Collection: Gosset

Gosset, the oldest wine house in Champagne.

Its history dates back to 1584, some 150 - 200 years before some of the grand household names of Champagne also still around today even came into existence.

Pierre Gosset originally founded the house to produce still red wines, very popular at the time (and for the next century or so) with the kings of France. But of course, in the 18th Century, the Gosset House joined the rising, bubbling revolution in associating the region with the Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines, severing its tradition of serving still reds to its rolling heads, and writing a new history. Whilst Gosset might today be one of the smallest of the Grande Marque ("great brand") Champagne producers, its history and reputation are deeply embedded with each and every bottle. Literally every bottle- the iconic narrow-necked flasked bottle shape synonymous with the brand has been used by Gosset since that bubbling revolution of the 18th Century!

Gosset work with more than 200 growers in 70-odd Grand and Premier Cru sites around Champagne, and their signature style avoids malolactic fermentation (the conversion of tart, sharp malic acid to buttery, soft lactic acid) to preserve fruit purity and terroir. They are also renowned for the lengthy time the ferments spend maturing on their lees; whilst Champagne dictates that non-vintage cuvées spend 2-3 years resting in the cellar, developing their tertiary characteristics prior to disgorgement and release, Gosset's Grande Réserve spends a minimum of 4 years, and the prestige wines can spend up to 15 years, resulting in cuvées of incredible complexity and ageability. - Peta W

The Oldest Wine House in Champagne ‚– Aï 1584

Established since 1584, Gosset is one of the smallest Grande Marque Champagne producers. Whilst the champagnes that they produce have never been plentiful in quantity, they have distinguished themselves with the consistently superb quality throughout the entire range of champagnes produced. Remaining a family owned house, the Gosset family sold the business to the Cointreau family nearly 20 years ago.

Starting with their flagship champagne, the superbly aged Grande Reserve multi-vintage, it is clear that they have sought to exceed all standards required by the region. Firstly, and most strikingly, the presentation is remarkable in heavy dark antique bottles that are unique to Gosset. Instead of aging this champagne for 3 years on lees before bottling, Gosset have aged this blend for four and half years. After bottling, this champagne is then aged a further 6 months in their cool cellars before they permit this champagne to be sold.

From the superbly smooth and well rounded flavours of the Grande Reserve to the elegance and perfume of the brilliant Grand Rose champagne to the incomparable Grand Millesime vintage it is clear that these champagnes have been conceived for the most demanding champagne enthusiast. Whilst the vintage champagnes are only released in the very best years, the cellaring capacity of Gosset champagnes in those select vintages is well documented.

In the superb 1985 vintage (just after their 400th anniversary in 1984), a special selection of vintage champagne was produced with the inception of Gosset Celebris. Only 4 vintages of this champagne have been released since that time with 1998 vintage being the most recent. More recently Gosset have once again started production of a vintage Rose with the introduction of the Celebris Rose to the range during August 2004.

Gosset can usually be found in the very best restaurants in Europe and throughout the world. From El Bulli in Spain to The Waterside in the UK and throughout leading three star restaurants in France including Alain Ducasse, Taillevent, Arpege and Lucas Carton.

- Importer Note