Champagne Tsarine
Tsarine Champagne is owned by the Chanoine family, the second oldest Champagne house in existence, established in 1730 by the two brothers Jean-Baptiste and Jacques-Louis. (The oldest accolade belongs to Ruinart Champagne). They are famous for famous for being the first Champagne company to be given permission to excavate cellars in Epernay, thus creating the start of the tradition of ageing Champagne in chalk cellars in this town. Whilst it is a successful brand, it owes its birth, its style, and part of its legacy to the Russian Imperialist court, for whom it was first created back in the 18th century.
History of Champagne Tsarine
Now owned by the huge Lanson – BCC Champagne group, the Tsarine brand is part of the Chanoine portfolio within the group, which also includes Lanson and Boizel.
The Tsarine brand has always been positioned at a slightly lower price point than many of the top, prestigious brands, such as Lanson, but has enjoyed a good presence both in Europe and the UK, where it is immediately recognisable by its unusual, long-necked, curved column bottle.
Tsarine Champagne has mainly been distributed through wholesalers and independents, with some supermarket presence. The brand underwent an upgrade and repositioning in 2011, with a more focussed and targeted marketing campaign for the brand to bring awareness to it.
In it's infancy, the 2 brothers travelled throughout Europe, selling and developing their brand, and their travels inevitably brought them to the Tsarist court in Russia. The Imperial Court and the Russian elite, keen to follow the fashions and style of France, and western Europe, were keen Champagne drinkers; swift to realise the potential of this wealthy society, the Chanoine brothers created the Tsarine brand.
In the 19th century, Russia was the leading export market for Champagne, and the packaging and design of the Tsarine brand was unashamedly blatant in its homage to this market. The long bottle, and its swirling bring to mind Russian architecture at the time, especially Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. The colours, the emblems, the label, and the evocative name, all reflect the opulence of the Russian Imperialist court, prior to the Revolution.
Today, whilst Tsarine has maintained a similar look, it has been positioned at the mainstream end of the Champagne market, and is perceived by some to look ‘tacky’, or too showy.
What Styles of Champagne Do Tsarine Produce?
Tsarine Champagne produces a range of styles, all with the unique, immediately recognisable bottle shape; the range covers all the key Champagne styles:
Tsarine Cuvee Premium – an even blend of the 3 grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, this is elegant, fresh and fruity, with a persistent citrussy note.
Tsarine Rose – from a similar, even blend as the Cuvee Premium, this has an ethereal colour and lightness, and a delicate elegance, with its soft, raspberry fruit character and finish.
Tsarine by Adriana – Adriana Karembeu, cellar master of the Tsarine house, created this luxury cuvée. Expect lively aromas of lemon pie and magnificent minerality. It is delicate and brings great finesse on the finish.
Tsarine Orium – The new Orium is created from the three main Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Reserve wines are used to soften the character and strength. You'll find a subtle blend of acacia flowers, roasted notes and yellow fruit. it is full-bodied and silky with finesse, purity, and a sweetness of the fruit that will seduce you throughout the tasting.
Tzarina – the prestige Cuvee of the range, a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir; a luxurious, richly flavoured and textured Champagne combining rich, fleshy, biscuity character, with a soft, ripe orchard fruit character – elegant and complex. A wine, which is perfect in its youth, and will simply improve as it ages.