Leonardo DiCaprio bought an equity stake in this eco-friendly Champagne house. So make sure to look up while sipping it.
We love the super-sustainable Champagne Telmont’s ethos and transparent labels. Definitely a brand for those who like to get into the geekier details rather than just being wooed by famous names and big marketing budgets.
As this label tells you it comes from the 2012 vintage which was quite a stressful and complicated year in the vineyards but has been described by the respected wine critic Jancis Robinson as “an exceptional vintage in Champagne”. It’s pretty much an equal mix of Pinot Noir Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier (from Damery Barbonne Fontette Les Riceys Neuville and others) matured on the lees for a staggering eight years before disgorgement in 2021 and finished with a relatively low dosage (the sweetness added at the end to balance the wine) making it a Brut style. 67% was vinified in oak imparting stunning richness and a glorious golden colour. To us it tastes like a masterclass in Champagne making with notes of buttered toast almond croissant ripe pear crisp grapefruit vanilla baked peach and dried fruit. As it’s now owned by Rémy Cointreau Telmont is very much a Champagne house to watch and the vegan-friendly Vinothèque Brut Vintage Champagne 2012 is a splendidly luxurious introduction.
Around 1911 the Champagne Riots kicked off. They were ignited by four disastrous vintages phylloxera poor pay outdated laws and unscrupulous wine merchants who were using grapes from outside the region. At the time growers didn’t really make their own wines because of the immense capital required so all the power resided with the Champagne houses. This caused a big rift between them and the growers. Riots ensued grapes were pushed into the river Aÿ was ransacked and the government sent in troops. Out of the melee the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée for Champagne was established and many growers were inspired to wrestle back some power by making their own wines. Henri Lhôpital was one of those growers and that’s where Champagne Telmont’s story begins. Named after one of the house’s prized plots Telmont became certified organic in 2017 and the spirits giant Rémy Cointreau became a majority shareholder in 2020. Today roughly a century after its establishment Champagne Telmont is still run by a member of the Lhôpital family (Bertrand is the Cellar Master and Head of Viticulture) but that investment from Rémy Cointreau means that the quality is soaring to new heights.
SKU No.: 3426918
Style No.: 874260
Region: Champagne
Grapes: Pinot Noir,Chardonnay,Pinot Meunier
Closure: Cork
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12%
Volume: 750ml
Allergens: Sulphites