A widow was instrumental in pioneering the popular Brut Champagne style 150 years ago, and today, a notable woman commemorates her legacy with the launch of an exclusive champagne.

Two glasses of Champagne

The cellar of Champagne Pommery

An unexpected explosion, followed by a cascading fountain of champagne and flying glass shards, alarmed the visitors greatly, some of whom trembled with fear. Yet, this did not deter them from returning, often with more friends and family in tow. They were drawn to a captivating adventure, plunging more than 100 feet below ground by descending 116 steps into a vast subterranean realm adorned with dramatic sculptures etched into the chalk walls. This extraordinary experience, a pinnacle of amusement during those times, was surprisingly the achievement of one individual—a widow from the late 19th century in the renowned Champagne wine region.

A tableau carved into the Pommery cellar walls

In 1868, Madame Pommery initiated a significant construction project in Reims, located in the illustrious Champagne region of France. This venture extended over 11 miles and delved deep into the earth’s chalk-rich strata. Being an art enthusiast, Madame Pommery had an artist sculpt legendary scenes into the chalk walls, which came to life as visitors illuminated them with candles while touring the tunnels beneath the Champagne Pommery estate. At the time, creating thicker glass Champagne bottles to withstand internal pressure was unknown, leading to occasional bottle explosions. Ingeniously, Madame Pommery supplied visitors with fencing masks for protection against such accidents.

In a groundbreaking move in 1874, Madame Pommery introduced the iconic Pommery Brut Champagne. Before this, most Champagnes were sweetened heavily with sugar and considered dessert wines. Madame Pommery’s creation of the dry Brut style redefined Champagne as a beverage suitable for consumption before, during meals, or on its own.

To commemorate this significant innovation, the Vranken family, current owners of Champagne Pommery, led by the formidable Nathalie and her daughter Pauline, is releasing a special cuvée named Apanage 1874.

Champagne Pommery ‘Apanage 1874’ Brut NV

Six years prior, Champagne Pommery’s cellar master Clément Pierlot was entrusted by Nathalie Vranken with the significant duty to craft a special champagne to celebrate Madame Pommery’s illustrious accomplishments. He concocted a blend predominantly sourcing great vintages from 2018, 2015, and 2012, supplemented with 18% reserve wines from the ancient Pommery vaults for added intricacy. The blend primarily involves Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from stellar vineyards including those of Premier or Grand Cru status, and rare plots such as the Les Clos Pompadour on Pommery’s estate. This vineyard is among the esteemed enclosed vineyards in the Champagne region, renowned globally. Clément believes that Apanage 1874 aligns with the maison’s historic practices, merging the “delicacy and precision of a modern creation with the depth and complexity of the Pommery legacy.”

Madame Pommery

Madame Pommery was a celebrated supporter of the arts, transforming the Pommery cellars into a stunning art gallery through her patronage. Continuing this legacy, current proprietor Nathalie Vranken mirrors this profound art enthusiasm, annually hosting the EXPERIENCE POMMERY exhibit for two decades, featuring over 300 international artists within the Gallo-Roman cellars of the estate. Acknowledging its cultural and historical significance, the Pommery estate has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.

Pommery Victorian-style estate

Art has always been a driving force in Nathalie’s life and everything about Pommery, the innovation to excel with making sparkling Champagne wine, the gorgeous Pommery Victorian-style estate with Gallo-Roman cellars and the dedication to art for over a century, represents everything she loves about her favorite artists: innovation, excellence, commitment, beauty and soul. Yet recently, other famous Champagne houses have also taken on art projects and Nathalie thought that perhaps it was time to stop her art exhibition at Pommery as it seemed the combination of art and Champagne was everywhere now. For a brief moment, she questioned herself, saying, “Is this it? Am I done?” then, the minute she said it, that passion reignited within her and she fiercely stated, “No, I want to do it forever.”

And so, she called her latest exhibition “Forever,” bringing in many of the past creative works of art that have thrilled guests over the years. At the center of the exhibition is a gigantic sculpture in the shape of a pink heart that represents a heart that beats forever. The heart started with Madame Pommery and today it continues with Nathalie, 150 years of devotion that would transport Champagne lovers to a world of radiance and magic.

Champagne Pommery ‘Apanage 1874’ Brut NV

Champagne Pommery ‘Apanage 1874’ Brut NV features primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourced from premium Grand Cru and Premier Cru locations, including Pommery’s exclusive Les Clos Pompadour, with a minor addition of Pinot Meunier. This exceptional Champagne is crafted using top vintages from the last 15 years, predominantly from 2018, 2015, and 2012, complemented by 18% older reserve wines. This combination provides an intricate complexity, celebrating a significant milestone. It exhibits a captivating aroma of freshly baked brioche, complemented by hazelnut and white flowers, with a palate of creamy fine bubbles, vivid lemon curd, and peach crumble, all balanced by sharp acidity and a lingering mineral-laden finish.

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