Champagne G.H. Mumm

Champagne house in Reims, Montagne de Reims.

Village: Reims
Region: Montagne de Reims
Founded: 1827
Cuvées in the guide: 6

G.H.‌ Mumm is an iconic champagne house from Reims, founded in 1827 by the German brothers Gottlieb, Jacobus and Philipp Mumm. The house is owned by the Pernod Ricard group and is known for its strong focus on Pinot Noir, which gives it a distinctive "Reims style" profile.

History

The company was founded under the leadership of Georges Hermann Mumm, who introduced the Cordon Rouge brand as a symbol of quality. In 1852 the house temporarily split into G.H. Mumm & Co and Jules Mumm, but in 1910 the rights were merged again. Because of the family's German origins, the house was expropriated during the First and Second World Wars and taken over by Dubonnet and the French state respectively, after which the family later returned. In 1969 Mumm was taken over by Seagram, and in 2001 it passed to Pernod Ricard.

Vineyards

The champagne house owns 218 hectares of vineyards, of which 160 hectares are classified Grand Cru. The grapes are grown in prestigious communes such as Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Cramant. The blend generally consists of 45% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Meunier. The house grows about a third of the grapes it needs itself; the rest are purchased from contract growers.

Approach

Mumm uses a modern, automated approach but retains manual processes for the prestige cuvées. The grapes are pressed immediately after harvest to prevent oxidation, and the wine is stored in stainless steel tanks (no more oak barrels). The méthode champenoise is used, with the Cuvée René Lalou still being riddled by hand, while gyropalettes are used for the other champagnes. The champagnes mature on the lees; the Cordon Rouge, for example, for at least 2.5 years.

Champagnes

The portfolio ranges from accessible bruts to exclusive prestige cuvées:

Cordon Rouge: The iconic brut sans année, responsible for 80% of turnover, recognisable by its red ribbon.
Cuvée René Lalou: The cuvée de prestige, named after the former chairman, from 12 grand cru communes.
Mumm de Cramant: A Blanc de Blancs of 100% Chardonnay from Cramant, known for its finesse and minerality.
Rosé Brut: A rosé champagne made by adding red wine from villages such as Bouzy and Les Riceys.
Brut Millésimé: Vintage wines produced only in exceptional years.

Cuvées by G.H. Mumm

G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon 1985

Brut · 1985

Mumm Cordon Rouge

Brut

The signature cuvée of the house with the red ribbon.

Mumm Le Rosé

Rosé

Rosé with delicately fruity flavours.

Mumm Mumm 4

Brut

Non-vintage Brut cuvée.

Mumm RSRV Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Blancs · 100% Chardonnay

100% Grand Cru Chardonnay from Cramant.

Mumm RSRV Blanc de Noirs

Blanc de Noirs · 100% Pinot Noir

100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir from Verzenay.

Importers

G.H. Mumm is imported by: HANOS, Pernod Ricard Nederland.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying G.H. Mumm: Christian Winecellars, HANOS, Muselet, Vinify.

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