Champagne (Guides to Wines and Top Vineyards)

Updated and revised, with new producers included for 2020, the Guides to Wines and Top Vineyards are the definitive guides to classic wine-producing regions. This guide discusses the wines of Champagne.The guide is divided into two parts. The first part of the guide discusses the regions, and explains the character and range of the wines. The second part profiles the Champagne Houses. There are detailed profiles of the leading houses, showing how each interprets the local character, and mini-profiles of other important houses. More than 100 major houses and grower estates are profiled.Description of each area includes its geography, the grape varieties that are grown, how these relate to the styles of wines that are produced, wines from entry level to icons, currents trends and how styles are evolving. Reference wines are recommended for each region. The guide is illustrated with photographs of each area, topological maps to show the terrain, road maps to identify the locations of estates, and information on recent vintages. Profiles range from houses who may dominate an appellation to small growers that define the cutting edge. The profiles identify the best of tradition and innovation in the region. Each estate profile describes the producer's aims for his wines, and the personality and philosophy behind them. Reference wines are suggested for each house, together with essential information for planning a visit. This Guide is the indispensable means for understanding Champagne, tasting its wines, and finding the top houses. It is updated regularly to have the latest information.