Documents going back to 1633 prove that these Verzy vineyards have been in the Sacy family for about 12 generations. We met Alain Sacy’s daughter during a recent promotional trip to Vancouver and purchased a bottle of this champagne for a toast to 2014 celebrated with family.

Today the family proclaims themselves as ‘grower and producer’ on the back label of their product. Determined to move into the North American market, the famille Sacy has made a concerted effort to travel to major cities for personalized tastings and to capitalize (quite rightly!) on the growing interest in champagnes produced by ‘the little guys’.

This wine, comprised of 60% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier from Grand Cru vineyards is clear and bright, pale gold with long-lasting mousse. The nose is clean and developing with medium plus intense aromas of brioche and toasty yeast, ripe red apples and creme caramel.

The palate is dry with medium plus acidity, medium alcohol and a creamy mousse. The medium plus flavour characteristics include Macintosh apple, pastry, toffee, soft pomelo citrus and a long finish.

This is WSET ‘very good’ champagne – can hold for 3-5 years more with the fruit and acidity to support its developing caramel and apple danish flavours and aromas.