'To make wine is to make art', Charles-Henry Fourny proudly believes, who alongside brother Emmanuel, has led Champagne Veuve Fourny & Fils since the early 1990s - the pair taking their place as the family's fifth generation of winemakers since they first opened doors in 1856. The two not only inherited a great degree of know-how from grandfather Albert, father Roger, and the continued support of mother Madame Fourny to this day, they have taken every necessary step themselves to understand every speck of their 500-hectare terroirs in the village of Vertus. Because of such mastery over the land, the brothers always love to allow emotion and their familial passion drive the everyday decisions, big or small. One such call has been with their relatively modest pricing compared to many contemporaries with similar historical weight and talent, for as Charles-Henry has stated, 'we want to give people an opportunity to drink great Champagne. Champagne should be for everybody.'
Another major one for the pair, rather early on, was resisting the temptation to replace and replant new vines when they took over the domaine, as they agreed to seek out wines of greater depth and complexity. This has paid off in spades, as the average age in many of their plots is now edging towards 50 years, standing out in efforts such as this week's Champagne Monday special,the Blanc de Blancs NV! Continually a beloved entry option through the years, and a prime example of the vibrance of their Premier Cru Chardonnay, this latest disgorgement holds a blend of three consecutive base years ('21, '20 and '19), as well as 20% reserve wines to welcome in further layers and nuance. At 5g/L dosage, it foregoes the fruit sweetness that can oversimplify many entry cuvées of its kind, and instead aims for a balanced medley of saline grip, toasty texture and natural lemony acidity.
It had been some time since we last popped a cork on this one, and not only has it maintained the same class since then, it has happily stayed at the same brilliant value. A bubbles to pour freely and fervently, no matter the season or occasion.
The two Fourny brothers that have led the house as cellarmasters since 1993, with Charles-Henry on the left, and Emmanuel on the right.
Veuve Fourny Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV
$89 on special this week ($99 RRP)
// 100% Chardonnay (Vertus + other Premier Crus, average vine age of 40 years)
Blend of three consecutive base years (2021, 2020 & 2019) + 20% reserve wines
Aged for seven months on lees before disgorgement in October 2025
5g/L dosage
"Delicate, focused and delicious, showing aromas of baked apples, pears and sweet baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine bubbles. Lively but with substance and volume. Driven and poised." - 94 Points, Kevin Davy, JamesSuckling.com
"Delicate despite the oak influence. A very interesting combo! And a very well-judged blend. Gently rather than aggressively sparkling." - 17/20 Points, Jancis Robinson MW
"Almost entirely from Veuve Fourny's home village of Vertus, this is a model entry-level blanc de blancs, subtle, layered and energetic. White nectarines, blossom and pear lead with pretty, inviting delicacy, with an undertone of sourdough complexity riding a supple, silky texture." - 92 Points, Tom Hewson, Decanter
If you wish to purchase this champagne, please use the link above
If you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special price valid until Monday the 20th of July