Style and Substance – The Triumph of the Grande Marques

For Effervescence’s 2018 edition, Master Sommelier and noted wine educator Geoff Kruth delivered a comprehensive exploration and tasting of Champagnes from the finest houses.  Traditionally a blended wine dominated by large producers, Champagne has in recent years seen a surge in récoltant manipulant wines – small-lot, grower-produced wines bottled by the farmers who grew the grapes.  But can bigger still mean better?

Kruth will examine the Grande Marques and their historical dominance in the marketplace.  We’ll taste through a line-up of the very best names in Champagne – brands synonymous with luxury – as we assess the quality and contemporary value of these legendary bubbles.

Wines poured:

Riunart Blanc de Blancs
Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006

Louis Roederer Brut Premier
Louis Roederer Cristal 2009

Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée
Bollinger Grande Année 2007