rating B+

standout Winston Churchill’s favourite house

about first wine made in 1849 by Pol Roger in Aÿ, settling on champagne production in 1855 for the English market. A renewed focus on quality after World War Two saw new releases such as Vintage Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, and Sir Winston Churchill, and expansion of plantings now totalling 92ha. 1.7m bottles made (140,000 cases). Beloved of British wine writers and examiners.

wines tasted

Brut Réserve NV ($65)

Equal parts of all three Champagne varieties, as well as 25% reserve wines. Pinot Noir comes from Montagne de Reims, Chardonnay from around Epernay and Côte des Blancs, and Meunier from around Epernay and Vallée de la Mare: the blend is a classic representation of non-vintage champagne, though it veers towards the tart side. Like most of the big houses, the non-vintage is a perfect introduction to the house style. Four years lees ageing.

Brut Vintage ($120)

60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from twenty Grands and Premiers Crus in Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. A more powerful, concentrated, and ageworthy version of the non-vintage, with mature tertiary aromas as well as a clear lees influence. 2012 and 2015 tasted; current release 2016.

website https://www.polroger.com/en/

email polroger@polroger.fr

phone +33 3 26 59 58 00

address 1, Rue Winston Churchill, Epernay