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Founded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset, Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. It also remains one of the most prestigious, considered by many collectors and connoisseurs as the world’s preeminent name in luxury champagne. In 2009, this storied winemaker celebrated a landmark 425-year anniversary.

Gosset’s reputation for excellence starts on the vines. Its champagnes are composed almost entirely of grapes from Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Unlike most champagne producers, this illustrious wine house purposely avoids malolactic fermentation and always performs riddling and disgorging of prestige cuvées and large-format bottles by hand. Gosset champagnes are made with infinite care and kept in dark cellars for at least three years – and up to five for vintage and prestige cuvées – before release.

Gosset’s inimitable style – powerful and full-bodied, of unrivaled richness and staying power – has changed little over the centuries. Once a favorite of the kings and queens of France, it is now a fixture on the wine lists of some of the most lauded restaurants in the world, recognized by expert sommeliers for its exceptional capacity to enhance a wide range of cuisine.

Gosset’s legacy is today in the safekeeping of the Cointreau family, who also owns and manages the highly regarded Cognac Frapin. While other champagne houses are handing over the reigns to large corporations, the members of this family are personally involved in the winemaking practices that have, over 425 years, made Gosset the ultimate name in champagne. In 2009, the family announced the acquisition of a new property in the heart of Epernay, which, with space for up to 2.5 million bottles, will serve as an extension to its production facilities in Aÿ.