Le Printemps des Champagnes is the event of the year in Champagne. Since 2009, different groups of champagne producers organise tasting events for professionals in the wine industry. Importers, restaurant owners, sommeliers, wine merchants, and journalists from 40 different countries flock to the region to taste some of the best and newest bottles put forward by big Maisons to tiny growers. It is a time to meet other professionals and winemakers, to discover new releases, and also to try vins clairs — a preview into the unreleased 2023 vintage, a real taste of the terroir and growing year. Tasting rooms, Masterclasses, private dinners, and after-parties offer a festive and immersive experience to the lucky people who can attend.
This year, I tasted my way through almost 200 cuvées (184!) so you don’t have to. Not including all the vins clairs offered by almost every producer nor does this include anything enjoyed in the after-parties. The goal of this article is to share my top 20 discoveries. These aren’t from big Maisons, they are all from grower champagne makers. Note that Masterclasses and the special tasting with La Transmission, Femmes en Champagne are excluded — those will be in separate posts. The list is in no particular order but I starred my top 3. The notes are a mixture of things written in my tasting notebooks with a little complimentary research when needed. Without further ado, please enjoy the list responsibly 😉
Menu
Blanc de Blancs
- Champagne Maxime Blin La Clé d’Eole Blanc de Blancs 2015 Extra Brut *
- Champagne Louise Brison Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar Blanc de Blancs 2016 Brut Nature *
- Champagne Colin La Croix Saint-Ladre Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs 2017 Brut
Blanc de Noirs
- Champagne Benoit Déhu L’Orme Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature *
- Champagne Benoit Déhu Vielles Vignes Les Chaillots Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature
- Champagne Gamet Carrés du Midi Blanc de Noirs 2019 Brut Nature
- Champagne A&J Demière Egrég’Or Blanc de Noirs Brut
- Champagne Eric Taillet Exlusiv’T Blanc de Meunier Brut
- Champagne Eric Taillet Rennaissance Blanc de Meunier Extra-Brut
- Champagne Salmon 100% Meunier Blanc de Noirs Brut
- Champagne Salmon Special Club Blanc de Noirs Millesime 2017
- Champagne Salmon Meunier Parcellaire 2017 “Les Bariolles” Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature
- Champagne Vincent Joudart Blanc de Noirs 2019
Assemblages
- Champagne Maxime Blin Son Naturel Optimiste Extra Brut
- Champagne Maxime Blin Le Présent Extra Brut
- Champagne Louise Brison A l’Aube de la Côte des Bar 2018 Brut Nature
- Champagne De Sousa 3A Grand Cru Extra Brut
- Domaine Méa Le Grillon Premier Cru Extra Brut
- Champagne Tristan Hyest Bord de Marne Extra Brut
- Champagne Colin Castille Rosé Premier Cru Brut
Blanc de Blancs
- Champagne Maxime Blin La Clé d’Eole Blanc de Blancs 2015 Extra Brut *
- Champagne Louise Brison Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar Blanc de Blancs 2016 Brut Nature *
- Champagne Colin La Croix Saint-Ladre Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs 2017 Brut
1. Champagne Maxime Blin La Clé d’Eole Blanc de Blancs 2015 Extra Brut *
100% Chardonnay | 4g/L | Vinified and élevé in oak barrels, unfiltered | Trigny (north of Reims), sandy and clay-limestone soils, South/South-East exposure | Organic
This is a very memorable champagne. It evokes tantalising aromas of key lime pie — one of my all-time favourite pies (after pumpkin). Think aromatic key lime, buttery cinnamon biscuits, creamy chantilly. The mouth is elegant, creamy, but fresh. Really just like the pie! A very exciting discovery that I keep thinking about. It can work with a meal, with apéro, or even enjoyed solo.
2. Champagne Louise Brison Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar Blanc de Blancs 2016 Brut Nature *
100% Chardonnay | 0g/L | Vinified and élevé in oak barrels for 9 months. No malolactic fermentation. Disgorged in 2024 | Côte des Bar, similar terroir to Chablis | Organic
Interestingly, although the terroir is similiar to Chablis, it is traditionally planted with Pinot Noir. But this producer’s love for Chardonnay led to a change in plans. To me, this champagne is exactly what a 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs should be. It has the tension and sharpness of a Chablis but the finesse of a great bubbly. Delicate aromas of lemon and white flowers evoke an Italian springtime. A whiff of salinity adds depth and intrigue. The length is gorgeous. Would pair marvellously with oysters.
3. Champagne Colin La Croix Saint-Ladre Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs 2017 Brut
100% Chardonnay | 6g/L | Vinified in stainless steel vats, aged 4 years on lees | Parcel in Vertus, Côte des Blancs, issued from 40+ year old vines | HVE Sustainable Farming
This surprise cuvée was not listed officially in the tasting notebook. But what a great discovery! Incredibly gourmand with aromas of orange and anise. With a mouth that is so bold and elegant, it is a gastronomic wine. It can hold its own and can easily accompany big dishes like duck, foie gras, Saint-Jacques, and lotte.
Blanc de Noirs
- Champagne Benoit Déhu L’Orme Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature *
- Champagne Benoit Déhu Vielles Vignes Les Chaillots Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature
- Champagne Gamet Carrés du Midi Blanc de Noirs 2019 Brut Nature
- Champagne A&J Demière Egrég’Or Blanc de Noirs Brut
- Champagne Eric Taillet Exlusiv’T Blanc de Meunier Brut
- Champagne Eric Taillet Rennaissance Blanc de Meunier Extra-Brut
- Champagne Salmon 100% Meunier Blanc de Noirs Brut
- Champagne Salmon Special Club Blanc de Noirs Millesime 2017
- Champagne Salmon Meunier Parcellaire 2017 “Les Bariolles” Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature
- Champagne Vincent Joudart Blanc de Noirs 2019
4. Champagne Benoit Déhu L’Orme Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature *
100% Pinot Noir | 0g/L | Vinified and élevé on lees in oak barrels for 10 months. 3.5 years sur lattes | Single-plot lieu-dit using clones from Pommard, located to the west of the Marne Valley, previously planted with elm trees | Biodynamic and organic
This is another champagne that I keep thinking about. This producer is known for experimenting with single varietals and single parcels, and his wines really do exude this passion. The nose for this favourite is fantastic and almost Christmasy: very fruit forward with a hint of cosy baking spices (cinnamon, cloves). Buttery warm brioche and a hint of salinity. The mouth feel is big and velvety, like a hug. Very easy to drink and a perfect gastronomic bubbly.
5. Champagne Benoit Déhu Vielles Vignes Les Chaillots Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature
100% Meunier | 0g/L | Vinified and élevé on lees in oak barrels for 10 months. 7 years sur lattes | Parcellaire and only available in Magnum | Biodynamic and organic
Another beautiful expression from Benoit Déhu. Particularly known for his Meunier, it is clear why after tasting this gorgeous champagne. The nose is spectacular: a bouquet of fresh roses, red fruit, and brioche. The mouth is so light but the length is long. Very feminine and elegant that is a must-try for lovers of floral champagnes. This is almost a confidential cuvée because there is virtually no information about it online! I also had the opportunity of tasting his Meunier vin clair and it is one of the most aromatic and impressive that I tasted over the week.
6. Champagne Gamet Carrés du Midi Blanc de Noirs 2019 Brut Nature
100% Pinot Noir | 0g/L | Vinified & élevé in barrels with natural yeasts. Aged 10 months on lees. Malolactic fermentation. 3 years sur lattes | Parcellaire, rive gauche à Mardeuil, Vallee de la Marne | HVE Sustainable Farming
Gamet is an interesting grower that also — unexpectedly — produces cider from their orchards and is dedicated to beekeeping. I feel like this champagne really reflects the story of the growers. The aromas are very fresh with fruit: lots of bright lemon zest mixed with candied orange peels and homemade marmelade. A hint of spice and woodiness. Brioche. Absolutely love. It’s another champagne that can is best paired with a meal, not apéro.
7. Champagne A&J Demière Egrég’Or Blanc de Noirs Brut
100% Meunier | 5 g/L | Old vine (50+ years), first pressed juice. No malolactic fermentation. Aged in bottle | Fleury-la-Rivière, an area famous for its giant shell fossils and sandy-limestone soil in the Vallée de la Marne, Rive Droite | HVE Sustainable Farming
This producer’s champagnes are very difficult to find and almost off the radar — don’t expect to find any information about them online. But they are a favourite of Meunier aficionados and those “in the know” about confidential cuvées. Egrég’Or’s name comes from Latin roots tied to the concept of standing out from the crowd. And it does. This Blanc de Noirs is beautifully presented, probably winning the best packaging of the wines I tried. The nose presents aromas of pear and quince with white flowers, nutmeg, almond, and lemon. The mouth is creamy and fleshy. Absolutely elegant with nice length. It would pair perfectly with creamy veal or poultry dishes. Really lovely discovery and it was quite popular at the tasting! Apparently it has fantastic ageing potential too…
8. Champagne Eric Taillet Exlusiv’T Blanc de Meunier Brut
100% Meunier | 2.5g/L | 2 years sur lattes and sur pointes | Baslieux-sous-Châtillon, Vallée de la Marne | HVE Sustainable Farming
This is the only champagne in my list that I have already tried before the event, so it is not a discovery. I actually posted about this one on my Instagram here. Already a fan, I really must include it on this list! The nose has mouthwatering aromas of caramelized apricot, candied lemon, butter and vanilla. The mouth is creamy and delicate. Big fan and I would love to try this with lobster.
9. Champagne Eric Taillet Rennaissance Blanc de Meunier Extra-Brut
100% Meunier | 0.6g/L | Vinified & élevé on lees in vats and barrels. Aged sur lattes, then sur pointes for 72 months | Very old vines on clay | HVE Sustainable Farming
Emblematic of this Maison, Rennaissance is another level. It’s dense, complex, and it’s an incredibly pleasing example of Meunier. This cuvée has fresh aromas of pink grapefruit and confit yuzu with pastry cream. The mouth is rich without being heavy. The finish is remarkably long and a little iodized. This is a really good champagne for white fish like cod.
10. Champagne Salmon 100% Meunier Blanc de Noirs Brut
100% Meunier | 7g/L | Stainless steal vats and malolactic fermentation | Chaumuzy, Vallée de l’Ardre, clay limestone | Organic conversion, partially biodynamic
This producer has been on my bucket list for a while and WOW! The anticipation was really worth it. Aromas of summer berries and frangipane with a creamy layer of citrus. The mouth is zesty, creamy, and full-bodied, but a crisp acidity brings brightness and freshness. A lovely persistent finish too. Overall a very fresh and well-balanced champagne that can pair with rustic dishes like game birds and lentils.
11. Champagne Salmon Special Club Blanc de Noirs Millesime 2017
100% Meunier | 0g/L* | Stainless steal vats and malolactic fermentation | Chaumuzy, Vallée de l’Ardre, clay limestone, parcellaire from 36 year old vines | Organic conversion, partially biodynamic
*I am not entirely sure if this one is actually Brut Nature but I made a note that it was. Salmon is a member of the Trésors de Champagne Club, which brings together 28 artisan winemakers selected for the quality of their work and exceptional vintages. They have a boutique in Reims and the members make special cuvées for the club, called “Special Club”. The nose for this one is a real pleasure: brioche, apricot, yellow apple, and lemon. The mouth is fresh and crunchy, like biting into a rip fruit. This would be a delicious pairing for soft French cheeses.
12. Champagne Salmon Meunier Parcellaire 2017 “Les Bariolles” Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature
100% Meunier | 0g/L* | Stainless steal vats and malolactic fermentation | Single plot planted in 1987 in the village next to Chaumuzy, Vallée de l’Ardre | Organic conversion, partially biodynamic
I have seen this one make its rounds on social media and I can see why. Visually, it is stunning with a full-bottle graphic by Laura Ozymko (a local Reims artist), representing the Three Graces of Antonio Canova. These have been the ideals of feminine beauty of artists for over 2500 years. But this wine is more than just a nice label. Expect a rich and sophisticated bubbly that can be paired with a wide range of dishes.
13. Champagne Vincent Joudart Blanc de Noirs 2019
49% Pinot Noir, 51% Meunier | 6g/L | Oak and malolactic fermentation | Fèrebrianges, Vallée de la Marne | HVE Sustainable Agriculture
Another member of the Trésors de Champagne Club, this is a classic Blanc de Noirs that is a real crowd-pleaser. Lots of red fruit, brioche, a hint of hazelnut, and nice minerality. I tried it with a piece of comté, which spectacularly brought out the nuttiness of both the champagne and the cheese. I think this would work really well with caramelized foraged mushrooms too.
Assemblages
- Champagne Maxime Blin Son Naturel Optimiste Extra Brut
- Champagne Maxime Blin Le Présent Extra Brut
- Champagne Louise Brison A l’Aube de la Côte des Bar 2018 Brut Nature
- Champagne De Sousa 3A Grand Cru Extra Brut
- Domaine Méa Le Grillon Premier Cru Extra Brut
- Champagne Tristan Hyest Bord de Marne Extra Brut
- Champagne Colin Castille Rosé Premier Cru Brut
14. Champagne Maxime Blin Son Naturel Optimiste Extra Brut
90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay | 4g/L | Stainless steel, malolactic fermentation, aged 36 months in bottle | Trigny (north of Reims), sandy and clay-limestone soils, South/South-East exposure | Organic
Another fantastic bubbly from the maker of one of my new favourite champagnes. An explosion of fruit pastries, think French tartes with crème anglaise. The mouth is gourmand and opulent with a fantastic mineral finish that would pair perfectly with oysters and shellfish.
15. Champagne Maxime Blin Le Présent Extra Brut
33% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 33% Meunier | 4g/L | Trigny (north of Reims), sandy and clay-limestone soils, South/South-East exposure | Organic
This one was so good that I was too distracted to take a photo (oops!). This cuvée has mouthwatering aromas of pralined nuts, honey, and confit fruits. It sounds heavy and intense but the mouth is surprisingly light and fresh. Really nice discovery that is “Un champagne de gastronomie !”
16. Champagne Louise Brison A l’Aube de la Côte des Bar 2018 Brut Nature
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay | 0g/L | Vinified and élevé in oak barrels for 9 months. No malolactic fermentation. Disgorged in 2024 | Côte des Bar, similar terroir to Chablis | Organic
Another exciting discovery by this producer. First impressions on the nose are fruity and very floral. I got some lemon zest and mirabelle plums, notes of wildflower honey. It’s like a perfect day in early summer. The mouth is particularly fresh and light. A really beautiful showcase of this winemaker’s passion.
17. Champagne De Sousa 3A Grand Cru Extra Brut
50% Grand Cru Chardonnay, 50% Grand Cru Pinot noir | 5g/L | 50% in ovoid oak barrels and 50% in vats | 50% Avize (famous for its pure chalk Chardonnay), 25% Aÿ (famous for its ancient small-grain Pinot Noir), and 25% Ambonnay Pinot Noir. All old vines (25-30 years) | Organic and biodynamic
What a show-stopper with incredible provenance! Some of the best and most famous grapes in Champagne made it into this outstanding cuvée. The aromas are perfectly complex: perfumes of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango intertwine with buttery biscuit. The mouth is velvety and rich with lingering minerality. It’s refreshing and perfectly balanced. I would love to try this with a ceviche or crudo.
18. Domaine Méa Le Grillon Premier Cru Extra Brut
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir | 3g/L | 10 months in enameled vats on fine lees. Then aged 4 years in the cellar | North face of the Montagne de Reims, 1er Cru villages: Ludes, Montbré, and Chigny les Roses | Organic Conversion
This winemaker is becoming increasingly popular and is related to another one I blogged about here. Le Grillon is an excellent introduction into the range. The nice is very fresh: just-picked apricot, juicy nectarine, and a hint of lime. Rose and fresh herbs gently linger. The mouth has an appealing lightness that is very refreshing. It’s possibly the perfect summer champagne that I would love to have with classic shrimp tacos on the beach.
19. Champagne Tristan Hyest Bord de Marne Extra Brut
50% Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir | 3g/L | Vinified in stainless steel, spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts, malolactic fermentation, aged for 36 months sur lattes | 30-year old vines from Trélou-sur-Marne, Vallée de la Marne | Cultivated without any use of chemicals
This cuvée is definitely a crowd-pleaser. The nose is delicate and refined with elegant aromas of pear and jasmine with a hint of buttery pastry. The mouth is surprisingly big and creamy. A very nice discovery that emulates springtime. I think it would pair well with light dishes like entrées and mild cheeses.
20. Champagne Colin Castille Rosé Premier Cru Brut
85-90% Chardonnay, 10-15% Pinot Noir* | 9g/L | Stainless steel and oak barrels, 2 year ageing sur lattes | Vertus, Côte des Blancs | HVE Sustainable Farming
*There is a little conflicting information between what is printed in my tasting book vs what I see online.
And here we are with my final great discovery: the only rosé to make the cut on my list! The nose is a mouthwatering cherry bomb, with a hint of citrus and rose. It actually reminds me of one of my signature cocktails, but dryer. The fruitiness continues in mouth and it is very fresh. I would love this alongside salmon or even desserts that aren’t too sweet (such as clafoutis with a hint of tartness from raspberries or rhubarb). Exactly how I want rosé to be.
1 Comment