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During a recent visit to Epernay, we visited several wine houses and had a wonderful time. Our driver/tour guide was Luc of Acill Transport, and he took us first to a little town in Champagne to visit the home where a friend makes champagne the old fashioned way. They have truly become one of our favorite finds and we have a case delivered whenever we go to Paris for the Holidays. You can reach them (if you speak French) at:
Earl Gerard DeLong
2 Ruelle Du Larry
51120 Allemant
France
Their phone number is 33 3 26 80 58 73
If you go with Luc, see if his friend will allow a tour. The family is charming and the winemaker's daughter (studying in college to fill her father's shoes) took us around - speaking French is mandatory for this tour, so plan accordingly.
Of course, Luc will also take you to see the tomb of Dom Perignon - the inventor of the process used to make Champagne.
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Data on Moët & Chandon
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| Winery: |
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Moët & Chandon |
| Established: |
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1794 |
| Winemaker: |
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Georges Blanck |
| Location: |
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Epernay, Champagne region of France |
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| Moët & Chandon is the world's most renowned champagne House. With its legendary vineyards, impressive heritage and commitment to quality, Moët & Chandon offers a wide variety of champagnes for everyone to enjoy. Today, Moët et Chandon, the company who bought in 1794 the Hautvillers' monastery, gave the name of Dom Pérignon to their very best cuvée.
Moët does tours daily in English and French and you can purchase various tasting options when you go in. If you have a party of two or more, we recommend mixing your purchase options to get a taste of everything.
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For over two and a half centuries, Moët & Chandon has been intimately linked with the history of the Champagne region and the noted names that have established the company's international renown through their creative genius, their winemaking and marketing skills.
It all began with Claude Moët, born in 1683. This wine merchant founded the Maison Moët in 1743. His son, Claude-Louis-Nicolas (1719-1792) succeeded him and firmly established the company's reputation.
The founder's grandson, Jean-Rémy Moët (1758-1841) traveled the world, opened up the first markets in Europe and spreadheaded the commercial expansion of the family owned firm. When Cossacks and Prussian troops looted the cellars of Epernay in 1814, he proved to be a genuine visionary, proclaiming, "The officers who are ruining me now will eventually make my fortune. Those who drink my wine today will become my representatives, singing the praises of my company when they return home". Jean-Rémy handed over the reins to his son Victor-Moët, and his son-in-law, Pierre-Gabriel Chandon in 1832. Chandon initiated the reconstruction of the old Benedictine Abbey of Hautvilliers, not far away from Epernay, where the famous monk and cellarer Dom Pierre Pérignon had lived and worked. The company's name was changed to Moët & Chandon, thus sealing an alliance that was designated for a brilliant future throughout the world. Robert-Jean de Vogue (1896-1970) perpetuated the forward-looking spirit of the predecessors, placing the company firmly in the 20th century. With courage, tenancy and humanity, he gave Moët & Chandon a contemporary outlook, established worldwide sales networks and sharing the founding values of the company with his employees: respect for the land of Champagne, generosity and openness to the world.
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Data on De Castellane
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| Winery: |
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Champagne de Castellane |
| Established : |
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1895 |
| Winemaker: |
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| Location: |
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Epernay, Champagne region of France |
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Part of the Laurent Perrier group, a visit to Champagne de Castellane is fun and informative. Champagne de Castellane is located at Epernay, the capital of champagne, (whose symbol is precisely the Castellane Tower, 66 meters -over 200 feet- high). The walk up the tower is tiring but the memorabilia on the way make it a journey worth the climb. The view from the top looks out over the river and gives a great perspective on this town dedicated to making this luscious beverage.
All of Castellane champagnes are made and aged on site. While not our favorite brand, the tastings were generous and well constructed to allow a sampling of all their offerings. The museum was interesting and the tour informative - making the trip well worth the visit. We found the combination of visits to a very small house to the largest producer, then to the this house, with its rich history to be about the right length and quite a bit of fun.
Quoted from Laurent Perrier:
"The famous red St. Andrew's cross, on the label since 1895, is the brand’s most visible, recognizable and timeless symbol. It is, in effect, one of the first logos of the age of marketing. It marks the spot, whether on a dining table, a bar, or on a retailer's shelf. The cross has been and continues to be the subject of many original works of art created for the company over the years by numerous famous artists and poster designers.
Its genuine character, the guarantee of its quality and uniqueness, as symbolised by its geographical and artistic heritage, are strong features that make Vicomte de Castellane a brand of choice in its segment, with development mainly in French-speaking markets. Because of the quality of its wine and their accessibility due to its lower price compared to international brands, as well as its availability in mass retailing outlets and popular restaurants, Vicomte de Castellane must become the champagne for "every day and red letter days".
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