“More and more people want to buy old vintages of Champagne,” says Gilles Morisson de la Bassetiere, president and director-general of Champagne de Venoge, which holds small stocks of older Champagnes sought by collectors. “A lot of people are asking for old vintages. I could have sold our cellar 10 times. They realize that Champagne ages really well.” Highlighting the growing scarcity of cellared Champagne, he observes: “The demand for old red wines is going lower and lower, and they are easy to find. But Champagne is different. There isn’t enough.” That longevity is showcased in mature library bottles like the De Venoge Champagne Princes Cordon Bleu 1975, an amber-hued release with aromas of orange marmalade, tobacco and dried flowers over a silky, resolved palate with pastry notes and endless persistence. Meanwhile, the tangy and vivid De Venoge Champagne Extra Nature 2003 – aged 23 years on the lees with zero dosage – shows dried apples, honey and toasted oak with a full-bodied and rich palate. Alongside these sought-after library releases, current releases continue to highlight fine regional sourcing. Displaying a distinct bronze hue, the exquisite De Venoge Champagne Louis XV Brut Rosé 2018 pairs aromas of peach tart, chalk and subtle floral strawberry with a medium-bodied palate of cranberry, stone fruit, cloves and dried rose petals. Read more in our new Champagne report here: jamessuckling.com/wine-tasti…

What do you know about the Winkler Index? It is a system thsat guide winegrowers in planting the perfect vines. While this index has been successful, alternatives are considered for more tailored vineyard development. Find out more here: jamessuckling.com/wine-tasti…