Champagne, France
Our Producers
Champagne Eric Rodez, Ambonnay
The Rodez family has been growing grapes in Ambonnay since 1757, for more than nine generations. Eric Rodez’s Grandfather began to make Champagne from the family’s grapes, and Champagne Rodez was born. Eric is currently at the helm with his son Mickael at his side. The 6.5 hectares of vineyards, all in Ambonnay – where Eric acts as Mayor – are all Grand Cru; 62% Pinot Noir, and 38% Chardonnay. These organic and biodynamic vineyards are famous for their superb Pinot Noir and this has become the defining characteristic of Rodez Champagne. Eric trained and worked at Krug in the past, where he developed his skills in blending and ageing. Eric Rodez works with wood in a different way to Krug: Krug vinifies its champagnes in wood, performing the elevage in inox, while Eric Rodez has begun to experiment with vinification in inox, with the final year of ageing being in wood. Rodez relies heavily on reserve wines and often blends anywhere from five to ten different vintages in his final cuvées. His fanatical attention to detail and drive to always learn more about terroir produces wines of incredible depth, texture and beauty, that give a glimpse in to the secret character of Ambonnay.
Champagne Petit & Bajan, Avize & Verzenay
Champagne Petit & Bajan is the chiselled jewel of Richard and Véronique Petit. Together, they cultivate two of the greatest terroirs of Champagne: Avize and Verzenay, classified Grand Cru vineyards. Their many meetings, tastings and reflections decidedly reveal at the end of 2008, the high potential of their terroirs to offer the form that would become their own wine. The richness of their heritage shapes its development with attention to detail, patience and requirement. Every little detail counts… and that is how they access today to the pure, precise and stylish range of Champagne Petit & Bajan. Véronique and Richard are ever aware that the combination of small details makes all the difference. Their wine is produced purely organically, and it pleases them first. The special bottle (they are using) is a replica (produced only for them) of a bottle they found in their cellar from the Napoleon Bonaparte era. Their style is very different from their famous neighbour Selosse, as they are looking for purity and no oxidation in their wines. While the dosage is very low in all their wines, this possibly presents a delightful surprise. They are the last one to harvest in the village as they are waiting for the full maturity of the grapes (very rare in champagne).
Champagne Jacque Picard
Champagne Jacques Picard is a family-owned house founded in 1956 by Roger Picard and his son, Jacques Picard.
Today, Jacques’ daughters, Sylvie, Corinne and her husband & chief winemaker, Jose Lievens joined by Fiona the 4th generation, faithfully perpetuate the singularity of the House by combining authenticity, modernity and excellence.
The House is located in Berru in the Montagne de Reims. The vineyard is spread over the hills of 3 crus around Reims and Epernoy: Berru, Montbre and Avenoy-Vol-d’Or, the last two classified premier crus. The three grape varieties ore grown there mainly Chardonnay, Meunier and Pinot Noir. The Domaine is presently undergoing full organic transformation.
Champagne Jacques Picard is produced entirely on the family farm, with the Picards themselves overseeing everything from the planting of vines to the marketing of their champagne. This makes them the only Récoltant-manipulant in the village.
José is a renowned wine maker in the region and is particularly well known for his knowledge and skill with his terroir. He allows the growth of natural ground cover crops to counter erosion in the vineyards, strictly limits the use of sprays, and ensures efficient ecological and economical management in the winery thanks to modern equipment, energy-saving facilities and careful management of waste.
Champagne Eric Rodez, Ambonnay
Eric Rodez Cuvée des Crayères, Grand Cru, Brut NV 75cl – $155 ex GST
Eric Rodez Blanc de Blancs, Grand Cru, Brut NV 75cl – $175 ex GST
Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs, Grand Cru, Brut NV 75cl – $190 ex GST
Eric Rodez Dosage Zéro, Grand Cru, Brut NV 75cl – $185 ex GST
Eric Rodez Rosé, Grand Cru, Brut NV 75cl – $175 ex GST
Eric Rodez Cuvée des Grands Vintages, Grand Cru, Brut NV 75cl – $240 ex GST
Eric Rodez, Lieux Dits Les Genettes Pinot Noir, 2015 75cl – $340 ex GST
Eric Rodez, Lieux-Dit “Les Genettes Chardonnay, 2014 75cl – S$340 ex GST
Eric Rodez, Lieux Dits Beurys Pinot Noir, 2014 – S$340 ex GST
Eric Rodez, Lieux Dits La Loge En Maceration Grand Cru, 2012 – S$340 ex GST
Eric Rodez Cuvée “Empreinte de Terroir” Chardonnay, 2011 – $485 ex GST
Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs, Grand Cru, Brut (Magnum) NV 150cl – $395 ex GST
Champagne Petit & Bajan, Avize & Verzenay
Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru NV 75cl – $115 ex GST
“Ambroise” Brut, Grand Cru NV 75cl – $145 ex GST
“Nymphéa” Rosé, Grand Cru NV 75cl – $160 ex GST
“Nuit Blanche” Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru NV 75cl – $170 ex GST
“Obsidienne” Blanc de Noirs Brut, Grand Cru NV 75cl – $185 ex GST
Champagne Jacques Picard, Berru
Jacques Picard, Brut NV 37.5cl – $50 ex GST
Jacques Picard, Brut NV 75cl – $88 ex GST
Jacques Picard, Brut Reserve NV 75cl – $98 ex GST
Jacques Picard, Rosé, Brut NV 75cl – $98 ex GST
Jacques Picard, Brut Nature Double Solera Zero NV 75cl – S$128 ex GST
Jacques Picard Parcellarie ‘Les Termes’ Extra Brut BdN NV – S$128 ex GST
Jacques Picard Brut ‘Art de Vigne’ 2007/2008 – S$160 ex GST
Jacques Picard Parcellaire ‘Les Benis’ BdB NV – S$188 ex GST