Champagne’s Great Debate Is Not So Great

Rumors of rivalry between big houses and growers have been greatly exaggerated

Wine Spectator senior editor Alison Napjus
Alison Napjus, senior editor and lead taster for Champagne, highlights that both grower producer and big house Champagnes have merit on the market and in your glass. (Rick Wenner)

Alison Napjus, senior editor and lead taster for Champagne, explains the difference between the region’s récoltants-manipulants (grower producers) and négociants-manipulants (big houses) and why both business styles can produce top-shelf bubbly worthy of your time, consideration and enjoyment. Get the column from Wine Spectator’s Dec. 31, 2024, issue here!

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