Champagne André Clouet
We didn’t find the low house, dating from the 17th century, straight away, even though the village of Bouzy is not very large. Modest buildings are grouped around a courtyard, behind which a vineyard lies, similar to a clos.
But first of all, Jean François Clouet, last scion of this old family that is traceable to the court of Louis XV, guided us to an elevation. We found ourselves above Bouzy on the south side of the Montagne de Reims range of hills. Jean François points westwards: In 451 AD, Attila the Hun came riding from that direction and it was here that he met the army of the Western Roman Empire. But today, instead of a battlefield, a tranquil sea of vines stretches towards the horizon.
Sparkling wines from Champagne André Clouet
from Champagne André Clouet
The commune of Bouzy enjoys Grand cru status. The best Pinot Noir for champagne production grows here. The Clouet family is the proud owner of eight hectares of outstanding vineyards. Each plot is vinified separately. A portion is fermented and developed in used Sauternes casks from Château Doisy-Daëne, which lends the wines a very special aroma and flavour.
Jean François is self-confident but likeable, and of the opinion that his champagnes are among the best, which the champagne indeed bears out. Well, we’re convinced that with his wines’ unmistakeable character, he is able to supply the water – sorry, champagne – to many a famous name. We would be delighted were he to remain an insider’s tip, and therefore also remain excellent value in terms of price!
Producer
Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg
The first written evidence of Schloss Gobelsburg dates from 1074, but it was in 1171 that the Cistercian monks from the Zwettl monastery obtained the first vineyards at Heiligenstein and at Gaisberg in the Kamptal. Visitors entering the baroque-style complex built on a slight mound sense this tradition, this spirit, this experience accumulated over the centuries. The view takes in all the surroundings, from the village of Gobelsburg to the vine-covered hills of Heiligenstein. Inside, near the parish church where couples say yes for life, when the weather is pleasant, the pretty and romantic garden invites all to rest for a while.
Glissade
Glissade is a Catalan winery in the renowned Penedès wine region, dedicated entirely to the production of high-quality cavas. This region is one of Spain’s most traditional sparkling wine regions and is internationally renowned for its refined, elegantly structured cavas.
Karthäuserhof
The Karthäuserhof - The cradle of world-famous Rieslings, ever since 1335.
The Karthäuserhof is a magical spot. Not just because of its idyllic location but also because it is the eighth oldest winegrowing estate in the world and for centuries the cradle of world-famous Rieslings. It was founded in 1335 by Carthusian monks who received the estate as a gift from Prince-Elector Balduin of Luxembourg and operated it as a winery until secularisation. Since 1811 the Karthäuserhof has been owned by the same family, now in the seventh generation.