While many know Champagne through famous houses like Taittinger, Krug, Lanson, Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon, there is a growing movement of Récoltants-Manipulants (grower-producers) who farm their own vineyards and craft wines that express their unique terroir. Among the elite is Le Club Trésors de Champagne, a group (currently of) 25 exceptional growers (including the three featured producers below) united by a commitment to quality, authenticity, and terroir expression. Within Le Club, the pinnacle of achievement is the Special Club — a bottle shape and designation reserved only for the very best cuvée(s) each grower produces in outstanding vintages. To be chosen as a Special Club Champagne, a wine must pass multiple blind tastings by a jury of fellow Le Club members and external oenologists, both as a still base wine and also post-second fermentation, generally 3+ years later before the wine is considered for commercial release. If the jury all agree that the wine merits the honour of carrying the Special Club label then it is permitted to be sold as a Special Club Champagne, in the distinctive, slightly antique-shaped bottle first used in 1971, signaling to collectors and connoisseurs that they are holding something rare and something that represents the height of Champagne craftsmanship.
wine review: Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2018
Ottawa, ON November 2020 Now in its second vintage since its return to the market last year, Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2018, a Canadian Grand Cru-quality wine from renowned international winemaker Thomas Bachelder, demonstrates the greatness achievable in Niagara's cool-climate region when coupled with optimal terroir and world-class winemaking expertise. The 2018... Continue Reading →
wine reviews: Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 2017
Ottawa, ON November 2019 November 23 will see the return of a premium Ontario wine label, Le Grand Clos from internationally acclaimed cool-climate winemaker, Thomas Bachelder of Le Clos Jordanne. After nearly a decade, Bachelder is back with his two top tier wines from Le Clos Jordanne - Le Grand Clos Chardonnay and Le Grand... Continue Reading →
