A triumph for South African wine retailers: La Maison Pommery selects Vinimark to bring its prestigious award-winning French Champagne to local shelves
La Maison Pommery, an illustrious Champagne producer, has captivated wine lovers since its founding in the 1800s, with its unmistakable style characterised by freshness, finesse and vivacity. This traditional Champagne house from Reims, France, which boasts a remarkable legacy and significance in the history of Champagne-making, has selected leading local company Vinimark as its sole South African distributor. The renowned Champagne, once only a dream for local shelves, will soon be available here.
The brand’s iconic royal-blue branding is already a familiar sight in more than 100 countries, and now the esteemed house, which is renowned for popularising Brut Champagne, adds our country to an expanding list of global appreciators.
Says Vinimark Brand Portfolio Director Helen Kock, ‘We are incredibly excited to welcome Champagne Pommery to our growing portfolio. Madame Pommery’s bold innovation with the creation of Brut Champagne transformed the industry, setting a new standard for elegance and refinement. Her legacy lives on, and we’re honoured to offer this timeless expression of Champagne to South African wine lovers.’
Pommery has solidified its status as an award-winning legacy brand recognised globally, thanks to the consistent quality achieved through the extended ageing of each of its cuvées. All grapes are meticulously picked on the same day to preserve their quality, reflecting Pommery’s dedication to a careful winemaking process, and no machinery is used during harvesting to ensure that the grapes arrive at the press in perfect condition. Each sip reveals the sophistication crafted through this scrupulous attention to detail.
The Champagne Pommery releases that will be distributed through Vinimark are:
Pommery Brut Royal NV, a fresh and refined blend of 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 33% Pinot Meunier, which is sourced from prestigious villages like Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Its lively nose and full-bodied long-lasting palate showcase vibrant freshness with delicate red fruit notes. Aged for at least three years, this Champagne won Bronze at the 2024 Decanter Awards and Gold at the Champagne Masters 2024, reflecting La Maison Pommery’s signature elegance.
Pommery Apanage Blanc de Blancs NV, made entirely from Chardonnay. This wine is the most awarded on the list, with top honours at Champagne Masters 2023 and 2024. Pale gold with hints of green, it’s aged for more than four years, offering fresh citrus, jasmine and acacia aromas, and the palate is lively, with notes of pomelo and white fruits. Known for its finesse and balance, this refined Champagne is a staple in Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide.
Pommery Brut Royal Rosé NV, a delicate variation of the Brut Royal, which is aged for three years and features a pale-pink hue with salmon undertones. Crafted with 7% Pinot Noir from Bouzy and combined with other wines vinified in white, it won silver at the Champagne Masters in 2023 and 2024. The nose reveals fresh red berries, while the palate is supple, robust and refreshingly lively.
Pommery Royal Blue Sky NV, a Demi Sec blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier designed to be served over ice. Complex aromas of dried figs, almonds and honey are on the nose, while the fresh silky palate features ripe mango and orange marmalade. With its higher alcohol content, bright pale-yellow colour and refreshing twist, it provides a unique and bold tasting experience.
With its rich heritage and impeccable flavours, Pommery is quick to steal the hearts of all who raise a glass to their lips. Retailers and restaurateurs who are keen to offer these exceptional Champagnes to customers should email ReaganC@vinimark.co.za.