Churchill's relationship with Pol Roger dates back to 1945. Whilst he had been a loyal customer as far back as 1908, it was at a luncheon given by the British ambassador to France after the liberation of Paris that his love affair with the champagne house really blossomed. It was there, over a glass of the sumptuous 1928 vintage, that Churchill met the charming and captivating Odette Pol-Roger and began a harmless flirtation, indulged by his wife Clementine, that lasted until Sir Winston's death, in 1965.
Each year on his birthday, Odette would send him a case of vintage champagne. In return, Churchill named one of his favourite racehorses after her, and made sure that she was invited to lunch at the British embassy every time he was in Paris.
Despite neveractually visiting 44 Avenue de Champagne, Churchill proclaimed it "the most drinkable address in the world". So close was his relationship with the family that, on Churchill's death, Pol Roger put black-bordered labels on the bottles destined for the UK. In 1984, Pol Roger went one step further and named their prestige cuvée after him, making it in the robust, mature style that he liked so much.
The composition of this Cuvée is a closely guarded family secret but it is likely that Pinot Noir dominates 70-80% of the blend with the rest being Chardonnay. The grapes are all from Grand Cru vineyards which were under vine during Churchill’s lifetime and it is only ever made in the very best vintages.
