We were there : Interviewing, filming, meeting, learning, networking….Tasting the Spring of Champagne.
From April 16th-21st 2016 springtime bubbled in Champagne as producers from all over the region came to exhibit and share their artistry during the much anticipated “Printemps des Champagnes” (literally Spring of Champagne aka “Champagne Week”)
During this week of tastings for professionals, 18 groups came out in force to present their events in some of the most beautiful and symbolic venues of the area.
Each event was theme-based on the specificity of each particular group :
Wine-making and growing practices (Bulles Bio), designation or village (Bouzy, Riceys, Verzenay…), varietal (Passion Chardonnay, Institut Meunier…) , classification or affiliation (Club Trésors, Grand Cru d’Exception, Les Mains de Terroir..etc. – And of course, the original that started it all back in 2009 – Terre&Vins
Vincent Laval at Terres & Vins ©SA 2016
This week was not only about meeting the men and women of Champagne but also a chance to learn as we were offered samples of the “vin clair” the clear wines from the amazing harvest of 2015 – The babies that will grow up to become Champagne.
This whirlwind of a week also included swirling action of satellite events and networking opportunities galor : Master Classes, book launches and “offs” insider gatherings and elegant press events.
The key word for this experience :
Terroir – The soil : Chalk, chalk with clay, with limestone, with iron-oxide, with flint…The wine-making practices, the exposure of the vineyards, the blending techniques, the dosage choices…Everything that differentiates one champagne from another – The artistic touch !
The trending topics :
Benoit Tarlant at Terre & Vins ©2016 SA
No Sulfites, no herbicides, no pesticides, no malo-lactics, more natural practices, less human interaction with the process. Energy in the wine, wine as a living thing… Global warming and it’s effects on Champagne. Experimenting – with previously obscure varieties, fermentation techniques…Potential alcohol levels at harvest.
Participating groups and their events :
Cedric Moussè of Moussè Fils at Club Trèsors ©2016 SA
Terres & Vins de Champagne, Les Artisans du Champagne, Les Mains du Terroir, Origines Champagne, Passion Chardonnay, Génération Champagne, Le Club Trésors, Verzenay Grand Cru de Champagne, Des Pieds et des Vins, Le Cercle des Créateurs de Champagnes Confidentiels, Académie du Vin de Bouzy, Vignerons des Riceys, Champagne Terroir etc, Grands Crus d’Exception de Champagne, Bulles Bio en Champagne, Les Pépites des Indépendants, Meunier Institut, Champagne for You !
Website (In English ) http://www.printemps-des-champagnes.com/en/ :
“…Today, Printemps des Champagnes welcomes professionals from more than 40 countries, a chance to meet the women and men of Champagne…