Imperatrice celebrates grower Champagnes

Hong Kong importer and distributor, Imperatrice, showcased its portfolio of grower Champagnes to the trade and consumers at a packed pair of tastings at the Grand Hyatt.

Held at the newly reopened Champagne bar at the hotel, Imperatrice held two tastings for its trade and private clients both of which proved wildly popular, with sommeliers and buyers tasting through nearly 40 grower Champagnes and a few crémants from Burgundy, Alsace and Jura.

Notable names on offer included: Bereche, Emmanuel Brochet, Georges Laval, Cedric Bouchard, Benoit Lahaye and Francoise Bedel.

Speaking to the drinks business, Sebastian Crozatier, Imperatrice’s Champagne consultant, said that some hopeful tasters had had to be turned away as the room was getting so full and it was simply impractical to let anyone else in.

“It’s really an eye-opener to see so many sommeliers interested [in the wines],” he added. “It’s superb, for a first trade tasting focused only on grower Champagne – or even just Champagne – in Hong Kong, to see people eager to learn about Champagne.”

Furthermore, Crozatier added he was heartened to see so many sommeliers taking their time to taste through the selection and not tasting a mere handful before leaving again.

“With pro-tastings, if they stay the quality is good,” he said. “The room’s still full, they’re still talking among themselves and suggesting wines to their friends.”