Luxury department store Fortnum & Mason has launched a limited edition vintage Champagne in honour of Prince Charles’ 70th birthday on 14 November.
Highgrove Brut Vintage Champagne 2013 has gone on sale at Fortnum & Mason priced at £55 a bottle, and is also available via the Highgrove website.
The fizz was made by grower Champagne producer Lelarge-Pugeot from 100% organic Pinot Meunier from the house’s northeast facing premier cru vineyards.
According to its makers, the Champagne is “rich and nutty, delivering extraordinary fresh lime notes and a beautiful purity of flavour”. The extra brut fizz is brought into the UK by Hallgarten & Novum Wines.
“After a rigorous selection process we are delighted to have chosen Champagne Lelarge-Pugeot as the producer to mark such a significant event in the royal calendar.
“It was the clear and unanimous winner from a blind tasting of 12 vintage grower Champagnes,” Fortnum & Mason wine buyer, Jamie Waugh, said.
The Lelarge family has been making wine since 1789 and Champagne since 1930.
Today the estate is headed up by seventh generation family member Dominique Lelarge, his wife Dominique Pugeot and their children, Clémence and Valentin.
Built in 1796, Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire is the home of The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. Within its grounds is the organically farmed Home Farm.
The gardens at Highgrove are open to the public between April and October. In addition to the limited edition 70th birthday Champagne, Highgrove also produces an English sparkling wine from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.
Priced at £29.95 a bottle, the English fizz is made by Kent producer Herbert Hall.
