Champagne Palmer shares the details that shape luxury
Luxury is the result of countless decisions at Champagne Palmer, a philosophy on show in its Blanc de Blancs 2018.
Why does Champagne have such a reputation of luxury? It is a central question at Champagne Palmer, where the latest release – Champagne Palmer Blanc de Blancs 2018 – is hitting the mark for a prestige cuvée.
On the one hand, it is a result of Champagne’s intrinsic qualities. “Champagne has become synonymous with luxury not by chance, but through more than two centuries of history, craft and cultural influence,” explains François Demouy, communications and marketing director at the maison. Through Champagne’s unique mix of terroirs and savoir-faire, the region has become the reference point for oenological luxury. “It built a myth,” he continues, “the idea that celebration, excellence and elegance all speak through this wine.”
Yet it also is a very current effort. Indeed, at Champagne Palmer, there has been no resting on laurels in devising the latest blanc de blancs release.
“What defines luxury is the careful accumulation of countless details: meticulous vineyard work, thoughtful blending, extended ageing, precision in texture and balance,” contends Demouy. “None of these elements alone creates luxury, but together they shape an emotional experience that transcends flavour. Luxury is ultimately the art of making the invisible visible – and letting the drinker feel the intention behind the wine.”
Hence this new bottling is the accumulation of distinct details with careful intent. Firstly, there is the style. Monovarietal Chardonnay is much admired in Champagne. Demouy believes it offers “purity, tension and chiselled elegance that other styles express differently”.
Partner Content
Then there is the extended lees ageing. Although it is widely acknowledged that long ageing benefits Champagne wines, in Champagne Palmer Blanc de Blancs 2018 it reveals a particular character. The fine-textured wine attains toasted and subtly smoky notes, Demouy says, and gains creaminess. This is all, however, while holding onto its essential precision.
Surprising sourcing
Yet the most unusual of the details is in the sourcing. Champagne Palmer has a strong association with the Montagne de Reims, a stronghold for great Champenois Pinot Noir. The blanc de blancs has not abandoned that sub-region, instead finding two crus of exemplary quality for Chardonnay: “white pearls” in the land of blanc de noirs.
“This contrast creates something extraordinary,” Demouy enthuses. “In Villers-Marmery and Trépail, the chalk is exceptionally pure and the exposures ideal, giving birth to Chardonnays that are unusually vibrant, zesty and structured for this part of the Montagne de Reims. This is what gives the cuvée its singular character and makes it an unmistakable signature of Palmer.”
It results in an unusual blanc de blancs – one that can bring vibrancy and intrigue to the festive table, as well as luxury. Yet, in his serving recommendation, Demouy suggests that drinkers need not treat the wine as a curiosity.
“For me, the most luxurious way to enjoy our Blanc de Blancs over the holiday season is simply to take time – and to share it with the people you love. Whether it’s as an aperitif, when its freshness shines, or alongside a beautifully prepared dish that highlights its depth, the real luxury lies in the moment itself.”
Related news
The biggest celebrity drinks collaborations of 2025
