The Traditional Method: A Shared Foundation
Two of the world’s great sparkling wine regions. One shared method. Entirely different expressions.
This tasting brings together the precision of Champagne and the modern elegance of Franciacorta, explored side by side through wines from Legras & Haas and Montina.
Both regions work to exacting standards, producing their wines by the traditional method - secondary fermentation in bottle, extended time on lees, and a clear commitment to quality over speed or scale. Where they diverge is in place and perspective. Climate, soil and approach shape wines with distinct personalities: Champagne defined by tension and line, Franciacorta by texture and generosity.
Sunday, February 1st
Lunch: 12-3pm | 9 Wines and 4 Courses | $155.00
Masterclass: 4pm-6pm | 9 Wines and Kate Lamont Canapés | $75.00
Dinner: 6.30pm | 9 Wines and 4 Courses | $155.00
Legras et Haas Champagne
A benchmark Côte des Blancs producer for lovers of Blanc de Blancs with clarity, finesse and genuine Grand Cru pedigree.
“That patience is amply rewarded in this pure, pristine, almost elemental wine.”
- Decanter World Wine Awards (Best in Show)
“Fresh and refined… creamy, elegant, with chalky minerals and very fine effervescence.”
- i-WineReview
Montina Franciacorta
A leading Franciacorta producer, known for wines that balance finesse, texture and modern Italian elegance.
“Franciacorta captivates with an elegant and pretty nose, offering enticing aromas of crisp Fuji apples and a delightful mix of citrus blossoms.”
— Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast
Champagne - Chalk-rich soils and a cool climate shape wines of precision, structure and longevity.
About the Region:
Champagne
Champagne sits in the far north of France, where a cool continental climate and chalk rich soils shape both the style and reputation of the region.
The chalk plays a vital role in vine health and wine character. It retains water during dry periods, releases it slowly when needed, and reflects light back into the canopy. Combined with long, cool growing seasons, this produces grapes with high natural acidity and moderate ripeness, forming the foundation of Champagne’s precision and ability to age.
Over centuries, Champagne has refined a style built on balance and restraint. These are wines defined by structure and clarity rather than richness, gaining depth and complexity through extended time on lees and rewarding patience in the glass.
Franciacorta - Limestone soils and a milder climate produce wines of texture, balance and quiet generosity.
About the Region:
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is located in northern Italy between Lake Iseo and the foothills of the Alps. A milder climate and limestone rich soils give rise to a different expression of the traditional method.
Warm days and cool nights allow grapes to reach fuller ripeness while retaining freshness. Glacial and limestone soils contribute texture and balance, resulting in wines that feel generous yet composed. While younger than Champagne in formal recognition, Franciacorta operates under similarly strict regulations, with extended ageing requirements and a strong emphasis on quality.
The wines of Franciacorta are polished and expressive, offering depth and approachability with a natural ease at the table.
The Wine List (Menu to Come)
First Course
NV Montina Franciacorta Brut
Layered profile with stone fruits, citrus notes and intense pastry. Medium-bodied, this has very finely tuned mousse, a silky palate, crisp acidity and a polished yet ripe finish. Doesn't lack tension. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now.
92 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
NV Montina Franciacorta Extra Brut
Elegant and aromatic, with ripe apple and pear on the nose, crisp acidity and refreshing, zesty citrus on the palate.
Silver Medal & 91 points, Decanter World Wine Awards 2024
NV Montina Franciacorta Zero Dosage
Bright, intense straw yellow with light golden reflections. Fragrant, elegant nose of precious wood, hazelnut, ripe orchard fruit and cold smoke: inviting. Great fruit complexity on the palate and nice drive. The mousse is well integrated, balanced and harmonious.
94 Points, Simon Staffler, Falstaff
Second Course
2020 Montina Franciacorta Millesimato Brut
Trophy Winner
”World Champion Classic Vintage Brut” - CSWWC 2023
Bright straw yellow colour with persistent mousse. On the nose pleasant notes of white fruits, apple, pear, honey nuances in the echo. On the palate balanced and creamy, with great acidity, fine mousse and persistent fruity finish.
92 points, Falstaff
2018 Montina Franciacorta Quor Nature
Complex biscuity, toasty notes with zippy yellow orchard fruits, grapefruit and lime; vibrant and intense with a long, persistent finish.
Sliver medal & 92 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards (2016 vintage)
Third Course
NV Montina Franciacorta Rose Extra Brut
Pale, bright pink with persistent mousse and a great colour. Medium expression on the nose, some sea salt and subtle red-berry fruit. Light strawberry and orange flavours on the palate, with well-integrated mousse. Very dry and vertical, a successful change of style. Exciting!
Fourth Course
NV Legras et Haas ‘ Intuition’ Brut
Fresh apricots and pears on the nose, as well as hazelnuts, lemon curd and melba toast. It’s fresh, creamy and silky with fine bubbles. 64% chardonnay, 22% pinot noir and 14% meunier. Based on 2021. Drink now.
93 Points, James Suckling, James Suckling.com
NV Legras et Haas Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
This fresh, assertive and crisp blanc de blancs has apples and white pears, as well as light lemons on offer. The palate has a very sleek, very fresh and composed shape and delivers a super smooth, crisp and dry finish. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold.
93 Points, James Suckling, James Suckling.com
2016 Legras et Haas Blanc de Blancs Les Sillons Grand Cru
Jérôme Legras has been refining this single-parcel blanc de blancs sourced from a cool, late-ripening plot near Epernay since 2012 and today it stands as one of the village’s most impressive wines. There’s a marriage of compact, mature baked apple fruit and sweet lemon, beautifully measured oak, acacia honey and subtle bitters, beguiling with its inner freshness and drive, avoiding over-dryness or angularity. Remarkably complete and joyful for a single-parcel wine.
94 Points, Tom Hewson, Decanter