Kaaren Palmer
is a multi-award winning author and educator
on the subject of her passion – Champagne.
Dame-Chevalier
Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne
Gourmand International Food and Wine Book Awards,
Winner Best French Wine Book 2016
To read Kaaren Palmer’s full biography
please click here
web site last updated September 5, 2022
Champagne News
5th of September 2022
In the middle of a wonderful, bountiful hot, dry, Summer harvest in Champagne read reports from Wine Industry advisor and La Champagne de Sophie Claeys.The merest hint of Spring promised around Tuesday for South Australians, here are some news items for your pleasure.
- The Thiénot family, familiar to the wine fraternity as the ones who collaborate with Penfolds, are investing a significant amount in refurbishing an almost derelict building in the heart of Reims not too far from the Town Hall and just off the Place du Forum. It’s at 3 rue du Marc. Works won’t be finished until 2025. Take a stroll past if you’re in the vicinity, and peek at the handsome facade.
More details for readers of French here - Patrick Scmitt MW (The Drinks Business) has put together a list of his favourite blanc de blancs champagnes. Clear glass bottles (beware of light taint) are a predominant feature, so make sure that your bottles are stored in a dark place away from light to ensure that the contents remain delicious. Find the list here
- People often ask me about vintages in Champagne, with reference to the base wines which form the major part of each NV champagne, or the wines selected to be vintaged in a particular year. The Drinks Business provides us with a good rundown of the last eleven years here
- Few of us will ever be treated to a Krug vertical tasting of the extent which Finnish champagne specialist, Essi Avellan MW, participated in thanks to a generous Swedish collector. But the report is worth a read, just to let your imagination get to work. Thanks, Essi, click here for a great report.
Club Oenologique’s scoring system is also worth a look.
Worksheets
Worksheets, so very important for structuring your own tastings are available here or from the CHAMPAGNE drop down on the main navigation.