Grape to Glass – The Majestic Wine Blog

In 1860, a barrel maker named Victor Canard married a winemaker called Leonie Duchêne. Together they started to make champagne and quickly gained success, forming the champagne house Canard Duchêne in 1868.

Canard belongs to the closed circle of Grandes Marques in Champagne and is one of the only Grandes Marques champagne houses to be situated in the vineyards of Montagne de Reims. It has always been a huge brand at home: it’s said that a bottle of Canard is opened every 15 seconds in France. But with some 3 million bottles sold around the world every year, it is also now a much more international brand.

Canard’s recipe for success is simple: prestige and quality at fantastic prices. The house style is what I would describe as very accessible; crafted around Pinot Noir to create characteristically fruity, intense, superbly rounded wines. They may be dry, but they’re always fruit-driven – and just so drinkable.

Canard-Duchêne Brut NV
£25.49 £17.50 (Offer ends March 22nd)
Thereafter, £26.65 or £19.99 when you buy 2 bottles*

Pinot Noir is the dominant grape in this perfect apéritif. Fresh green apples and a classic brioche nose; rich and intense with good structure.

Canard-Duchêne 2004
£29.99 £20.00*

2004 was an excellent vintage in Champagne. This fine example shows dried fruit aromas and a rich, toasty quality, with small bubbles, baked apples on the palate and a round, buttery finish.

Canard-Duchêne Charles VII NV
£37.50 or £25.00 when you buy 2 bottles*

A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, this is all about elegance, with a great balance between freshness and maturity. There’s lovely fruit and minerality on the complex nose, with apple, citrus and a hint of stone fruits leading to an almondy finish on the palate. Just fantastic quality!

*All prices valid until 26th April 2010