SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL AND CHAMPAGNE POL ROGER – A LASTING FRIENDSHIP

The relationship between Champagne Pol Roger and Sir Winston Churchill dates back to a providential meeting at a luncheon given by the British Ambassador to France some months after the liberation of Paris at which was served the sumptuous 1928 vintage of Pol Roger. Attending the lunch was the beautiful Odette Pol-Roger as well as the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, with whom she struck up an instant rapport. A friendship was born which continued until Churchill’s death, creating links between the Pol-Roger and Churchill families which are still as strong to chis day.
The pressures of his post sadly prevented Churchill ever paying a visit to 44 Avenue de Champagne, the home of Champagne Pol Roger, but he nonetheless proclaimed it “the most drinkable address in the world”. As recompense for breaking his promise to visit, he sent Odette a copy of his Memoirs inscribed “Cuvee de Reserve, mise en bouteille au Chateau de Charcwell”. He even named one of his racehorses “Pol Roger” and the filly strode co victory at Kempton Park in 1953, Coronation Year.

THE STORY OF THE VINTAGE

 On the whole winter was mild and dry, however there was a cold snap at the beginning of February. Following cool and rainy weather in early spring, unseasonal warm weather prevailed in late March, favoring an advanced bud break. This was followed in turn by rain, mild weather and five spells of frost in April and May, of which two gave cause for concern. Furthermore, some vineyards were hit by hail on a number of occasions. These climatic challenges made for great variation in the development of the grapes. Hot, sunny weather from late July through to the first days of September, ensured that the grapes reached an ideal maturity. The yields were low, but the grapes were in excellent health. Ha1vesting lasted from 10th to 26th September. The 20l2 crop showed a potential average alcohol content of 0.6′ and a total acidity of 7.8 g/1 H2SO4.

Wines to be served:
Pol Roger Brut NV
Pol Roger Brut 2012
Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs 2012
Pol Roger Winston Churchill 2012
Pol Roger Rose 2012