Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4: Champagne Artistry

Champagne is already the most exclusive club in the drinks industry, so to produce a bottle that stands out for its prestige and elegance in an area built on just that is quite the achievement. A bravo then, to Cattier’s spectacular Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4.

With 250 years and 13 generations of experience and expertise, the Armand de Brignac label needs no introduction, releasing a select number of exquisite cuvées at the pinnacle of quality and taste. Only the finest vineyards, the freshest press and unparalleled craftsmanship will do, and that’s no different with their latest release – 7,328 bottles of Blanc de Noirs.

A rich and intense expression of Pinot Noir bringing together a trio of vintages from 2013 to 2015, the signature metal bottle housing it is finished with the iconic French pewter Ace of Spades label and unique disgorgement date, setting up grand expectations for the liquid within. These build when you learn what goes into this meticulous release, from the sourcing of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir, to the balancing of the vintages, to the 7 years of resting in some of Champagne’s deepest cellars.

We’ve been lucky enough to taste it, and it exceeds those lofty expectations. Intense minerality hits the nose alongside wafts of blackberry and plum before dark fruits flood the mouth on the palate. This lively exploration unfolds with a somewhat tropical stone-fruit note and vibrant citrus, before a gorgeous, honeyed finish that winds long into the distance. Unparalleled complexity, depth, and freshness.

As with every Armand de Brignac release, collectors and connoisseurs will have their interest peaked by this bottle. First, it will be available as an exclusive with Harrods as part of a special edition set featuring all six cuvées in a lacquered gift box for a total of £6,400. Then, you can find it paired with the Brut Gold for a luxury twin pack for £1,385, before a final solo release in 2024 at retailers worldwide for £1,055, where the world gets to taste the artistry. Well, 7,328 people anyway.

So much goes into a Champagne like this, so if you’re interested in the process or fancy purchasing, find out more at www.armanddebrignac.com.

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Champagne Comes From Russia – Or So Putin Says

We all know how it goes: Champagne is Champagne because Champagne is made in Champagne, which makes it Champagne. Pretty simple, right? Well, due to a recent announcement in Russia, that’s not the case anymore. We have a feeling the notoriously specific French wine authorities aren’t going to be happy about this.

The big man, Putin himself, has signed legislation stating that imported Champagne not made in Russia can no longer label itself as Champagne (though it can tell you where it was made on the back label). Instead, only sparkling wines made in Russia have the privilege of being named Shampanskoye (Russian for Champagne).

However, wine enthusiasts and sommeliers in Russia aren’t in such a rush to change things around. According to The Guardian, sommeliers such as Elena Lebedeva, the head sommelier for a group of very popular Russian bars, aren’t going to be changing the menus. “If we are selling namely [French] champagne, it’s going to remain in the champagne section”, said Lebedeva.

Russia imports a staggering 50 million liters of sparkling wine each year, 13% of which is French Champagne. Russian sparkling wine is not nearly as popular, with some bottles being sold for the equivalent of £2.70 in stores. With this new law in place, it’s likely that French Champagne houses will either significantly reduce or even halt their exports to Russia - leaving Russia not able to meet the needs of their mega-rich. Moët’s Moscow office has already declared that they will be refusing to export their Champagne to Russia if a solution cannot be found, clearly hesitant to have to overhaul the branding of their exports to Russia.

We’re quite curious as to which appellation Putin is thinking of claiming in the near future. Perhaps he’ll fancy some Roquefort, a Cornish Pasty, a Melton Mowbray pork pie… Who knows? Watch this space!

Want to read more drinks news? How about checking out Cocktails for Dogs… yep, they’re a thing! Or maybe funky drinks such as this Dill Pickle Hard Seltzer is more up your street?!