the public.
A moment to reflect on a market and how it reacted to the covid crisis.
The behavioral changing of people during the pandemic impacted every market, wine & spirit included.
Wine consumption became more easily an "at-home experience", and sales were driven mostly by e-commerce, while for champagne it was a slower-adaption process. Champagne has always been linked to a celebration and special occasion, so 2020 was a challenging year.
However, throughout the pandemic, consumers find new ways to re-create in their home the experiences they were missing, become their own chefs and sommeliers. “They looked to more premium brands, like the Champagne offerings from our portfolio, to create that specialness they would have normally only experienced at the bar or restaurant. This has now become second nature,” says Anne-Sophie Stock, vice president of core bubbles at Moët Hennessy to Fortune.
Finally, sales and export started rising again.
The Comité Champagne is celebrating a booming in export (+14%), with Europe and North America on top.
In the US market, Champagne sales were up 88.5% in March over previous years, according to data insight firm NielsenIQ.
Sales during the first semester of 2021 were up 50% over the previous year.
At Champagne experience I had the priviledge to taste many incredible bubbles, divided into: Aube-Côte des Bar, Côte de Blancs, Classical Maisons, Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne.
Here are my take aways:
Champagne Drappier - Brut Nature
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Dosage: (g/l): 0
36 months on the lees
Great intensity and pureness for a Champagne where Nature can express itself. Golden color, ample palate; scents of peaches and aromatic herbs. One of the first zero dosage Champagne, that surprisingly let the mouth fresh with spicy and smooth notes of berries.
« In Urville, at the heart of the Côte des Bar, Pinot Noir has found the perfect home. Created by Michel Drappier in its “Nature” version, this Blanc de Noirs expresses the essence of this grape variety. A generous yet mineral style. »
The Unmissible
Quattuor: four grapes 25% Arbanne, 25% Petit Meslier, 25% Blanc Vrai, 25% Chardonnay. Simply incredible.
Importer: Partesa Credit Photo: Carlo Guttadauro - togheter with Valentino Pusnava
Champagne Julien Chopin - Carte Noire Brut Nature
Grapes: 1000% Meunier
Dosage (g/l): 0
36 months on the lees
Delicate and soft with creamy scents of honey and apples. The color is deep golden yellow, and persistence on the palate is relatively long; a vertical Champagne with a finishing freshness in the mouth.
Importer: Gusto&Degusto
Credit Photo: Carlo Guttadauro
Champagne Guiborat - Théthys.18 Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Dosage (g/l): 1,5
24 months on the lees
Directly from Cramant, classed as one of two grand cru villages in the Côte des Blancs in the original 1911 échelle des crus and other parcels from Chouilly, Le Mont Aigu, Chouilly Les Caurés, Oiry, Gros Mont.
Elegant flows of bubbles surrounded by yellow delicate fruity notes. Pureness and simplicity.
Importer: Pellegrini
Champagne H.Blin - Extra Brut Rosé de Saignée 2015
Grapes: 100% Meunier
Dosage (g/l):2
60/72 months on the lees
Intense pink color with fine bubbles. On the nose, you have a splash of red berries and blackcurrant, that become fresh on the palate. Elegant and vibrant thanks to the hint of spicy notes. Complexity and grace for an intriguing rosé.
Importer: Tannico
Credit Photo: Carlo Guttadauro
Champagne Jacquesson - Terres Rouge Dizy 1er Cru 2012
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Dosage (g/l): 0,75
72 months on the lees
From the preferred Maison by Napoleone Bonaparte, a glass of champagne with great personality, elegance, purity, and balance. Coming from a parcel located on a Southwest facing steep hillside on the Grand Cru of Dizy terroir, where nine thousand vines were planted in 1960, for this unique plot of 1 hectare.
It has been an honor having tasted this unique expression of Champagne while meeting Jean-Herveé Chiquet.
Importer: Pellegrini
Credit Photo: Carlo Guttadauro
