Pommery Summer Party by Neil Cammies
As the cotton wool clouds rolled over Fine Wine Direct UK on Penarth Road something was afoot. The setting of a rather lovely summer party was being prepared, with Champagne Pommery front and centre.
After the success of last year’s wine event what better way than celebrate than to fill everyone’s glass with a drop of fabulous fizz. The team at Fine Wines Direct UK made sure we had a glass in hand and fun was being enjoyed by all… this coming together is becoming an absolute must in the Cardiff social calendar.
Champagne Pommery was founded as a wool-and-wine firm in Reims, France, in 1858 by Alexandre Louis Pommery and Narcisse Greno. Madame Pommery discovered she was expecting a child, at the age of 38. This miraculous pregnancy, more than 17 years after her first, would change the Pommery’s lives forever. To provide for his baby daughter, Mr Pommery decided to go back into business. But the wool industry was in crisis. However, the Champagne trade was booming…
When she took over as head of Pommery upon her husband’s death, Madame Pommery began expanding her company with a focus on creating wines that were like no other. She was driven by the constant standard for extreme quality. She was aware of the importance of grape origin to wine quality; over the years, she built up one of the finest vineyards in Champagne.
In 1874, Pommery invented the Brut Champagne. “‘We need a wine that is as dry as possible, but without rigidity… It should be soft and velvety on the palate… Above all, make sure it has finesse’.”
It was a revolution in Champagne. It was met with sarcasm and disbelief from many, but it was an unprecedented success. Under Madame Pommery’s impetus, the Pommery style became known as ‘full of finesse and cheery lightness’.
It can be tasted today in the Brut Royal and Cuvée Louise. It is always different, ever unique after slow ageing in the shadows of the chalk cellars.
Today, the estate measures 50 hectares, which is the equivalent of the Louvre, the Tuileries, and the Place de la Concorde combined. The buildings and landscaped gardens are just as fascinating to tourists as they are to art and architecture historians, making it one the most extraordinary wine properties to visit in the world.
And now in Cardiff we all enjoyed each others company with a glass in hand. Nearly 200 guests, through the course of the evening attended, enjoying not only a flute of happiness but also a rather delicious smashed burger, lovingly prepared by Sam, of Pasture restaurant fame, as if things weren’t fabulous enough already.
We know that Champagne should be popped when celebrating, but what better excuse than to get involved with the bubbles if you are having a rough time, a good time or a perfectly normal time.
Neil Cammies
Former columnist for the Western Mail and is now working for Fine Wines Direct UK. Hosting tastings, building client relationships, and writing about his experiences in the wine trade.
