Madame Rosé — that is my nickname.
Of course, I prefer to taste rosés.
When 24 h isn’t enough
This year, I almost didn’t make it to the Estonian Wine Fair in Tallinn. As a communication expert, I had a reputation management training to run at the Estonian Association of Cities and Municipalities seminar. Champagne is my passion, but storytelling and champagne are still my second profession — my love, my hobby.
So I made a decision.
Under time pressure, I chose just one masterclass. And I chose well.
I attended the Rare masterclass.
Rare Champagne – What Makes It Special
Rare is not just another champagne
Rare and Tridens
Rare Champagne (Rare Millésime), originally created by Piper-Heidsieck, belongs to the world of prestige cuvées — but with a very clear philosophy:
– it is not produced every year
– it is only created in exceptional vintages
– each release expresses a singular moment in time
This places Rare in the same philosophical family as Dom Pérignon, Krug and Bollinger.
And yes — you know my relationship with Barbe Nicole Ponsardin. She is a heroine in my books, both about champagne and about lifestyle. Especially when I write about women 50+ and their place in business. We are not invisible. And we do not ask for permission to be there.
The signature: the crown
Rare is unmistakable. Its golden crown symbolizes:
– rarity
– celebration
– almost a royal permission to exist
Taste: elegant, not loud. Rare is not about power. It is about precision and finesse.
Typical profile:
– citrus and white flowers
– brioche, almond
– mineral backbone
– long, clean finish
It feels more intellectual than seductive, more composed than explosive.
The magic of magnum
A magnum (1.5 L) is not just “more wine.”
It has its own logic:
– slower evolution
– better balance between acidity and maturity
– finer, softer bubbles
– more harmony than contrast
The journey through the glasses
Masterclass Champagne Rare
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Magnum
Fresh, vibrant, approachable. Citrus, green apple, light brioche.
Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Blancs Magnum
100% Chardonnay. Lemon, white flowers, chalky minerality.
Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 2014 Magnum
Cooler year, higher acidity. Citrus with a touch of brioche.
Piper-Heidsieck Vintage 2018 Magnum
Warmer year. Riper fruit — peach, apricot.
Rare 2008 Magnum
Exceptional acidity, precision, very long finish.
Rare 2012 Magnum
Richer, more mature. Honey, dried fruit, brioche.
This was not just a tasting
It was a journey from youth to self-aware maturity. And in the end, it is not about alcohol.
It is about stories, culture and experience.
Thank you, Tridens, for bringing Rare Champagne to Tallinn.
Grégoire Cabanel brought the spirit of Champagne to life with elegance, knowledge and true French charm. Through the world of Piper-Heidsieck and Rare Champagne, he guided us not only through flavours and vintages, but through stories, history and emotion.
Thank you, Grégoire, for an unforgettable masterclass — sophisticated, inspiring and full of sparkle.
Aitäh, KristiPloom, aitäh Triin Savi!