Poetic music in bubbles - Champagne Tsarine, Reims
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Dear readers, throughout history, artists have used different media to express their aesthetic, their distinctive style, and their point of view. Some have turned to painting, others to music, perfume creation, or wine-making. Across the centuries, these forms of expression have helped shape the artistic and creative world we know today, enriching our lives with beauty and inspiration. To master one art form is already a challenge, requiring years of practice, patience, and refinement; to master two is even rarer. Yet at Vinexpo Asia, I discovered a Champagne house that brings together winemaking and music in a beautifully artistic way — and that is how I came to know Champagne Tsarine.
Established in 1996 by Mr. Philippe Baijot, a passionate Champagne producer, Champagne Tsarine was created under the historic Maison Chanoine Frères, the oldest houses in Champagne, founded in 1730. Today, the house is led by his son, Mr. Enguerrand Baijot, President of Maison Chanoine since 2023. Its philosophy is to create elegant, refined champagne that honours tradition while remaining an accessible form of luxury. The house also draws a close link between champagne and music, evoking the fluidity of melody and movement in both its tasting profile and its bottle design.
One of the most distinctive features of Champagne Tsarine is its highly elegant bottle, inspired by an antique wine decanter. The idea reportedly grew from Philippe’s encounter with an antique decanter during a dinner at Le Chardonnay in Reims, at table number 15, which later inspired his initial sketch for the bottle. The design was then developed with the help of a Venetian glassmaker during the brand’s first decade. Its sculptural silhouette combines architectural drama with graceful fluidity, capturing the attention of champagne lovers and collectors who appreciate both elegance and originality.
During my tasting, I found both the "Blanc de Blancs 2019" and the "Rosé" particularly appealing. The "Blanc de Blancs 2019" shows a pale gold hue, with fruity and floral aromas, including citrus and ripe white fruit. Made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from seven crus: Chouilly, Avize, Trépail, Tauxières, Barbonne-Fayel, Faverolles, Coëmy and Monthelon — it is based on the 2019 harvest and aged for at least five years. The palate is silky and layered, with lemon, spice, and toasty notes, making it a refined match for seafood, such as lobster with vanilla butter, as well as fresh fruit salad.
The "Rosé", meanwhile, offers a more vibrant expression. Its deep pink hue leads into aromas of wild strawberries, blueberries, and redcurrant, creating an immediate sense of richness and charm. Crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, with 30% to 50% reserve wines partially aged in oak for at least two years, it is both balanced and lively. Fruity on the palate, with a subtle hint of Sichuan pepper, it is smooth, refreshing, and versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with salmon, strawberry tart, or a light fruit dessert.
If what you crave is a summer champagne that refreshes as much as it delights, this one carries the rhythm of a melody and the polish of a refined composition; its elegance is effortless, and its presence memorable without ever raising its voice.
Image courtesy of Champagne Tsarine, Reims