Celebrating 150 Years: Top Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Vineyards Craft Exclusive Champagne Wine

A widow pioneered the celebrated Brut Champagne style 150 years ago, and today, another influential woman celebrates this legacy with a special release.

Two glasses of Champagne

The cellar of Champagne Pommery

The thunderous noise followed by an eruption of fizz and hazardous glass fragments caught the guests off-guard, causing some to tremble. However, this did not deter guests from returning with friends and family, all drawn to the extraordinary adventure 100 feet below ground. Here, they ventured down 116 steps into a vast subterranean realm adorned with magnificent chalk carvings. This unforgettable encounter seemed like it could only be orchestrated by a vast enterprise with substantial means. Yet, this was the vision and execution of a single visionary woman, a widow in the late 1800s, from the celebrated sparkling wine district of Champagne.

A tableau carved into the Pommery cellar walls

In 1868, Madame Pommery initiated an extensive construction project in Reims, located in the renowned Champagne wine region of France. This endeavor extended deeper into the earth, which is predominantly composed of chalk and covered a distance of more than 11 miles. Being a passionate patron of the arts, she commissioned an artist to etch legendary scenes onto the chalk walls, which seemed to animate under the glow of candles as visitors toured the subterranean passages of the Champagne Pommery estate. At that time, the technology to create thicker glass for Champagne bottles hadn’t been developed, resulting in occasional explosions due to the internal pressure. Consequently, Madame Pommery ingeniously provided visitors with fencing masks to shield them from flying glass shards.

In 1874, Madame Pommery surpassed her previous achievements by releasing the iconic Pommery Brut Champagne. Prior to this, most Champagnes were sweetened significantly, categorizing them as dessert wines; however, Madame Pommery pioneered the dry style of Brut Champagne, which is now commonly enjoyed alone or with meals.

To commemorate this significant innovation, the Vranken family, currently responsible for Champagne Pommery, led by the notable Nathalie and her daughter Pauline, are introducing a special cuvée named Apanage 1874.

Champagne Pommery ‘Apanage 1874’ Brut NV

Six years ago, Champagne Pommery’s cellar master, Clément Pierlot, received the prestigious assignment from Nathalie Vranken to create a unique champagne in homage to Madame Pommery’s remarkable legacy. This special cuvée primarily utilized exceptional vintages from 2018, 2015, and 2012, enriched by an additional 18% of aged reserve wines from Pommery’s own cellars to enhance its depth and complexity. The blend predominately features Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from superior vineyards which may include Premier or Grand Cru sites or distinctive properties such as Les Clos Pompadour, a notable walled vineyard part of Pommery’s estate and recognized among the prestigious walled vineyards in Champagne. Clément asserts that the Apanage 1874 aligns with the grand traditions of the Pommery House, marrying the “delicacy and precision of a modern creation with the depth and complexity of the Pommery legacy.”

Madame Pommery

A staunch supporter of the arts, Madame Pommery transformed the Pommery cellars into what resembled a lavish art gallery through her artists’ commissions. Nathalie Vranken, currently at the helm and equally passionate about the arts, continues this legacy by hosting the annual EXPERIENCE POMMERY for the last 20 years. This event features diverse contemporary artwork from over 300 international artists, staged in the Gallo-Roman cellars of the Pommery estate, a property recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.

Pommery Victorian-style estate

Art has always been a driving force in Nathalie’s life and everything about Pommery, the innovation to excel with making sparkling Champagne wine, the gorgeous Pommery Victorian-style estate with Gallo-Roman cellars and the dedication to art for over a century, represents everything she loves about her favorite artists: innovation, excellence, commitment, beauty and soul. Yet recently, other famous Champagne houses have also taken on art projects and Nathalie thought that perhaps it was time to stop her art exhibition at Pommery as it seemed the combination of art and Champagne was everywhere now. For a brief moment, she questioned herself, saying, “Is this it? Am I done?” then, the minute she said it, that passion reignited within her and she fiercely stated, “No, I want to do it forever.”

And so, she called her latest exhibition “Forever,” bringing in many of the past creative works of art that have thrilled guests over the years. At the center of the exhibition is a gigantic sculpture in the shape of a pink heart that represents a heart that beats forever. The heart started with Madame Pommery and today it continues with Nathalie, 150 years of devotion that would transport Champagne lovers to a world of radiance and magic.

Champagne Pommery ‘Apanage 1874’ Brut NV

Champagne Pommery ‘Apanage 1874’ Brut NV is crafted predominantly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourced from exceptional Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, along with a contribution from Pommery’s exclusive Les Clos Pompadour, and a minor inclusion of Pinot Meunier. This distinct Champagne is composed of prime vintages from the last 15 years, chiefly 2018, 2015, and 2012, complemented by 18% of older reserve wines. This combination enriches the profile with extraordinary complexity, celebrating a significant heritage. The aroma captivates with notes of freshly baked brioche, complemented by traces of hazelnut and white flowers. The palate enjoys exceptionally delicate bubbles that deliver a creamy texture, highlighted by vivid lemon curd and sumptuous peach crumble, all finely balanced with a vibrant acidity and a lengthy finish underscored by mineral nuances.

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!