Born from a historic vineyard in Reims and almost two decades of patience, Maison Pompadour introduces a new expression of French luxury to Australia.
A new Champagne Maison is entering the world stage with the launch of Maison Pompadour, making its Australian debut this spring. A project almost two decades in the making, rooted in a 130-year-old Clos and founded on a singular belief: that the future of Champagne can only be shaped by looking deeply into its past.
Created by Paul-François Vranken, Maison Pompadour is the first new Champagne Maison created by the group in the 21st century. At its heart lies the Clos Pompadour, a historic walled vineyard in the heart of Reims, where the first harvest was recorded in 1896.
The Clos was established by Henry Vasnier, right-hand to Madame Pommery, an art lover and visionary of the 19th century, who imagined the vineyard as a place of experimentation, precision and harmony between nature and craftsmanship. Planted on the characteristic chalk soils of Champagne, its walls create a distinctive microclimate that encourages earlier ripening and contributes to the site’s unique expression. Today, this remarkable piece of Champagne heritage is entering a new era.
“Almost fifty years to the day, I am creating today a new Champagne Maison.”
“We set out in search of a new champagne, the unique fruit of time and the best origins – a joyful, elegant symbiosis between two extraordinary working lives: Henry Vasnier’s and mine,” says Paul-François Vranken, Founder and Chairman of Maison Pommery & Associés.
“At the heart of Maison Pompadour, the conviction is that tomorrow will always be better than yesterday. It is this new vision that we would like to share.”
Maison Pompadour’s journey began in 2003, when the wines from Clos were first isolated to explore their individual character. Over the following two decades, the wines were matured in magnums, while the team refined the blends, presentation and philosophy behind the new Maison.
The philosophy is simple, yet uncompromising: time is an essential ingredient in exceptional Champagne. The launch introduces two remarkable expressions of this philosophy.
“We are extremely excited to bring these exceptional new cuvées to the Australian market and to share the rich history and unique story of Maison Pompadour with Champagne connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.” says Inge Fransen, CEO of Vranken-Pommery Australia. “We look forward to seeing the wonderful culinary collaborations and experiences that will emerge from the discovery of these premium and truly unique creations.”
Maison Pompadour, ultimately, is an invitation to discover something rare: the meeting of time, place, savoir-faire and imagination in a new expression of Champagne.
THE CUVEES – TWO EXPRESSIONS OF THE CLOS POMPADOUR
Clos Pompadour Blanc de Blancs 2017 reflects the singular character of the vineyard, drawing on the historic “Pompadour” mass selection and combining the elegance of the 2017 vintage with the distinctive minerality of the Clos. 100% Chardonnay and partially vinified in sandstone eggs.
The nose combines honey and vanilla with greengage and tangerine, unfolding notes of verbena, orange blossom and bergamot. The palate opens with a clean, mineral attack and a chiselled, silky texture, closing on a persistent finish of iodine and lemon.
Alongside it, Pompadour Brut Réserve NV offers a fascinating exploration of time. Created following 22 years of cellaring of the vintage magnums from the Clos Pompadour, its liqueur d’expédition derives its distinctive character from a blend of this unique collection. The result is a Champagne of remarkable complexity and depth.
The first impression is precise and vibrant, driven by fresh minerality. Notes of notes of ripe yellow fruit, rose, vanilla and white pepper appear. The palate is fleshy yet delicate, revealing opulent fruit and remarkable depth. The long, harmonious finish lingers with brilliance and elegance.
