The Emperor Edition

Maddison Sutton
Biodynamic and Organic Viticulture with Champagne Yves Ruffin

Biodynamic and Organic Viticulture with Champagne Yves Ruffin

Over half a century of environmentally respectful farming is at the heart of Yves Ruffin. His three hectares situated Avenay Val d’Or and Tauxières were converted to organic farming 50 years ago, a move that went against the trends of the time. He was a pioneer, one that ignored and challenged the critics during a time when winegrowers and technicians didn’t take into consideration the impact their actions were having on the environment. Yves’s son, Thierry, carried on his tradition and contributed to developing alternative cultivation methods. In 2007, his wife, Sylvie, succeeded him and still today continues production with...

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Maddison Sutton
Continuing a Legacy: Champagne Sadi Malot

Continuing a Legacy: Champagne Sadi Malot

The adventure of this family of winegrowers began with Sadi Malot at the beginning of the 20th century. The son of a Champagne grower with an odd first name was so named because he was born on the day of the assassination of the President of the French Republic, Sadi Carnot (1887-1894). Unfortunately, Sadi Malot was mobilised in the First World War and died at the front. His brother, Socrate Malot, decided to pay tribute to him by naming his eldest son after him. Today Cindy Malot is the fifth generation and she runs the estate with her family. Cindy...

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Maddison Sutton
Discover De Sousa: The Next Generation

Discover De Sousa: The Next Generation

The House of De Sousa has one of the most exciting stories of Champagne. Manuel de Sousa, a Portuguese, fought alongside his French brothers in WW1, survived Verdun and started a family in Avize after the war. Antoine, the eldest son, began working in the cellars of Champagne Lebrun. He returned after WW2, met his future wife Zoémie Bonville, and founded their own champagne house with her. Their son Erick got into winemaking in the 90s, abandoning pesticides early on and producing biodynamic wine from 2010. The family runs just over 9 hectares, most of which in Avize but also...

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Maddison Sutton
Champagne Christmas Feast

Champagne Christmas Feast

It's the most wonderful time of year, so have you got your festive celebrations sorted yet? Unlike our Northern Hemisphere friends, Australian Christmas' are full of blue skies, sunshine and warm days . It's normal for us to gather for Christmas Day BBQ's and picnics at the beach and park with loved ones. This year we've taken the hard work out of deciding what to serve. Make the ultimate Christmas dinner with these festive dishes and champagne pairings. Choose from classic mains, like chargrilled prawns, roast pork or glazed ham, plus try a side of a refreshing summer salad. To finish...

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