Roland Champion Champagne Special Club Grand Cru 2018

Champagne; France

Champagnes labeled Special Club are grower Champagnes (Recoltant Manipulant) made by 28 artisan wine makers in special vintages and subjected to a tasting panel prior to release. The 2018 vintage offers aromas of dried pear, baked bread, and a hint of smoky minerals. It’s dry and round on the palate with rich orchard fruit, shortbread and hazelnut flavors making for a rather bold style that would pair well with white meat dishes. All Chardonnay from 45-year-old estate vineyards in Chouilly and aged 5 years on the lees in bottle.

The Special Club concept started in 1971. A dozen wine growers from some old families of Champagne had an idea to familiarize people with the originality of the “Champagne de Vigneron” (Champagne of wine grower), thanks to prestigious vintages.

In 1999, the Club changed its name to “Club Trésor of Champagne.” The Club Trésors comprises 28 artisan wine makers, selected from the finest areas of the Champagne region, each one recognized for the quality of their work. The Club Trésors is the only organization in Champagne to select its members according to a set of unrelenting quality standards:

Each wine maker must make their champagnes entirely in his, or her, own premises and cellars. Furthermore, the champagne must be made exclusively from grapes harvested in his, or her, own vineyards.

Each wine maker is devoted to his work and passionately protects the quality and the unique character of his own terroir.

The jury of oenologists and wine professionals who select the champagnes demand irreproachable quality in both the work in the vineyard and the wines.

Each champagne is subject to two blind tastings (once at the still wine stage before bottling and again after 3 years ageing in bottle) by a panel of passionate and distinguished oenologists and wine makers. 4 years aging minimum is required.

A Special Club champagne may only be made in outstanding vintage years.

Roland Champion’s Special Club selection has rich and structured aromas. Very pleasant and generous roundness, nice length in mouth. Golden color with buttery and fruity aromas. All the expression of a magnificent terroir for your most pleasurable moments.