(NV Baron-Fuente "Grande Reserve" Extra-Brut) Champagne Dear Friends, In honor of national Champagne Week (whatever that is?) may we present a new star on the horizon and a producer that should grace all of your lips - from Sunday afternoon to a holiday dinner - Baron-Fuente’s time has come. Champagne has one of the most out of date classification systems for its vineyards and the result is a small boutique operation with holdings they had to beg, borrow and toil to own in a 3e zone (i.e., somewhat like a Third Growth Bordeaux or even a Sociando-Mallet situation instead of a First Growth) making what many around Reims and the Marne consider to be one of the up and coming properties to watch in all of Champagne. The explosion in Champagne of small, unknown production houses is one of the good stories in the French wine trade over the last decade. We brought you Pierre Peters, Jose Dhondt, Camille Saves and others before anyone knew who they were and Baron-Fuente is next. From the Aisne, Gabriel Baron and his partner (and wife) Dolores Fuentes began with a single hectare in the mid 1960s and the quality and recognition for their wines has increased to the point of multiple gold medals and the inevitable interest form national importers to make them the next big thing. With the very best sites overlooking the river Marne, Baron-Fuente produces detailed and feminine examples of Champagne that are regal and full of pride. With an emphasis on Pinot Meunier and Gold Medals and accolades from Macon to Brussels, to Paris and to the French press (Guide Hachette, etc), this is the time to discover this promising family entity while the prices are still among the best in Champagne. Both of the wines below are the freshest and most recent bottlings that are set to arrive in September (none are in the US yet). The wines we offer below are special bottlings and are not their generic NV Champagne or Rose’. If you see current US listings for any Baron-Fuente wine, it is from a disgorgement 1-2 years ago, be careful. We have an exceptional price on both of these, about the same as in France: NV Champagne Baron-Fuente “Grande Reserve” Extra-Brut LIMITED 6/person (MDO/Macon)(MDO/Brussels)(MDO/ Effervescents Du Monde) From a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir with a meager 1-3g/liter of residual, this is what you’ve been looking for in true chiseled French Sparkling wine that still has a gorgeous and creamy fine bead that is so refreshing it almost belies its status as an adult beverage. Beautiful richness, structure and the framework of a bubbly twice the price, this is an absolute steal at this tarrif for this multiple Gold Medal (MDO) winner, including the tough Effervescents du Monde. Outstanding. NV Champagne Baron-Fuente “Cuvee Galipettes” Brut (Organic EcoCert) LIMITED 6/person (MDO/Macon) A completely different take than above, this 100% organically produced wine is a true product of power and feminine grace. Ethereal and incredibly floral this wine has length to burn and a personality that is very memorable. A heavenly creature that commands the room but never shouts, whispers but still makes its point in a way that always ends up the favorite without ever trying. Another top selection that many producers could learn a great deal from. Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Champ8500 Champ8600
By Jon Rimmerman
(NV Baron-Fuente "Grande Reserve" Extra-Brut) Champagne Dear Friends, In honor of national Champagne Week (whatever that is?) may we present a new star on the horizon and a producer that should grace all of your lips - from Sunday afternoon to a holiday dinner - Baron-Fuente’s time has come. Champagne has one of the most out of date classification systems for its vineyards and the result is a small boutique operation with holdings they had to beg, borrow and toil to own in a 3e zone (i.e., somewhat like a Third Growth Bordeaux or even a Sociando-Mallet situation instead of a First Growth) making what many around Reims and the Marne consider to be one of the up and coming properties to watch in all of Champagne. The explosion in Champagne of small, unknown production houses is one of the good stories in the French wine trade over the last decade. We brought you Pierre Peters, Jose Dhondt, Camille Saves and others before anyone knew who they were and Baron-Fuente is next. From the Aisne, Gabriel Baron and his partner (and wife) Dolores Fuentes began with a single hectare in the mid 1960s and the quality and recognition for their wines has increased to the point of multiple gold medals and the inevitable interest form national importers to make them the next big thing. With the very best sites overlooking the river Marne, Baron-Fuente produces detailed and feminine examples of Champagne that are regal and full of pride. With an emphasis on Pinot Meunier and Gold Medals and accolades from Macon to Brussels, to Paris and to the French press (Guide Hachette, etc), this is the time to discover this promising family entity while the prices are still among the best in Champagne. Both of the wines below are the freshest and most recent bottlings that are set to arrive in September (none are in the US yet). The wines we offer below are special bottlings and are not their generic NV Champagne or Rose’. If you see current US listings for any Baron-Fuente wine, it is from a disgorgement 1-2 years ago, be careful. We have an exceptional price on both of these, about the same as in France: NV Champagne Baron-Fuente “Grande Reserve” Extra-Brut LIMITED 6/person (MDO/Macon)(MDO/Brussels)(MDO/ Effervescents Du Monde) From a blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir with a meager 1-3g/liter of residual, this is what you’ve been looking for in true chiseled French Sparkling wine that still has a gorgeous and creamy fine bead that is so refreshing it almost belies its status as an adult beverage. Beautiful richness, structure and the framework of a bubbly twice the price, this is an absolute steal at this tarrif for this multiple Gold Medal (MDO) winner, including the tough Effervescents du Monde. Outstanding. NV Champagne Baron-Fuente “Cuvee Galipettes” Brut (Organic EcoCert) LIMITED 6/person (MDO/Macon) A completely different take than above, this 100% organically produced wine is a true product of power and feminine grace. Ethereal and incredibly floral this wine has length to burn and a personality that is very memorable. A heavenly creature that commands the room but never shouts, whispers but still makes its point in a way that always ends up the favorite without ever trying. Another top selection that many producers could learn a great deal from. Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Champ8500 Champ86007/10/2007, (See more on Garagiste...)