CHAMPAGNE DE SAINT-GALL HAS LAUNCHED IN UK
Historic French producer Champagne de Saint-Gall has arrived in the UK off-trade, with a launch into both UK retailer Marks & Spencer and a number of independent retail locations. Available nationally flow the brand’s Tradition Premier Cru and Premier Cru Rosé will showcase the Chardonnay-dominant style and complexity the brand is known for.
Additionally, the Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru, Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru Extra Brut, Blancs de Blancs Grand Cru Vintage and Orpale Vintage will be available at select on-trade sites, through importer Daniel Lambert Wines.
Champagne de Saint-Gall is the product of a historic winemaking initiative. Founded in 1966, Union Champagne is a 15-strong network of growing cooperatives that specialise in Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards across the region, guaranteeing Champagne de Saint-Gall grapes of the highest level of quality from iconic vineyards with distinctive terroirs.
Stylistically, Champagne de Saint-Gall is marked by a passion for the Chardonnay grape, which itself makes up more than half of Union Champagne’s output and is usually the key grape in the white and rosé cuvées.
Overseen by cellar master Cédric Jacopin, the range of Blanc de Blancs cuvées is of exceptional quality, and can be found in a selection of on-trade venues. Chardonnay is the dominant grape in both Tradition Premier Cru and Premier Cru Rosé, lending each characteristic citrus notes and minerality, while the Pinot Noir grapes that make up the rest of these blends imbue them with structure and a rounded character.
For its off-trade launch, Champagne de Saint-Gall has announced a partnership with Marks & Spencer that will see its Tradition Premier Cru and Premier Cru Rosé cuvées as part of the M&S Collection. The M&S Collection Tradition Premier Cru and Premier Cru Rosé by Champagne de Saint-Gall will be available from Marks & Spencer stores nationwide for an RRP of £28 and £30 respectively.
Both of these, along with their Blanc de Blancs cuvees, (Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru, Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru Extra Brut, Blancs de Blancs Grand Cru Vintage and Orpale Vintage) will be available at premium restaurants and bars including 67 Pall Mall in London, The Potted Pig in Cardiff, the Clifton Arms Hotel in Lythan and more.
The move comes as British drinkers continue to expand their interest in Champagne, with an increase in sales of 105% in 2022 compared to 2021. Wine drinkers in the UK are continuing to trade up on other sparkling wines in search of more character, finesse and quality, and the expansion of the M&S Collection to include two standout cuvées from a respected producer with an exceptional reputation for winemaking.
See more information about the exciting new cuvees available in the UK below.
Tradition Premier Cru
A blend of 66% Chardonnay and 34% Pinot Noir from vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, this flagship blend is balanced, fresh and deliciously full-bodied, with notes of acacia and hawthorn flowers and white-fleshed fruit on the nose and a round and delicate palate. Best enjoyed with a sesame beef and seasonal vegetable stir-fry.
Available at M&S
Premier Cru Rosé
63% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Noir and 13% red wine (Pinot Noir) from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims combine in a wine with notes of sour cherry and gariguettestrawberries on the nose, with a fresh and vivacious palate. Pair with grilled prawns or a red fruit dessert.
Available at M&S
Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru
100% Chardonnay from the Cotes des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, this champagne is a true delight. Perfectly aromatic, with notes of white flowers and linden on the nose, it is delicate and minerally on the palate. Ideal as an aperitif or paired with smoked salmon.
Available on-trade
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut
100% Chardonnay from the Cotes des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims, this boasts aromas of citrus fruit. With a clean, crisp, mineral palate, this is stunning alongside any fresh seafood – or even sushi – especially with a fresh, lemon vinaigrette.
Available on-trade
Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vintage
100% Chardonnay from the Cotes des Blancs; this is the quintessential expression of Champagne de Saint-Gall’s Chardonnay expertise. With a complex nose – and slight toasted aromas coming through – this is round and fresh on the palate. Pair this with duck a l’orange.
Available on-trade
Orpale Vintage
100% Chardonnay from the Cotes des Blancs, this is by far the most complex wine from the Champagne de Saint-Gall portfolio. Only part of the grapes used for this champagne undergo malolactic fermentation, this allows for the fresh, mineral character to be preserved. The result is elegant, with complex aromas and a long finish. Pair this with chicken in truffle butter to make a special occasion even more memorable.
Available on-trade
