Demi-sec champagnes, being off-dry, are excellent when matched with fruit-based desserts and this example is no exception. Attractive pale gold in colour, it offers up aromas of peach and apricot, with a fine balancing acidity on the palate. A delight on its own, it can also provide an exquisite end to a meal paired with fresh fruits and creamy cheeses.

075960    (MD)            750 mL    $53.95   

The majority of rosé Champagnes are made by blending red and white wines together. This one by Beaumont des Crayères is a classic example of how the art of the blend is used to make rosé­ champers. They mix 25% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 40% Pinot Meunier to create this open-knit, cherry-infused sparkler. It is dry, rich, yet gentle, with an underlying fruitiness on the long finish.

926998    (D)            750 mL    $48.95   

With their non-vintage fizz, producers such as Cattier carefully blend their non-vintage cuvées to replicate the house style year in and year out.

TASTING NOTE: Growers for over 300 years and producers for almost a hundred has taught them a thing or two. This has lovely floral and nutty aromas with a full-bodied structure and mouth feel. Beautiful nutty and toasty flavours marry well with the clean citrussy finish. Great balance and finesse with which to welcome your friends or pair with fowl or veal. Truly exceptional value. Score - 1/2 (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, www.winecurrent.com, Dec. 2004) 

919456    (XD)            375 mL    $19.95   

In 1989, Champagne Fleury became the first producer in the region to convert to not only organic production, but biodynamic as well. Since then, the results have been stunning as this fruity, full-bodied, toasty fizz attests. Our Quality Assurance laboratory has determined this wine contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur.

074443    (XD)            750 mL    $56.95   

New at VINTAGES
CHAPUY CHAMPAGNE BRUT CARTE NOIR TRADITION  
AC  

TASTING NOTE: Starts out with honey and dried citrus notes woven into an open texture. Picks up a little graininess midpalate, which helps bring the finish into focus. Drink now.  Score - 89. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2006) 

068304    (XD)            750 mL    $37.95   

The producer matures the still wines in large oak casks for one to two years prior to commencing secondary bottle fermentation and then three years of lees contact before disgorgement. They believe this creates a richer, fuller style of Champagne. This blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier demonstrates how right they are. Match this rich, very fruity champers with boiled lobster.

068320    (D)            750 mL    $44.95   

Rare amongst rosé Champagnes, which are generally created by blending white and red juices, Laurent-Perrier's Cuvée Rosé is made in the more difficult Saignée method of extracting the colour from first-run Pinot Noir juice. With its pale rose-pink colour, fine mousse and classy texture, it's little wonder that this is the #1 selling rosé bubbly in the world. It has raspberry, redcurrant, red pepper jelly and citrus flavours with a hint of spice on its long finish. Vibrant and refreshing, it begs for herb-roasted chicken or roast leg of lamb.

158550    (D)            750 mL    $99.95   

Superior to many producers' vintage-dated Champagnes, Louis Roederer's non- vintage bubbly has aromas of toast, almonds and citrus fruit. Expect a fresh, creamy mouthfeel with flavours of binned apples, lemon pie, pizza dough and pear. As Decanter's Steven Spurrier puts it, "it cannot be bettered". This classic benchmark Champagne makes an excellent aperitif or a delicious companion to a light entrée. Keep this Champagne handy for impromptu celebrations.

268771    (XD)            750 mL    $67.95   

Blanc de Noirs means white wines from red grapes. The wine receives no skin contact, so the juice is white. The blend here is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier. This effervescent Champagne features a sweet fruit core of apple and pear, with a hint of lemony tartness rounding out the finish. Terrific with grilled lobster tail, or seafood pasta in a cream-based sauce.

068783    (XD)            750 mL    $42.95   

This Champagne is sourced from only the highest quality village vineyards.

TASTING NOTE: 70% Chardonnay (there's a fair amount in Ambonnay and surrounding villages but I seem to recall this is mainly from the Cote de Blancs). Nice balance, quite rich, dosage fairly substantial. There's good fruit here and this is drinking very well. Top 3 stars.  Score - (out of 5). (Tony Bailey, www.finewinediary.com, Oct. 15, 2007) 

068791    (XD)            750 mL    $52.95   

MONTAUDON CHAMPAGNE BRUT   
AC  

TASTING NOTE: A full-bodied bubbly, featuring graphite, honey, apricot and toasted brioche flavors. On the dry side, this is well-balanced and lively, with a crisp, mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2010. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Editor's Pick. Score - 90. (Bruce Sanderson, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 25, 2007) 

068585    (XD)            750 mL    $39.95   

Blanc de Blancs simply means that it is made exclusively with Chardonnay.

TASTING NOTE: From the village of Chouilly, our first Champagne tasted in the region was a good one, golden in color with a lasting stream of pinpoint bubbles. Crisp and steely, apples and lemons. (Robin Garr, www.wineloverspage.com, May 29, 2004) 

658500    (XD)            750 mL    $46.95   

In 1805, at the tender age of 27, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin successfully took over the operation of this famous house after the death of her husband. The Vintage Réserve is a fine tribute to this brilliant woman, featuring lovely aromas of white blossom, lemon and apricot, a creamy mouthfeel with complex flavours of fruit, citrus and minerals culminating in a fittingly long, luxurious finish. A winner with shellfish, or cellar it 6-8 years.

508614    (XD)            750 mL    $92.95