Our love affair with Gardet has been simmering for somewhere in excess of 25 years now and, in spite of the odd tiff, our relationship remains as strong as ever. Although ownership has changed a couple of times since we started working with them, Gardet remains very much an independent and as focussed on quality as ever.
To my mind, the most defining factor in the Gardet style is that of maturity. Whilst all Champagne is required by law to spend a certain amount of time ageing in the producer’s cellars (18 months for non vintage, 3 years for vintage wines) Gardet routinely release their non vintages after 6-8 years, a measure which basic arithmetic will tell you requires 4 times the stockholding of some of their less quality conscious peers. Consequently, the wines have so much more depth and character that they consistently outperform many of their more illustrious rivals in blind tastings. We live in an age where designer labels, image and “bling” take on an importance that transcends value – for those who prefer to drink their Champagne rather than look at it or wave it in front of their colleagues I would strongly recommend that you acquaint yourself with Gardet.
£33.50
Super Champagne from one of the regions smaller, independent houses. This wine is meticulously well made and has a fresh and lively style with good depth of flavour and plenty of character.
45% Pinot Noir, 45% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay
Yellow honey gold in colour with winey and full aromas. On the palate it gives white stone fruits bolstered by a fine acidity and a balance between creamy and bold. Altogether fresh, with a full-bodied consistency that holds together.
£64.50
An elegant and balanced Champagne. Fresh citrus notes mingled with very ripe pear and peach. The palate has sweet spiced vanilla and floral notes with hints of peppercorns and intense mineral depth. Flowery and fresh with notes of brioche and citrus, together with a clean and persistent mousse.
2/3 Chardonnay & 1/3 Pinot Noir
£60.30
50/50 blend of red grapes pinot noir and pinot meunier from Premier Cru rated vineyards. Soft salmon pink in colour, with citrus and floral characteristics on the nose. A silky and textured body, with red and blackcurrants, blackberries, jam and stewed fruit.
50% Pinot Noir & 50% Pinot Meunier from Chigny-les-Roses
£63.30
A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, drawn from 12 of the best vintages available in Maison Gardet's cellars. A blend that reflects the knowledge passed from generation to generation since the founding of the estate.
£49.75
The Prestige Charles Gardet Blanc de Blancs is a wine in search of the perfect balance between freshness, minerality and maturity. It's a light, pure, taut and glossy Champagne.
It is composed of 100% Chardonnay from Premier & Grand Cru vines of the Côte des Blancs (Chouilly, Avize, Cramant, Cuis,…).
£36.75
Brut Selected Reserve is made of two thirds Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and one third Chardonnay. 100% of the blend is then aged for a year in oak casks. The colour is a deep yellow that hasn’t sacrificed a bit of brilliance.The aroma is subtle, slightly closed even, giving an impression of reserve. Then wheaty notes arise. On the palate the truth of the flavour comes through with powerful aromas of fruit jellies, candied fruits, especially orange, and a blend of spices, cinnamon with just a hint of anise. The texture is structured, tight and firm, adding to the serious character of the wine. Underlying mineral notes are mentionable from beginning to finish, the personality running through it. This highlights the complexity and strength of this champagne.
£40.75
£37.65
£35 when you buy 2 bottles,
or £31.50 when you buy 6 bottles.
Robust, mature & biscuity style of Champagne from a small family-owned company whose insistence on the very highest level of quality has afforded them an international reputation.
1/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Pinot Meunier, 1/3 Chardonnay, with 25% aged in barrel.
£125.80