Grower Champagne

Champagne is a symbol of celebration and luxury around the world. While many are familiar with the popular Champagne brands, there is another category of Champagne that is gaining a lot of traction with collectors and consumers alike – “Grower Champagne”. Unlike the famous Champagne houses, Grower Champagne is produced by the winemakers who grow their own grapes, creating wines with unique characteristics and appeal. Curated Grapes is proud to offer several Grower Champagne producers, including: Cedric Bouchard, Emmanuel Brochet, Dehours & Fils, Jérôme Prévost and Egly-Ouriet to name a few.

What is Grower Champagne
Grower Champagne refers to the wines produced by the individual growers or families who own and cultivate their own vineyards. Where the larger Champagne houses often source their grapes from multiple vineyards, these independent growers focus on cultivating and producing Champagne exclusively from their own vineyard holdings. From vine to bottle, the entire production process can be controlled by the winemaker, and because of this, they can maintain an intimate connection with their craft and express the unique terroir of their vineyards through their wines.

The Rise of Grower Champagne
In recent years, Grower Champagne has gained significant traction in the wine market. This increase in popularity can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, consumers are becoming more interested in the story behind their wines. They seek transparency, authenticity and a connection to the grower’s passion and dedication. Grower Champagne offers precisely that – a personal touch and a direct link to the land where the grapes are grown. Additionally, the increasing popularity of artisanal and small-batch products has played a role in the rise of Grower Champagne. People are drawn to the idea of supporting smaller, family-owned businesses and experiencing products that are carefully curated with
attention to detail.

Terroir Expression
One of the greatest advantages of Grower Champagne is the ability to showcase the unique terroir of each vineyard. Terroir refers to the combination of soil, climate, and geographical factors that influence the characteristics of the grapes. When a grower exclusively uses their vineyard’s grapes, they can truly express the distinct flavours and nuances that their terroir imparts.

Each plot of vineyard land contributes its own qualities, resulting in an array of flavours and textures in the final Champagne. This diversity adds complexity and depth to the wines, making them intriguing and unique.

Artisanal Crafting
Grower Champagne is often associated with artisanal craftsmanship. Unlike larger Champagne houses, which aim for consistency across their brands, growers have the freedom to experiment and take risks. They can adapt their winemaking techniques to suit each individual vintage and highlight the best qualities of the grapes. This hands-on approach allows for greater creativity and personal expression. From crisp and mineral-driven Blanc de Blancs to rich and complex Pinot -dominant cuvées, there is a
Grower Champagne to suit every palate.

Supporting Sustainability
Many Grower Champagne producers prioritize sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices. They often embrace organic or biodynamic farming methods, which minimize the use of chemicals and promote biodiversity. By being directly involved in the entire grape- growing process, they can have better control over sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of their vineyards for future generations.

Consumers looking to support environmentally friendly practices and reduce their carbon footprint can find solace in the fact that many Grower Champagnes are crafted with sustainability in mind.

The emergence of Grower Champagne has brought a new dimension to the Champagne market. It offers consumers a chance to explore wines that embody the passion and dedication of the individual growers. With an emphasis on terroir expression, artisanal craftsmanship, and sustainable practices, Grower Champagne is gaining recognition as a unique and exciting category within the world of sparkling wines.

So, the next time you raise a glass of Champagne, consider exploring the realm of Grower Champagne, where tradition, innovation, and the story of the land come together to create a truly exceptional drinking experience.