Champagne Tsarine
Champagne house in Reims, Montagne de Reims.
- Village
- Reims
- Region
- Montagne de Reims
- Founded
- 1996
- Cuvées in the guide
- 11
Champagne Tsarine is a brand of the champagne house Chanoine Frères, based in Reims, and is part of the Lanson-BCC group. The brand name is a tribute to the Russian tsarinas, in particular Elisabeth Petrovna, who was crowned in 1741 and held champagne from France in high regard. The house of Chanoine Frères was founded in 1730 in Épernay, but Tsarine was launched as a specific brand in 1996 by Philippe Baijot, who acquired the rights to the name and brought the brand back to market.
History and Design
The creation of Tsarine was inspired by the historic link between the house of Chanoine and the Russian court. The iconic, twisted bottle was designed by Philippe Baijot, inspired by an antique decanter he saw at a dinner in Reims in 1996. The design symbolises elegance and femininity and was produced exclusively by a glassblower in Venice, because no French glassblower could achieve the size and shape. The brand celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026 with a limited edition cuvée.
Vineyards and Production Location
Although Chanoine Frères was originally active in Épernay, the production of Tsarine takes place in Reims at a modern production site of 30,000 m². The grapes are harvested from various communes in Champagne, including Premier Cru and Grand Cru areas. The vineyards mainly comprise the three classic champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The wines are made with respect for the terroir, with Chardonnay providing freshness and finesse, Pinot Noir structure and Pinot Meunier fruity roundness.
Working Methods and Cheffe de Cave
The Tsarine champagnes are blended under the direction of Isabelle Tellier, who has been cheffe de cave since 2001. She strives for a perfect balance and harmony between the grape varieties. The production system is ultramodern and manages automatic riddling, disgorgement and packaging under controlled temperature and hygrometry. Tsarine takes a sustainable approach to minimise its environmental impact. The style of the champagnes is characterised by freshness, elegance and a low dosage in certain cuvées.
Champagnes and Cuvées
Tsarine offers a wide range of champagnes, ranging from accessible basic casks to prestigious editions:
- Cuvée Premium Brut: A classic blend of 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Meunier and 33% Pinot Noir.
- Brut Rosé: A balanced mix of the three classic grape varieties.
- Extra Brut: With a low dosage of 3 g/l and 4 years of ageing.
- Millésimé: Composed of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier from one specific harvest.
- Premier Cru: 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay from Premier Cru communes.
- Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Millésimé: 100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru areas (such as Avize, Cramant, Oger) of a single year.
- Précision N°15: A new, limited collection with low dosage, focused on the expression of specific terroirs.
- Tzarina by Adriana: A blend of the three classic grapes in equal parts, sometimes with Pinot Noir aged in wood.
Cuvées by Tsarine
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Tsarine: Vinify.
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