Decanter hosts panel tasting of grower Champagnes

Decanter magazine has published the results of its first-ever panel tasting of grower Champagnes and the overall consensus is that the champagnes have character, sophistication and are good value for money. The panel of experts included Tom Stevenson MW who is regional chair for Champagne at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Tom said it was no secret he had prejudices against grower Champagnes, as they could be ‘quite rustic’, but he said he was ‘very excited by those more elegant wines.’

Grower Champagnes are defined as those made by récoltants–manipulants – about 2000 growers who make their own wines as well as selling grapes to the major Champagne houses. There is growing interest for these wines and increased presence of top growers on the lists of top restaurants and retailers.