A Timeless Elegance: Exploring the Rich Heritage of Champagne de Venoge
As I stepped through the doors of de Venoge, I was transported back in time. The ornate wood staircase, the beautiful stained glass windows, the old riding boots tucked in cozily next to a bench, the magic of the cellars, the multitude of historical edgers in their serene library, the old kitchen complete with copper pots and pans, the parquet floors, and the varied eras of framed advertisements showcasing the unique de Venoge bottles—all of this immersed me in the rich history, influence, and style of de Venoge.
I first encountered de Venoge's exquisite cuvées at James Suckling's World Wines Top 100 event in Miami this past February. Upon tasting them, I was compelled to delve deeper into their history and artistry, prompting a visit to their renowned Maison.
Champagne de Venoge is a prestigious house with a legacy dating back to 1837. Renowned for its elegant and refined Champagnes, de Venoge has consistently captivated champagne lovers with high-quality wines. In the late 19th century, it began establishing itself as a notable brand, especially appreciated for its exceptional vintage cuvées. De Venoge was among the pioneers of the "Prestige Cuvée," reinforcing its reputation within the champagne industry. Throughout the 20th century, the winery continued to innovate, balancing traditional methods with modern techniques to enhance quality. Its commitment to terroir and the distinct characteristics of the Champagne region gained it further recognition. In 1998, the house was acquired by Lanson BCC group, further propelling its growth and distribution. Today, de Venoge produces a range of cuvées, including the famous "Louis XV," and continues to earn accolades for its elegance and finesse.
Louis XV played a significant role in the history of the Champagne de Venoge house, particularly regarding the brand's prestige and recognition in the Champagne region. As the French king from 1715 to 1774, Louis XV's reign marked a period when Champagne began to gain popularity among the elite and aristocracy, including the royal court.
Champagne de Venoge, founded in the early 18th century by the Venoge family, sought to align itself with the status associated with the king and the nobility. The house is known for producing high-quality Champagne and has a long history of catering to the tastes of the upper class, which was bolstered by royal endorsements.
Additionally, the legacy of Louis XV contributed to the overall appreciation and marketing of Champagne, influencing its development as a luxury product. The connection to the monarchy and the cultivation of relationships with influential patrons helped establish Champagne de Venoge's reputation as a prestigious Champagne house.The importance and captivating influence of Louis XV shine through in the exquisite style of the Maison. Every element, from the elegantly designed bottles and intricately etched glasses to the refined cuvées, embodies an aura of sophistication that elevates the overall elegance of this remarkable establishment.
As our host, Gilles de La Basseterre, CEO/PDG of de Venoge, guided us down the hall to the library, he assured us we were in for a treat. He opened one of many ledgers filled with labels dating back to 1850, which served as a record of clients and importers. Each label not only indicated the cities where the champagnes were sold but also featured personalized designs. Notably, every cork was custom-made for each customer. We continued our tour, exploring various memorabilia as Gilles shared the history and the significant influence that Louis XV had on the house and its uniquely shaped bottle.
The roots of this distinctive bottle shape trace back to the 18th century during Louis XV's reign, where a style favored by the French aristocracy emerged. This design, characterized by elegant curves and a taller profile, symbolized luxury and sophistication. The tradition of using this bottle shape honors an elegant custom embraced by noble families. Its carafe-like design reflects the heritage and prestige of the Champagne house, with the elongated neck and sloping shoulders paying tribute to this tradition while infusing modern elegance. Moreover, the specific design of the de Venoge bottle not only pleases the eye but also serves a functional role, as the elongated neck helps maintain the champagne's integrity, preserving its delicate bubbles and flavors, while the sloping shoulders enhance balance and stability.
After our insightful tour, we gathered in the salon, admiring the ornate silver doorknobs, beautiful garden views, the recently restored grand piano, and the precious encased green glass carafe used to serve Louis XV along with other prestigious memorabilia of the house. In a fascinating detail, we learned that servers in France were required to serve the king using long arms and large carafes to maintain decorum and respect during royal meals. This practice minimized direct contact, reflecting the etiquette and formality essential in royal settings while enhancing the grandeur of the dining experience.
The tasting of their prestigious champagnes turned into a moment of timeless elegance and beauty:
De Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut: Known for its elegance and balance, this flagship champagne blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Its golden hue opens with aromas of green apple, lemon, and honey, leading to a palate well-balanced with a fine mousse, flavors of white stone fruits, and a touch of minerality that culminates in a crisp, lingering finish.
Prince Brut 2nd Edition: Delicate and balanced, the nose reveals floral notes alongside hints of citrus and brioche, while the palate showcases white fruit flavors and a clean, refreshing finish.
Prince Blanc de Blancs-Brut (6g/L): A delicate expression of Chardonnay purity, this Champagne offers subtle citrus, white flower aromas, along with a crisp, lingering finish.
Prince Blanc de Noirs-Brut (5g/L): Featuring a captivating medley of red and black fruits, the wine presents a rich nose and a delicate vinosity on the palate, leaving a refreshing and lingering impression.
Grand Vin des Princes Rosé 2015: Striking a harmonious balance of elegance and power, it features inviting aromas of fresh strawberries and raspberries, vibrant flavors, and a long, refreshing finish.
Louis XV Brut 2014: This prestigious cuvée, a blend of exceptional wines, opens with delicate citrus and white flower aromas, presenting a complex, chalky palate and a long mineral finish.
Gilles surprised us with a rare and special treat: a wine from my birth year which I had never tasted nor experienced before.
Chateau Trotte Vieille Premier Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion 1973: Given its age, this wine showcases a deep tawny garnet hue. Its clarity and viscosity reveal much about its condition. The nose is complex and evolved, presenting aromas of dried fruits such as figs, dates, and prunes, complemented by notes of underbrush, leather, tobacco, and cedar. Mature examples can also exhibit tertiary aromas of truffles, earth, and balsamic vinegar.
On the palate, the wine is rich and intricate, achieving a balance between fruit and acidity. Although softened by age, the tannins still provide structural support, resulting in a velvety texture. Prominent flavors of dark chocolate, spice, and minerality emerge, while the finish is long and satisfying, leaving lingering notes of earth and spice.
A visit to de Venoge was a captivating journey through a prestigious Champagne house steeped in history and tradition. Guided by Gilles de La Basseterre, I discovered the artistry behind their celebrated cuvées and the meticulous processes that define their excellence. The tasting experience highlighted the elegance and complexity of their wines, while the surprise of a rare vintage from my birth year made the occasion even more special. This exploration deepened my appreciation for de Venoge, revealing it as not just a brand but a lasting legacy of craftsmanship and sophistication in the world of Champagne.
