Described by Forbes as “a leading example in the quiet revolution in champagne”, Frerejean Frères is very much at the forefront of the grower champagne movement, producing incredible, critically acclaimed wines at eye-wateringly good prices,
We have had the pleasure of knowing brothers Guillaume, Rodolphe & Richard since 2014, and over the last decade or so they have become clear favourites with Honest Grapes’ Club Members. It’s been a delight to share their wines at many of our tastings, where they regularly receive rave reviews from attendees. We were therefore delighted that Frerejean Frères agreed to partner with us on an exclusive kosher production of their superb non-vintage champagne!
The Frerejean Taittinger brothers come from a long line of cannon-makers who supplied the French army back in the Napoleonic Wars. They also happen to be cousins to the Taittinger family who run the famous Champagne house. Having grown up cycling through the Côte des Blancs, they have deeply rooted knowledge of the grapes and the land in their home of Avize – a Grand Cru village of Champagne. Their first efforts at making Champagne were for their friends and family, but in 2005 they decided to make their private passion an official business, to critical acclaim.
Frerejean Frères stands firmly committed to respecting the land and allowing the fruit to shine. Employing a low-chemical approach, they minimize pesticide usage and sulphite levels. Their vineyards consist of small parcels in prestigious Grand and Premier Cru locations, showcasing the finest expression of terroir. They exclusively work with Chardonay and Pinot Noir, harnessing their distinctive characteristics.
A new Champagne House to the UK but one that over the years has become a firm favourite on the continent, these brothers have embarked on a mission to revive some of the oldest traditions of Champagne and notably the sabrage, think of Frerejean Frères stylistically as the new breed of the old school. It is quite simply one of our favourite champagnes
The Wine
Frerejean Frères' cuvées are now sold the world over, but the team has stayed true to a small-scale, environmentally friendly approach (only 150,000 bottles are made annually across their cuvées). Their reputation has skyrocketed in recent years, having been picked up by such lofty destinations as the Dorchester, Le Crillon, the Conrad and the Mercer, and they were also chosen as the official Champagne supplier for the 2022 Michelin Awards.
Frerejean Frères works exclusively with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand and Premier Cru parcels, with low dosage and extended lees ageing (5 years and up) for added depth, finesse, and complexity at every level. The Premier Cru Brut now features regularly in ‘top choice’ selections, including The Independent’s 10 Best Grower Champagnes for Fizz with Personality.
Such unwavering dedication has earned Frerejean Frères high praise and recognition. Jonathan Ray from Spectator notes their remarkable progress, leaving critics and connoisseurs captivated. Whether tasting the NV, the Cuvee Hussards or the magnificent VV26 (with rave reviews from the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley), it is a privilege and a pleasure to feature the incredible wines of our friends at Frerejean Frères.