Pierre Bertrand is a small, family-run grower Champagne house in Cumières, just two kilometres from Hautvillers and the historic abbey associated with Dom Pérignon. It is a lovely discovery from the heart of Champagne — generations of family winemaking, genuine character and wines that offer remarkable value.

The story began in 1946, when Pierre Bertrand made his first Champagne from a small parcel of vines inherited from his grandmother. Having learned the craft while working alongside a local winegrower and producer, Pierre made the decision to stop sending his grapes to the cooperative and instead bottle the wine from his own harvest.

A decade later, he purchased a property in Cumières where the press house, winery, cellars and family home could all sit together. Production grew to around 20,000 bottles a year, but the estate remained firmly a family affair.

In 1970, Pierre's daughter Thérèse joined him in the vineyard and cellar before taking responsibility for sales. She and her husband Bernard took over the estate in 1982, continuing to make Champagne under Pierre Bertrand's name. Today, the next generation is at the helm, with Pierre's grandson Bertrand carrying the family estate forward.

These are Champagnes we think deserve to be better known.

Pierre Bertrand Brut NV is one of the great-value Champagnes in our range. At $69.99, it brings together the pedigree of a genuine grower Champagne with a price that makes it an easy bottle to have on hand. If you're looking for a new go-to Champagne, this is a very good place to start.

The Pierre Bertrand 1er Cru takes things further. It was the highest-rated Grower Champagne in a Decanter tasting, receiving 98/100 from Michael Edwards, who praised its power, definition, length and potential. Fellow tasters Simon Field MW and Tim Hall highlighted its Pinot weight, Chardonnay lift, fresh citrus character, vitality and harmonious finish.

Small production, a genuine family story and seriously good Champagne. Pierre Bertrand is exactly the sort of producer we love discovering — and sharing.