Sunrise in Cramant, 9.11.22 (photo taken by Julien Lancelot, a few minutes before I arrived at Lancelot-Pienne)
I’ve just returned from my final trip to Champagne this year. The slightly scary-looking spreadsheet of notes is fast approaching six hundred lines, so it’s time to think about organising the report, checking the not-inconsiderable amount of information to include alongside, and awarding my favourite wines of the year.
Then, it’s the small task of tackling around 60 hours of recorded interviews with growers and winemakers, from tiny independents to cellar masters of some of the region’s best-known names. What for?
A special focus on Blanc de Blancs and Champagne’s top Chardonnay specialists
A look at how Champagne’s environmental agenda is progressing
An up-to date look at the last decade of Champagne vintages
and more….
In fact, the hardest thing will be deciding what not to include.
Launch - the 4th December! There will be an instagram live at 6pm as the report goes live at timatkin.com.
In the meantime, the Substack will be on pause. I’m keeping my instagram up to date with details and photos from my latest visits, though, so do check it out.
Santé!
Tom