June 20, 2023

Vintage Champagnes

Vintage Champagnes: A Guide to the Best of the Best

Vintage cuvées are among the most prestigious Champagne cuvées. These wines are made from the finest grapes of a single harvest, carefully aged for years to develop their unique flavor and character. At Champagne Telmont, we take great pride in our vintage Champagnes, which showcase the very best of our terroir, winemaking expertise, and dedication to quality. In this article, we'll explore the world of vintage Champagnes and highlight some of our own standout cuvées.

vintage champagne

What is a Vintage Champagne?

First, let's define what we mean by a vintage Champagne. Vintage Champagnes are made from grapes harvested in a single year. This allows for greater expression of the terroir and growing conditions of that particular vintage, as well as the unique style and expertise of the winemaker. Unlike non-vintage Champagnes, which are blends of different harvests and aged for a minimum of 15 months, Vintage Champagnes age for a minimum of three years, though many age for much longer. This extended aging period allows the wine to develop complex flavors and aromas. It also adds a fine and persistent effervescence.

How to Choose a Vintage Champagne

When selecting a vintage Champagne, there are a few key factors to consider. At Champagne Telmont, we've been crafting exceptional Champagnes for over 100 years. Vintage Champagnes ages for a minimum of six years, though many age for much longer. This extended aging period allows the wine to develop complex flavors and aromas. It also adds a fine and persistent effervescence.

Next consider the vintage itself. Some years are better than others for Champagne production, depending on the weather conditions and growing season. At Champagne Telmont, we only release a vintage Champagne in exceptional years when the grapes have reached their full potential.

Finally, consider your personal preferences when it comes to Champagne style. Vintage Champagnes can range from crisp and light to rich and full-bodied, depending on factors like the grape variety, winemaking techniques, and aging process. At Champagne Telmont, we offer a range of vintage Champagnes to suit every taste and occasion.

Standout Vintage Champagnes from Champagne Telmont

At Champagne Telmont, we're proud to offer a range of exceptional vintage Champagnes, each with its own unique character and style. Here are a few of our standout cuvées:

Vinothèque 2012 A long and rainy winter salvaged by generous amounts of summer sun produced this miraculous vintage. Exceptional in quality, limited in quantity, this champagne
offers nuance and splendor. The nose reveals a suggestion of toasted bread combined with dried and baked fruits, leaning toward almond and citrus. The first mouth is brisk, softened by vanilla notes, followed by an explosion of luscious pear culminating in a silky finish of fresh almonds and grapefruit. This cuvée undergoes a vinification process in oak and vats and is aged for 8 years in our cellars.

Blanc de Blancs 2012 A vintage made entirely from Chardonnay grapes harvested in 2012. This cuvée ages for eight years before released, resulting in a wine of exceptional complexity and depth. A marvel of Mother Nature, the exceptional offering of a miraculous harvest, when the summer sun allowed for a leisurely and beautiful ripening of Chardonnay. This Blanc de Blancs offers a perfect harmony of floral, fruit and mineral aromas. A soft buttery nose opens to reveal a delicate expression of pomelo and almond. The palate detects the first aromas of white florals, young yellow peachy fruits and ultimately concludes with lingering salinity. The Blanc de Blancs 2012 undergoes a classic vinification process, followed by aging with a cork stopper to enhance its flavor and character.

Vintage Champagnes are the ultimate expression of terroir, winemaking skill, and dedication to quality. At Champagne Telmont, we take great pride in our vintage cuvées, which represent the very best of our craft. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the finer things in life, a vintage Champagne is sure to please. So, raise a glass of one of these exceptional wines and savor the flavors and aromas that only a vintage Champagne can offer.

VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE