Summer of Champagne, Frerejean Freres & Introducing French Bloom

Rooted in the terroir of the Côte des Blancs, Frerejean Frères employs small-scale production methods in the Grand Cru village of Avize, nestled between rolling hills of vines, the chalky soil produces a uniquely mineral Chardonnay. Each tiny parcel of land yields distinctive grapes, which are carefully blended to create balanced and beautiful Champagnes. With 30 years of Champagne expertise, the team at Frerejean Frères is deeply rooted in the region. Founders Guillaume, Richard, and Rodolphe Frerejean-Taittinger, who grew up riding their bikes through the vines, continue to live between Paris and Champagne with their families. They are the latest generation in a lineage of cannon-makers who supported the French army during the Napoleonic Wars.

Originally making Champagne for friends and family, word of their exceptional craft spread, leading them to establish their business in 2005. Frerejean Frères takes a fresh approach to Champagne making, respecting traditional methods while embracing innovation.

Using grapes from the unique terroir of the Côte des Blancs, they craft wines from the finest parcels of vines, resulting in complex and elegant Premier Cru and Grand Cru Champagnes. The production process honors the land with a low-chemical approach, minimal pesticides, and low levels of sulfites.

From hand-selecting the grapes to the careful assembly of different grape varieties, vintages, and crus, each bottle of Frerejean Frères Champagne is a testament to quality. The Champagne is turned by hand and minimal sugar is added to preserve the style of the terroir. Each bottle takes between 4 and 12 years to create, reflecting their commitment to taking the time needed for perfection.

We will taste the following: 

Premier Cru - Their signature wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir aged for a minimum of five years, producing an elegant Champagne that embodies the richness of the Frerejean Frères terroir. Low brut dosage and late disgorgement mean that it’s both balanced and generous.

Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs -  Their blanc de blancs is crafted exclusively from Premier Cru and Grand Cru Chardonnay grown in the Côte des Blancs. A blend of vintages and reserve wines contributes to generous and complex aromas, and we age it for longer, to produce a beautifully clear and elegant Champagne.

Premier Cru Rose - A luminous salmon and glittering gold dress, this Rosé multi vintage is a gastronomic breakaway. This champagne will blend notes of red fruits freshly harvested to aromas of a freshly baked brioche. It is a cuvee ready to be appreciated or to be aged in your cellar for a few years in order to enjoy all the complexity of its aromas.

VV26 Grand Cru - Aged for eight years and sealed with a traditional agrafe, this Blanc des Blancs is creamy and mineral. They source Chardonnay grapes from 90-year-old Grand Cru vieilles vignes, including vines that dates back to 1926, then leave them in oak barrels for seven months, blending the best of 2008 and 2009 harvests from their Côte des Blancs vineyards.

2012 Cuvee des Hussards - Named after the light cavalry of Napoléon Bonaparte, in which the soldiers were the first to use the art of sabring, the Cuvée des Hussards is powerful and expressive. This cuvee was elaborated from 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir coming from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards older than 40 years old. 2012 is regarded as the vintage of reference of the last decade.

From French Bloom, their non-alcoholic sparkling wine line: 

Le Blanc - A blend of dealcoholized organic French Chardonnay wines, French Bloom Le Blanc opens with a minerality with accents of pear, the inimitable signature of the house. Between acidity and depth, French Bloom Le Blanc reveals dazzling floral bursts in the heart. Its tropical notes are followed by an evolution of granny smith apple, accords of white flowers and slightly spicy citrus fruits with a sparkling freshness.

Le Rose - With a well-balanced complexity, the Rosé oscillates between minerality and freshness to reveal at its heart a true floral bouquet with vibrant notes. A majestic burst of rose petals meets the acidity of freshly picked red fruit, combined with notes of dry white peach. French Bloom's signature French Chardonnay wine accents with a touch of Pinot-Noir are enhanced by these bright, sparkling aromas.