Champagne de Venoge

http://www.champagnedevenoge.com/

Founded in 1837, the House of de Venoge is situated on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, France. Known as a medium sized producer of what is considered consistently excellent champagne; it is one of the only, if not the only House to still produce all nine styles of champagne: Brut, Brut Millésime, Extra Brut Millésime, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Dry, Demi-Sec, and a Tête de Cuvée.

 

Champagnes de Venoge are produced with Premier and/or Grand Cru Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and the finest Pinot Meunier grapes of which, only the cuvée (the first soft pressing)is used. Also unique is that De Venoge allows the champagne to rest sur-lies a minimum of 3 to 4 years for non-vintage and 5 years or more for vintaged wines to permit them the maximum time in the cellars to develop structure and elegance. The appellation laws demand 15 months and 3 years respectively. The Brut wines have a 9 to 10 gram dosage.

 

All sizes of bottles from .375L to 9L are produced in this manner - only the 12L bottles are made by pouring off from other sized bottles.

Blanc de Blancs 2001 Brut

Pure delight and elegance, this exceptional champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes (only 100%Growth Grand Cru of the 2000 vintage and aged over seven years sur lies in the house's cellars in Épernay.

 

In the glass it has a pretty pale gold colour and an abundant stream of fine bubbles. On the nose there are delicate aromas of citrus and fresh fruits. In the mouth there is a wonderful balance of elegance and structure with a soft finish of ripe fruits. For the initiated, a rare pleasure. For the uninitiated, a great discovery whether drunk as an aperitif or with fish or with meat. Only 5000 cases made.

 

  95 Points

 

91/100  "Since the middle of the 19th century the De Venoge Vintage Blanc de Blancs has been made with a blend of 80 per cent grapes from the Côte des Blancs and 20 per cent grapes from the area around Sézanne.  Look for toasty, baked apple, lemon citrus, buttered toast and cashew aromas. On the palate it is super fresh and elegant but quite dry with lots of nutty, toasty, biscuit, baked apple, strong citrus flavours. Very creamy, fine mousse and great length. Good acidity but the nose and flavours are nearly mature."  AG-ST

SKU 496687

Blanc de Noir Brut NV

Made exclusively from the red grapes of Champagne, this magnificent blend of 80% Pinot Noir (Grand Cru) and 20% Pinot Meunier achieves a perfect fragrant balance and robust winey flavour.  Aged sur-lies for more than 4 years (virtually unheard of for non-vintage champagnes) before being disgorged on order, this full-bodied robust champagne should be consumed with a meal and is best suited for those difficult dishes to match such as foie gras or game.

 

This wine is produced in very limited quantities (1,200 cases) and is reserved for leading restaurants, connoisseurs and a few chosen wine enthusiasts.

 

   89 Points

SKU 531129

Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV

The result of a blend of three quarters of the best growths of Pinot Noir and finest Pinot Meunier from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne, and one quarter of Grand Cru white Chardonnay grapes, the Cordon Bleu Brut, created in 1864, is a champagne reputed for the regularity of its well-balanced, light and fragrant character.

Its mouth-watering acidity is dominated by grapefruit. In order to guarantee a constant quality and the typical De Venoge taste year after year, a significant proportion of its composition is that of reserve wines.

 

Brut champagne is required by law to be at least one year old before being shipped; the House of de Venoge lets this wine age at least three years sur lies to reach its qualities. Ideally suited to all meals and celebrations.

 

Other sizes available:  .200L, .375L, 1.5L, 3.0L, 6.0L, & 9.0L

 

91/100  "Lots of persistent mousse. Nutty, leesy, citrus, baked apple skin, mineral, anise, buttery aromas. Dry, crisp, slightly austere palate with some creamy mousse and persistence. Toasty, nutty, citrus, granny smith, honey, earthy flavours. Good finesse in a slightly more mature but austere style."

SKU 207134

Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV .200L Mini

please see notes Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect .750L  SKU 207134

SKU

Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV .375L Half

please see notes Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect .750L  SKU 207134

This champagne was made and produced in this format.

SKU 207142

Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV 1.5L Magnum

please see notes for Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV   SKU 207134

This champagne was made and produced in this format.

SKU 367144

Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV 3.0L Jéroboam

please see notes Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect .750L  SKU 207134

This champagne was made and produced in this format.

SKU 269910

Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV 6.0L Mathusalem

please see notes Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect .750L  SKU 207134

This champagne was made and produced in this format.

SKU 269928

Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV 9.0L Salmanazar

please see notes Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect .750L  SKU 207134

This champagne was made and produced in this format.

SKU 269936

Cordon Bleu Demi-Sec NV

The result of a blend of Pinot Noir (Grand & Premier Cru) and Chardonnay and of the best growths of Pinot Meunier, the Cordon Bleu Demi-Sec is a very special Champagne reputed for the regularity of its well-balanced and fragrant character.

 

A dosage of 39 g/L distinguishes this champagne from the standard Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect that has only 9 g/L - otherwise it is the same cuvée. In order to guarantee a constant quality and the typical de Venoge taste year after year, a significant proportion of its composition is that of reserve wines. Aged at least 3 years sur lies to reach its qualities.

  88 Points  "Something different in a sweet Champagne.  Has an attractive, toasty aroma and good acidity to back up the lush texture and indulgent, pastry like flavors.  2000 cases made." 

 88/100  "Very toasty, nutty brioche, cream, green apple, pear aromas with a floral note. Rich, round, sweet and elegant with medium mousse. Baked apple, mineral, citrus, honey, peach skin flavours with some toasty, nutty cream flavours on the finish. A sweeter style but quite elegant with good acidity. Will be good after dinner with fruit or light cream desserts." AG-ST

SKU 539635

Cordon Bleu Millésime Brut 1995

Produced only on exceptional years, this superlative blend 70% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier, and 15% Chardonnay from the 1995 harvest has just recently been disgorged after 10 years "sur lies" (the appellation law states 3 years) in the extensive cellars of De Venoge. Only 5000 cases made.

91/100  Look for a toasty lees, biscuit, baked apple, citrus peel nose. Fine mousse with an elegant entry. Baked apple, toasty, buttery, pear, citrus flavours. Very crisp, dry finish but quite long and intense. Ready to go and fine drinking.  AG-ST

 

  92 Points

SKU 529958

Cordon Bleu Millésime Brut 1999 (Alberta)

Another excellent vintage just released after 10 years sur lies.

SKU 529958

Grand Vin des Princes 1992 Brut

The Grand Vin des Princes is a prestige Cuvée that reflects the refinement of Champagne. It is made with the best Blanc de Blancs 100% rated (Grand Cru) growths of Chardonnay: Cramant, le Mesnil -sur-Oger and Avize, blended with the skill of the chef de cave. It was aged sur-lies for seven years prior to disgorging. Wonderful floral and honey tones; exquisite and delicate bubbles. This Champagne is only produced in the best of years. Its elegant and long neck decanter shape bottle is both exceptional and traditional of the House of de Venoge.

 

The last vintages released were 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1990 and now 1992. It comes gift boxed with its own glass stopper.

 

GOLD MEDAL - International Wine & Spirit Competition 1999

Coup de Coeur - Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2000

  92 Points

SKU 304576

Grand Vin des Princes 1993 Brut

A stunning Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs aged 14+ years prior to disgorgement and release.

 

94/100  "Made from 100% chardonnay, all grand cru vineyards. Almost 15 years en tirage, this new edition has very fine, continuous mousse. Big toasty, nutty, brioche, baked pear, orange peel, floral, spicy, waxy, apple dumpling aromas. Dry, tight, elegant and crisp palate with creamy mousse. Very nutty, hazelnut, creamy, baked pear, baked apple, quince, honey, citrus and honey flavours. Very crisp, dryer, austere style but big with lots of finesse. Drink with food as this is almost like drinking white Burgundy. Try with halibut or prawns. Mature now but will age further."

SKU 304576

Louis XV 1995

Was it not for Louis XV, there would not be champagne as we know it today.  The story of the the true "founder" is told in this bottle.

SKU 85464

Louis XV Rosé 2002 Extra Brut

Just released, this maginicent homage to the "founder" of champagne is a rosé lover's nirvana! 

SKU 144246

Rosé Brut NV

Joseph de Venoge was the first in Champagne to create a Crémant in 1864. It was renamed Princesse Rosé in 1994 in honour of the Royal Wedding in Japan at which it was served. Due to naming regulations throughout the EEC, in 1997 the name Crémant was removed permanently from the label and the wine was then given its present name of Rosé Brut.

 

This delicate blend is made from Grand and Premier growths of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to which a little red wine is added that results in the lovely colour. It has a wonderful lightness in its sparkle (3 atmospheres pressure compared to the standard 5 to 6 normally found in traditional champagne).The transparent glass bottle, through which the delicate and elegant dove-coloured pink colour of the champagne appears, is adorned by a replica of the original label created in 1864. Wonderfully refreshing anytime. Spectacular with smoked salmon.

 

  91/100  "... Look for a fresh attractive cherry, mineral, red cassis, toasted, anise aromas with some baked apple. Quite crisp, round and elegant with lots of mineral, cherry, red currant, toasty brioche, baked pear and anise flavours. Firm, fruity, fresh, dry finish with good finesse. An excellent rosé for sipping or with food. " AG-ST

 

SKU 294413

Rosé Brut NV .375L Half

please see notes for Rosé Brut NV  .750L   SKU 294413  

SKU 246413

Vin du Paradis Cuvée Dry NV

De Venoge has just revived a cuvée of champagne that dates back to the origins of the House. In effect, before champagne was only considered a wine of celebration, it was a table wine. Principally made of Pinot Noir grapes to give it body, it had a dosage sufficiently high to give it the roundness need at mealtime.

 

With the reproduction of the original label dating back to 1864 (the first colour label in champagne and, probably in all of France), the Dry de Venoge has rejuvenated this tradition with this original champagne, a blend of the top crus of Pinot Noir, balanced by a touch of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier to which a 20 gram of sugar dosage is added (about double of the Brut). It is a wine best appreciated with foie gras. with rich/creamy entrees; and with fruit desserts.  Serve chilled but not too cold (8°C.)

 

91/100  "There is plenty of fine continuous mousse and a bright pear, honey, citrus, leesy, green apple nose. The entry is fresh and lively with some sweetness but nice acidity. Ripe apple, honey, citrus, toasty flavours. Elegant, balanced, sweeter style that will appeal to many new to champagne." AG- ST

 

SKU 057273