DP // Maison Veuve Ambal // English version

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SPARKLING STORIES / PRESS INFORMATION 2016 /

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INTRO DUCTION In the land of CrĂŠmant de Bourgogne, Veuve Ambal first offered up its treasures over 100 years ago.

Building on the wealth of its history, this House has become an icon amongst sparkling wines in its position as premier producer of CrĂŠmant de Bourgogne, distinguished by its traditional skills and its veneration for the terroir.

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ACT 1 / TERROIRS MARKED BY DIVERSITY /

Spanning a total of around 250 hectares, the Veuve Ambal vineyards encompass six estates, three of which produce their own estate bottled Crémant. Together they place at Veuve Ambal’s disposal the potential of their diversity, and their individual expressions constitute some of the very best of the Veuve Ambal wines.

Planted essentially with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, these estates are managed in an ecologically responsible and sustainable fashion in order to ensure the long term preservation of the terroirs and encourage the emergence of an ever greater level of quality. The quintessential spirit of the Veuve Ambal Crémants de Bourgogne finds its source in this rich palette of terroirs.

/ PROFILE /

/ PROFILE /

GRACIEUX CHEVALIER DOMAINE DE L’AUXERROIS

LA VIGNE AU ROY DOMAINE DES HAUTES-CÔTES DE NUITS

Surface Situation

56 hectares The vines of this estate spread out from Irancy, along the foot of the Vermenton hills and up to the Cure Valley.

Surface

36 hectares

Situation

This Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is implanted on the hillsides of Bévy.

Soils

Its low growing vines draw their mineral character from the limestone clay soils typical of the best Burgundy terroirs.

Soils

Trained high, these vines thrive in a rich clayey soil.

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligoté

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Style

This Crémant de Bourgogne develops floral and fruity aromas such as red berry, apricot and peach, intermingled with richer notes of brioche.

Style

This terroir confers finesse and smoothness on this Crémant de Bourgogne which expresses itself in a register of citrus fruit aromas.

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/ PROFILE /

/ PROFILE /

/ PROFILE /

/ PROFILE /

LA GRANDE CÔTE DOMAINE DU CHATILLONNAIS

LES VIGNES DE L’ANGE DOMAINE DU COUCHOIS

DOMAINE LONDON DOMAINE DU MÂCONNAIS

PROSPER MAUFOUX

Surface Situation

Soils

41 hectares This estate is the biggest vineyard in the Chatillon region, which is the part of Burgundy that borders with Champagne.

The low growing vines of this estate are situated on a strata of white lava, and draws full advantage from the limestone clay terroir.

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Style

This Crémant de Bourgogne is characterised by its minerality and aromatic intensity.

Surface Situation

80 hectares Implanted in the vine growing areas of the Couchois and the Maranges, in the southern Côte de Beaune.

Soils

Densely planted, low growing vines in a hillside situation.

Grape Varieties

Mainly Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, Aligoté and Gamay.

Surface

Situation

16,5 hectares Situated in the heart of the Saôneet-Loire, the cradle of the Maçon vineyards. Already highly renowned in Roman times, Château London is one of the most celebrated properties of the region.

Soils

The vineyards are composed of low growing vines.

Grape Varieties

Principally Chardonnay with Pinot Noir and Aligoté.

Prosper Maufoux, at Santenay, has belonged to the Maison Veuve Ambal since 2010. The estate is made up of Château Saint-Aubin and the appellations of Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, PulignyMontrachet, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru La Garenne, Meursault Premier Cru, ChassagneMontrachet Premier Cru Les Chenevottes, ChassagneMontrachet, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru La Combes and Saint-Aubin Premier Cru.

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ACT 2 / THE HISTORY OF A FAMILY PASSION /

The story began in the 19th century, when Marie Ambal founded her own company producing sparkling wine.

Over the years, Veuve Ambal has upheld a family tradition, in which succeeding generations have invested all their passion and skill.

MARIE AMBAL

CHARLES-ROUX AMBAL

ERIC PIFFAUT

On the death of her husband, a Parisian banker, Marie Ambal returned to the village of her childhood to be close to her brother, a wine merchant specialising in Burgundy. This period also saw the emergence of the champagne method of winemaking in the region, in which Marie had a keen interest. In 1898 she decided to created her own establishment to produce what was known at the time as ‘sparkling wines of champagne method quality’.

For almost thirty years she managed the business with great skill, working assiduously to build up its reputation.

And the standards imposed by Marie Ambal have endured, passed down from generation to generation.

When Marie Ambal died in 1929 she was succeeded at the head of the business by her grandson CharlesRoux Ambal, still only a young man in his twenties. He had to face up to the economic crisis, then the first world war, but took care to always apply the same rigorous working methods as his grandmother. His doggedness paid off; sales increased and Veuve Ambal’s notoriety grew, especially with the creation of the appellation AOC Crémant de Bourgogne, accorded to the winegrowers of Burgundy.

Charles-Roux Ambal was the driving force behind Veuve Ambal right up until his last days.

Eric Piffaut, Charles-Roux’s grandson, joined the family business in 1980 and became Managing Director in 1988.

His objective has been the continued embellishment of the brand through an ever more demanding approach to wine quality and winemaking equipment, investing in new vines and constructing new premises just outside Beaune. This modern complex, with cutting edge technology, is a veritable showpiece for Crémant de Bourgogne and its region.

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1898 Marie Ambal creates a sparkling wine production company in Rully.

1908 Marie Ambal receives the ‘diplôme d’honneur’ at the Franco – British Exhibition for her sparkling wine.

1929 Charles-Roux Ambal succeeds his grandmother on her death.

1975 AOC Crémant de Bourgogne is created.

1822 The first sparkling Burgundy is made at Rully.

1910 The ‘Diplôme d’honneur’ of the Universal Expo in Brussels is awarded to Marie Ambal.

1980 Eric Piffaut joins the family business.

1988

Charles-Roux hands down a thriving company to his grandson.

2000 Veuve Ambal invests in new vineyards.

2005 New premises are inaugurated at Montagny-lès-Beaune

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THE KEYS TO CRAFTING CREMANT DE BOURGOGNE

ACT 3 / QUALITÉ AS LEITMOTIF /

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE TRADITIONAL SKILLS The appellation AOC Crémant de Bourgogne came into being in 1975.

It established the rules of production, guaranteeing wine quality and the respect of traditional methods. It requires rigorous skills, with the production process following strict specifications which allow Crémant de Bourgogne to express its unique nature:

• The grape varieties are subject to parcel selection.

• T he grapes are hand-picked and transported in perforated crates.

•G rape pressing, in whole bunches, or destemmed, takes place in several stages.

•A geing on slats is for a minimum of 12 months.

• T he bottles are riddled to bring them into a vertical position which allows the natural yeast deposits to accumulate in the neck.

• S eparation of the lees by disgorgement expels the yeast deposits.

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VEUVE AMBAL – TARGETING QUALITY Veuve Ambal first committed to quality control in 1996 and obtained its first accreditation the following year. Its control systems have evolved ever since in order to meet the demands of accreditation. The objective is to gain in efficiency and guarantee product security, with a view to maximising customer satisfaction.

Veuve Ambal is motivated by the permanent desire to offer quality wines to its customers.

• Tasting accompanies each stage from grape reception right up to the expedition of the bottles.

• Quality checks are systematic on all elements coming into contact with the wine and on the finished bottles.

• Particular attention is paid to waste management and water consumption, in line with the policies of respect for the environment.

Today Veuve Ambal is certified: • I nternational Featured Standard (IFS) and British Retail Consortium (BRC) for food security • AB for its organic wines

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ACT 4 / A GLITTERING ARRAY /

Specialists in effervescent wines, Veuve Ambal has placed its focus on Crémant de Bourgogne to become number one in this segment. It proposes a varied range to suit all tastes and all occasions, whilst always maintaining the expression of its skills and reflecting the typicity of the terroirs.

/ TIMELESSNESS /

» CLASSIC «

THE SELECTION

This collection is the incarnation of Veuve Ambal’s historic know-how.

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE GRANDE CUVÉE DEMI-SEC

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligoté, Gamay Tasting Note / A constellation of fine bubbles adorn its attractive golden hue. Gourmand notes of jam and honey intermingle with floral aromas to reveal a refined and delicious wine.

Food Pairing / Tartar of sea bass with mango and granny smith apple sauce.

Price / 6,90 €

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE GRANDE CUVÉE BRUT

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE GRANDE CUVÉE ROSÉ

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a light touch of Aligoté and of Gamay Tasting Note / The beautiful golden colour and delicate effervescence of this Crémant highlights its finesse.

Bright fruit on the palate is underlined by harmonious citrus notes.

Food Pairing / Guinee fowl and goat’s cheese supreme.

Price / 6,90 €

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Gamay Tasting Note / Superb salmon pink in colour with dominant notes of red fruits lifted by hints of grenadine. These aromas are reflected on the palate and accompanied by floral notes of great finesse.

Food Pairing / Raspberry tart with pistachio cream.

Price / 6,90 €

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AUDACITY

» SPECIALITY «

THE SELECTION

These selected cuvees are the ambassadors of the Maison Veuve Ambal, each one offering its own individual style.

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BLANC DE BLANCS

Grape Varieties / Chardonnay and Aligoté Tasting Note / This Crémant de Bourgogne is a shimmering light gold bejewelled with fine bubbles. Its intensely fruity nose is the precursor to an immense freshness of palate, with a complexity that is expressed through citrusy aromas.

Food Pairing / A carpaccio of scallops with shellfish jus.

Price / 7,30 €

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BLANC BIO

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE MILLÉSIMÉ 2012

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligoté, Gamay Tasting Note / Beneath this golden robe sprinkled with fine bubbles lies a delicate, graceful wine. The infinitely rich palate is redolent with yellow fruit aromas, such as peach, with which fine mellifluous touches harmonise to form a delightful ensemble.

Food Pairing / Foie gras stuffed quail Price / 7,20 €

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligoté Tasting Note / With pale gold gleams, this Crémant reveals deliciously indulgent buttery, brioche notes. Diaphanous and creamy in the mouth, it is characterised by white fruit aromas.

Food Pairing / Cheese gougeres as an aperitif.

Price / 10,50 €

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE CUVÉE FÛT DE CHÊNE

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / Oak ageing lends a vinous character to this cuvee.

The nose oscillates between the subtleness of white flowers and the smoothness of vanilla and toasted bread.

Food Pairing / Fresh goat’s cheese.

Price / 10,50 €

FESTIVITY

» PRESTIGE «

THE SÉLECTION

The wines of the Prestige selection are the jewels in the Veuve Ambal crown, synonymous with quality, elegance and refinement.

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BLANC CUVÉE MARIE AMBAL

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / After several years’ cellar ageing this cuvee develops superb harmony. Its pale, crystal robe is studded with fine, persistent bubbles, and the nose offers floral and fruity aromas such as pink grapefruit. The palate shows magnificent balance and great complexity.

Food Pairing / Duck breast with spices and honey.

Price / 16,80 €

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT PRESTIGE BLANC

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / Crafted from a selection of the most noble grape varieties, this cuvee offers the freshness and finesse of Chardonnay associated with the power of Pinot Noir. Its expression is characterised by notes of citrus, hazelnut and honey.

Food Pairing / Lobster roasted with spices.

Price / 9,40 € CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT PRESTIGE ROSÉ

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE ROSÉ CUVÉE MARIE AMBAL

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / This refined and complex wine is delicately pink with enchantingly fine bubbles. The nose and the palate are an explosion of aromas: light touches of raspberry mingle with very ripe red fruit before evolving to a surprisingly toasted finish.

Food Pairing / Red fruit layer cake.

Price / 16,80 €

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / A delicately coloured rosé with intense fruit on the nose. Red fruits dominate with raspberry and wild strawberry, punctuated by notes of vine peach. The palate is refined and wonderfully persistent.

Food Pairing / A strawberry charlotte.

Price / 9,50 € 19

AUTHENTICITY

» ESTATE «

THE SELECTION

This selection symbolises the diversity of the Burgundy terroirs of Veuve Ambal, stamped with authenticity and highlighting expertise.

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE GRACIEUX CHEVALIER

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / The typicity of these Auxerre vineyards creates warm notes of pastries and fleshy fruit such as apricot, peach, cherry and blackberry.

Food Pairing / Coley fillet in a parmesan crust.

Price / 9,30 €

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE LA VIGNE AU ROY

CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE LA GRANDE CÔTE

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / This luminous Crémant glimmers with a fine chain of scintillating bubbles. Aromas of white flowers and acacia pave the way for the superbly balanced palate marked by candied aromas.

Food Pairing / Scallops tossed in butter Price / 9,30 €

Grape Varieties / Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Tasting Note / Bright gold with honeyed aromas, quince jelly and candied peel. The supremely smooth palate is beautifully fresh.

Food Pairing / Foie gras toasts as an aperitif.

Price / 9,30 €

ACT 5 / MOMENTS OF DISCOVERY /

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EXPLORE

ADMIRE

Veuve Ambal opens its doors to visitors to share their skills and their passion for sparkling wines. A guided visit into the heart of the resolutely modern production site reveals all the secrets of making Crémant de Bourgogne. Accompanied by an audio-guide, the visit traverses the ageing cellar and the workshops where gyropallets maintain traditional methods.

Video projections and explanatory signs punctuate the circuit which is accessible to all. For the more experienced, explanations of technical details are the opportunity to pierce the secrets of production. And for children, commentaries and images in a fun presentation are a gentle initiation into the world of Crémants de Bourgogne. At the end of the circuit visitors will know all there is to know about the history of this emblematic family enterprise and their centuries old skills, with the visit concluding with a commented tasting of a selection of Crémants de Bourgogne, chosen from the 18 cuvees produced by Veuve Ambal. The boutique area is a convivial space for discussion and discovery, including other products of the local terroir.

All year round Veuve Ambal is animated by art. The Museum of Photography Nicéphore Niépce holds exhibitions of extracts of their collections, renewed three times a year, and regularly organises private views in the Veuve Ambal premises.

Tarifs Adult: 7 € Children12-18 : 4 € Children under 12: Gratuit Groupes: 6 €

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Exhibition Programme 2016 11.03.2016 > 23.05.2016 : C’est si bon ! (it’s so good !)

Back to the fifties. Advertising is metamorphosed and full of colour, with creative and appealing visuals using humour to seduce the burgeoning consumer society. Women play a prime role, happily portraying the stereotype of the perfect housewife.

03.06.2016 > 05.09.2016 : 3D Views from all angles. The third dimension is big news, at the cinema and on the television. But images with depth first appeared with the invention of photography, thanks to stereoscopy. This exhibition takes visitors into the world of 3D starting from the 1850s.

16.09.2016 > 03.2016 : Veuve Ambal celebrates photography The best of the Nicéphore Niépce Museum collections condensed into one exhibition. To celebrate the bicentenary of the first photographic trials, Veuve Ambal plunge you into the history of photography: from the infinitely big to the infinitely small, from famous photographers to the unknown... the very first test photographs.

KEY FIGURES Site and vineyards • 250 hectares of vines • A production site of 22 000 m2 • 200 employees including 8 oenologists Production • 1 5 million bottles produced at Beaune and globally 18 million per year on average •N °1 of Crémants de Bourgogne representing 40% of the total production • N°3 3 in France in the traditional method of production Commercialisation • 18.5 million bottles sold in 2015 • Turnover of 51 million euros in 2015 • 35 % exported • P resent in 30 countries, notably Japan, Belgium, the United States and Australia.

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