Rare Champagne masterclass at DFWE London: A vertical tasting of iconic millésimes
Join us for an exclusive vertical tasting of Rare Champagne, hosted by chief winemaker Émilien Boutillat and Decanter’s Natalie Earl. This masterclass will showcase eight exceptional vintages, offering a journey through one of the world's most prestigious Champagne houses.
Rare Champagne traces its roots back to 6 May, 1785, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck met Queen Marie Antoinette, expressing his desire to create a cuvée ‘worthy of a queen’. Two centuries later, the brand released its first vintage, Rare Millésime 1976.
In the past four decades, Rare Champagne has declared only 14 vintages, each representing the most exceptional years in Champagne.
A vertical tasting like no other
This tasting offers a unique opportunity to explore the diversity and longevity of Rare Champagne. These wines undergo malolactic fermentation and avoid oak ageing, allowing them to evolve gracefully over time.
In this masterclass, participants will experience how vintages develop in complexity as they age. Produced in limited quantities, each vintage showcases the finest years.
Guests will also compare two vintages from 2006 and 2008 — bottled in magnums, which age more slowly, providing deeper insight into Rare Champagne’s remarkable longevity.
An exclusive world preview
As a highlight of the masterclass, guests will be among the first to taste Rare Champagne’s newest Millésime, set for release in November 2024. This exclusive preview offers a glimpse into the future of Rare Champagne and its continued dedication to excellence.
Wines to be tasted:
(scroll down to see scores and tasting notes)
Rare, Rosé Millésime, Champagne, France 2012
Rare, Rosé Millésime, Champagne, France 2014
Rare, Millesime, Champagne, France 2013
Rare, Millésime, Champagne, France 2008 (magnum)
Rare, Millésime, Champagne, France 2006 (magnum)
Rare, Millésime, Champagne, France 2002
Rare, Millésime, Champagne, France 1988
Exclusive release
This masterclass delves into the essence of Rare Champagne, led by Émilien Boutillat, who preserves its noble heritage while embracing innovation. Each bottle tells a story, offering tasters the chance to appreciate the subtleties that define Rare Champagne as the Jewel of Champagne.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to vintage cuvées, this masterclass promises an unforgettable journey through elegance, history, and exquisite taste.
Tickets are strictly limited so we recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Buy tickets
Essential information
Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London
Date: Saturday 16 November 2024 from 11am to 5:30pm
Location: The Landmark London, NW1 6JQ
Price: Grand Tasting tickets £115 | with Cellar Collection access £155 | Masterclass tickets from £155
Related articles
- Decanter Fine Wine Encounter: A global line-up for 2024
- DFWE London 2024: Tickets on sale now
- Decanter Fine Wine Encounter makes grand debut in Singapore: Tickets are on sale now!
Rare, Rosé Brut, Champagne, France, 2012
Delicate and coy, the 2012 concedes notes of rose, cherry blossom and orange blossom, and the fruit comes through much later. There's still an opulence...
2012
Rare
Rare, Rosé Brut, Champagne, France, 2014
Abundant aromas of flowers and cherry blossom, red berries and black cherry and a hint of spice. Despite the fruity and floral character, the palate...
2014
Rare
Rare, Champagne, France, 2013
Initially cool and breezy on the nose, like sea spray and freshly sliced lemons. As it warms, it shows fresh pineapple, coconut, Sorrento lemons and...
2013
Rare
Rare, Brut, Champagne, France, 2008
A structured and powerful vintage that is superbly balanced. Toasted coconut, grey wisps of smoke and crushed stones overlay mango and pineapple, vanilla and spice....
2008
Rare
Rare, Champagne, France, 2006
A gorgeous opulence tinges this vintage of Rare, a richness and generosity that is irresistible. It's both savoury and fruity, with notes of praline, spiced...
2006
Rare
Rare, Champagne, France, 2002
Just a joy. Pure delight. There's no escaping this Champagne's warmth, charisma and charm, so intense is the aromatic display and so complex the palate....
2002
Rare
