G.H. Martel & Cie Champagne

This bubbly producer is in the Champagne region of France. The Tabourin family founded G.H. Martel & Co. in 1869 and in 1901 another Champagne house named Ernest Rapeneau acquired a major stake in the business, continuing its involvement and into the current day. In fact, Christophe, the grandson of Ernest, serves as cellar master and oenologist at the estate.

Like other Champagne houses, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are grown by G.H. Martel & Co. A dozen different Champagnes are produced all falling within two collections: Martel Range and Victoire Range. Prices per bottle at retail (around $21-$40) are affordable when compared to other Champagne producers, but their values increase with age and at auction. Visitors to the tasting room or boutique can tour the facility’s medieval chalk quarries that date back several centuries.

Quick Facts

• The winery’s Brut Champagne Cuvée Victoire Premier Cru NV scored 91 points from “Wine Spectator Magazine” in December of 2012
• In a blind tasting in 2002 of various Champagnes and sparkling wines organized by “Which?” magazine from London, the Prestige Brut Champagne NV placed third
• G.H. Martel & Co. houses an eco-museum at its tasting and visitor facility