Attention, Champagne lovers! Marquis Wine Cellars is very happy to announce the return of two of our all-time favourite Champagne producers; Gaston Chiquet and Paul Bara. The quality of wine produced by these two houses is astonishing and when you consider the ridiculously low prices for the wines, these are the type of Champagne to purchase by the case. All the wines have personality, style and elegance and will assuredly deliver an amazing and enjoyable drinking experience.
Champagne Gaston Chiquet:
This house is one of the larger artisan producers in Champagne, with a total 23 hectares under vine spread across 45 parcels in Hautvillers, Ay and
Mareuil-sur-Ay. While grower Champagnes have become all the rage in recent years, brothers Fernand and Gaston Chiquet were among the first, if not the first, growers to bottle and sell their own wines, something that was groundbreaking all the way back in 1919. Champagne Gaston Chiquet is unique for the relatively high percentage of Pinot Meunier in their vineyards (40%) and for their Blanc de Blancs grown in Ay, believed to be one of just two 100% Chardonnay Champagnes being made in this village famous for its Pinot Noir. Nicolas Chiquet favours malolactic fermentation for his wines and he likes to keep his dosage levels at the lower end of the spectrum. These are wines imbued with extraordinary personality and character.
Champagne Gaston Chiquet Tradition N/V - $47.90
"This is very restrained, even discreet and it requires a good 15 minutes of aeration to coax reluctant aromas of dried white flowers, brioche and citrus nuances to come out and play. The delicious and strongly effervescent flavors offer a bit more depth and culminate in a linear and somewhat angular finish. This appears to have very good material and excellent intensity but it's quite youthful and clearly in need of additional cellar age." - Allen Meadows, The Burghound Issue 36 90 points
Buy
Champagne Gaston Chiquet Rosé N/V - $49.90
"A rosé with some grip, this shows a touch of anise, with strawberry and vanilla flavors. Rich and vibrant, with a lingering finish. Should have broad appeal. Drink now."
- The Wine Spectator Online 89 points
Buy
Champagne Gaston Chiquet Spécial Club 2000 - $64.90
"The initial notes of aromatic development are now showing with noticeable hints of yeast and toast that add breadth to the still very fresh and airy lemon rind and floral notes that introduce delicious, pure, racy and beautifully intense flavors that are supported by moderate plus effervescence and a lovely toasty character on the complex and lingering finish. This has arrived at the stage where those who enjoy their wines on the younger side could approach this with pleasure though personally, I would allow it to remain in the cellar for another 3 to 5 years."
- Allen Meadows, The Burghound Issue 36 92 points
Buy
Champagne Paul Bara: 
Established in Bouzy in 1833, a village whose name appears in the inventory of wines of the Chateau of Versailles, on a renowned terroir classified 100% Grand Cru, the House of Bara has been handed down from generation to generation for more than 170 years, always respecting the traditional values of the family. Over the decades, Bara Champagne has maintained its traditional character, while evolving technologically to perfect its independence and constantly improve the quality of its production. Now managed expertly by Chantale Bara, the House of Paul Bara is a member of the very select "Club Trésors de Champagne", quality circle of Estate Champagnes, and member of the famous Bouzy Wine Academy. This long experience, this love of the wine and the terroir, the respect of ancestral methods and the ageing of their wines deep in chalk cellars are all assets that contribute to the renown of the Paul Bara brand.
Champagne Paul Bara Brut Réserve N/V - $54.90
"A pretty mix of classic Champagne aromas combines light yeast, floral and citrus aromas nuanced with green apple hints that are also reflected by the round and relatively approachable flavors that are tangy but not especially effervescent and culminate in an utterly delicious and borderline sappy finish. This is really quite vinous and the palate impression is almost one where the winemaker took wine and added bubbles. For those who like low effervescence, this would be a good one to consider."
- Allen Meadows, The Burghound Issue 36 89 points
Buy
Champagne Paul Bara Brut Rosé N/V - $59.90
"A distinctly fruity yet elegant nose features hints of red berries, including strawberry as well as citrus notes that can also be found on the crisp and pretty flavors that are very much influenced by the pinot in the blend and even the Bouzy shows up even if it's a background nuance. I like this as it's quite refreshing and fun to drink even if it could use a bit more complexity to ascend to the next level."
- Allen Meadows, The Burghound Issue 36 90 points
Buy
*Prices and availability subject to change without notice.