Simply put, a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore the 6,000 islands of Greece, only 227 of which are inhabited. The Greek isles tend to draw global travellers for their whitewashed villages, sparkling blue-green sea, lively choras and fresh fare, but there’s far more to all that than what’s found on the touristy islands of Mykonos and Santorini. There are hundreds of other islands to visit in Greece where you can forgo the crowds in favour of untouched beaches, family-run restaurants and remote beauty—as well as activities that suit your travel style and interests.
Although locally we are still, very much locked down, now is the perfect time to plan a visit toan off-the-beaten path island where you can beat the crowds, experience quintessential seaside charm and satisfy your travel cravings. From the Cyclades to the Ionian islands, here are nine islands matched by travel type, whether you’re looking for adventure or wellness, romance or family time, history lessons or a digital detox.
Photo: Courtesy Greece Tourism
For Romance: Milos
It might come as a surprise that Milos, the southernmost island in the Cyclades, just north of Crete, flies somewhat under the radar after seeing its striking rocky volcanic geology and hearing about its enchanting history—like tales of pirates hiding treasures within the island’s many caves. And while many honeymooners flock to Santorini, Milos is actually considered “the island of lovers”, because the famous statue Venus de Milo, who was the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, was discovered here (it is currently on display in the Louvre). For couples, Milos’s 80 uncrowded and intimate beaches, many of which are only accessible via boat, provide quiet coves and plenty of privacy. Those seeking an upbeat vacation will be charmed by the island’s lively capital Plaka, as well as the buzzy beach clubs and cocktail bars. But the true spirit of Milos can be experienced within its many quaint fishing villages, no-frills, family-owned restaurants and beautiful spots to watch the blazing orange sunsets each night. Stay at five-star hotel Milos Cove and book the Honeymoon Suite, which has a private plunge pool and sea view.
Photo: Courtesy Greek Tourism
For a Digital Detox: Folégandros
There’s something so still and beautiful about Folégandros that you’ll want to put your phone down (or at least on silent). Folégandros’ history dates back to ancient times, but in the modern-day, it is known for hosting exiled political prisoners from 1900 to 1970, who helped build the island, from the chora (the largest or main town on an island) to the chapels dotted throughout the hillsides. While here, the prisoners lived free, and many became notable writers, artists and stonemasons. Folégandros is sparsely populated with little vegetation and is dominated by pebbled beaches, craggy coastlines, and monolithic limestone cliffs that look otherworldly, especially when viewed from the water. Rent a private boat for the day through Island Spirits, a family-run boat company, to cruise around the island, snorkel through caves, swim in the impossibly clear water, enjoy a bottle of Greek wine and learn about the island’s captivating history. Anemi Hotel is the island’s only five-star resort and is perfect for families, couples or friends alike. Its restaurant is run by a highly regarded Athens chef who serves fresh, Greek cuisine. There’s even a tennis court, children’s playground, small on-site vineyard and spa treatments.
Photo: Courtesy White Key Villas
For the Art Lover: Hydra
One of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, Hydra is part of the Saronic islands located just off the Peloponnese region. Despite the fact there are no cars on the island (you must get around by foot, donkey, or a boat taxi), it has drawn an international crowd since the 1960s, when Jackie O, Mick Jagger and Elizabeth Taylor would frequent the place. Major artists like Sadie Coles, Brice Marden and Juergen Teller all have homes on the island, which has helped draw a creative crowd. Greek art collector and billionaire Dakis Joannou also frequently hosts fabulous dinner parties aboard his Jeff Koons-designed yacht Guilty, and in 2009, he acquired DESTE Project Space Slaughterhouse, where he showcases art from the world’s greatest contemporary artists in an old slaughterhouse. There are also many great museums and rotating exhibitions with artist residencies. When you’re not appreciating art, swanky restaurants and bars, like Steki, Techne and Il Casta await. No-frills spots, including The Pirate Bar, remain favourites for billionaires and locals alike. For a dose of history and luxury, stay at White Key Villas’ Villa Mirkella, a six-bedroom cliffside retreat housed in a rustic, stone structure.
Photo: Courtesy White Key Villas
For the History Buff: Patmos
It’s hard to pick just one island (or city) in Greece to enjoy history, as the entire country is revered for its ancient sites and historical significance. But if there’s one island to visit for a dose of culture, it’s Patmos, where the Book of Revelations was written. Although it sounds dark, there’s nothing sinister about Patmos, which attracts an upper-echelon crowd looking to escape the spotlight (think European royalty, actors and heirs and heiresses). Patmos is part of the Dodecanese Islands, a group of 12 islands in the Aegean Sea. According to locals, the “holy island” is said to vibrate with a unique energy, and this draws many mystics to its shores. There are 365 churches and shrines on the island, including the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, another name for John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of Revelations. In addition to ancient sites, there are 15 beaches, many with soft, white sand and swimmable waters. Stay at Petra Hotel & Suites, one of the chicest and most intimate on the island. In addition to its 11 rooms and suites, the hotel showcases contemporary works by Greek artists and has beach access, a pool and a lovely terrace overlooking the fishing village of Grikos just below.
Photo: Courtesy Greek Tourism
For Adventure: Andros
It’s hard not to be active in Greece, as many towns and sites are accessed by foot. For fitness buffs and adventure seekers, however, Andros is your answer. A bona fide hiker’s paradise, Andros has 18 marked trails on the island, totalling 178km, that accommodate every skill level. The trails date back to ancient times when the pathways were used by locals to get from village to village. Walking through the trails, which feature ancient stone bridges, olive trees and green valleys, you’ll stop by traditional villages, local bakeries, waterfalls and more. Many routes cross monasteries or lead you to picturesque beaches, offering you a chance to cool off in the salty water. Don’t miss the Tourlitis lighthouse, springs of Dionysus, the ancient town of Paleopolis or the castle of Faneromeni. The island is jam-packed with historical monuments and ancient history. Forgo a hotel on Andros in favour of a luxurious villa for the ultimate private getaway. Villa Stefania can be rented through White Key Villas and is a modern, five-bedroom home with a chic design, luxury amenities, a pool and spacious indoor and outdoor lounge areas with spectacular views over the ocean.
Photo: Courtesy Greece Tourism
For Style-Seekers: Amorgos
The easternmost Cycladic island of Amorgos is chic yet uncrowded, and full of Instagram-worthy backdrops, charming boutiques and luxury hotels. The unspoiled island has remained free of mass tourism, but draws many Francophiles thanks to the famous French film Le Grand Bleu that was shot here in 1988. Amorgos is remarkably unpolished and has a raw beauty that retains an authentic feel. It might not have the designer stores found in Mykonos, but there are several jewellery boutiques selling handmade pieces with precious stones that can be found nowhere else. Stay at Aegialis Hotel & Spa, the only five-star resort on the island and home to luxe suites, a Thalasso Spa with healing water treatments, yoga, cooking classes, wine tastings and authentic Greek experiences with locals. The well-designed hotel, with views over the coastal village of Aegiali, is the perfect place to stay for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Photo: Courtesy Greece Tourism
For Families: Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest island within the Ionian islands, located off Greece’s western coast. Unlike the dry and volcanic Cyclades, the Ionian islands are known for their lush greenery, dramatic cliffs and bright-blue waters. Kefalonia is perfect for travelling with kids thanks to its several family-friendly hotels, abundant marine life and mythological history guaranteed to delight kids of all ages. Many of the beaches have shallow water, ideal for swimming or snorkelling with children, and there are several caves around the island that are home to turtles. Kefalonia also offers ATVing, sailing, hiking and Melissani Cave, which houses an incredible underwater lake. Luxury Emelisse Nature Resort has great family-friendly programming (jeep safaris, kayaking excursions, canyoning, and marine adventures), plus spacious family apartments for large groups. For the adults, there’s an Elemis Spa, an adults-only pool and a Greek-focused restaurant with an impressive local wine list.
Photo: Courtesy Greek Tourism
For the Beach Dweller: Sámos
With 19 beaches, there’s a spot here for every type of beach lover, whether you gravitate towards an organized beach chair vibe, a nude beach or one apt for watersports. Located just off the coast of western Turkey in the eastern Aegean Sea, Sámos is known for its colourful buildings, turquoise water and lovely sandy shores. Surrounded by lush greenery, Sámos’ beaches are more reminiscent of the Caribbean islands than Greek islands, and on many, you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella, while others are nearly private—save a nude sunbather or two. Apart from its beaches, Sámos is full of nature, including waterfalls, verdant forests and hiking trails. Be sure to check out the ancient sites, including the Sanctuary of Heraion and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, one of the most important ancient engineering feats in history built in 6th century B.C.
Like other Greek islands, you can also expect incredibly fresh food; local delicacies include chickpea patties and zucchini flowers stuffed with rice. Five-star Doryssa Hotels & Resorts offers a choice of luxury options, including a stay within its main hotel or beachside apartment suites for a more private experience. Doryssa’s modern accommodations are juxtaposed by its proximity to the historic village of Pythagoreio just nearby, so you get an authentic Sámos feel. There are three restaurants, a spa and plenty of activities bookable via the concierge.
For Wellness: Antiparos
Sister island of the popular Paros island in the heart of the Cyclades, Antiparos is a quiet, less-travelled island that is easily accessible by ferry but feels worlds away. Small (it has a population of roughly 1,200), but full of life, the hideaway draws A-list celebs (actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson famously own a home here) for its no-frills environment and its emphasis on slow living. The island is so beautiful it looks fake, from the azure water to the stark-white buildings, cobblestone streets and canopies of bougainvillea, but we can assure you this tiny slice of paradise is as real as it gets. While there are several luxury villas and family-run hotels, Antiparos is set to become Greece’s most sought-after wellness destination thanks to the brand-new hotel, The Rooster, a wabi sabi-style retreat that opened earlier this year. It’s the island’s first wellness-centric hotel and offers modern healing therapies, ancient Greek health rituals, restoring treatments, spiritual healing and healthy cuisine to a new era of travellers.
Even if you’re not staying at The Rooster, Antiparos is celebrated for its nature, sandy beaches and picture-perfect towns. Those in-the-know often rent a villa on Antiparos—there are some incredible homes here, and you never know who your neighbours might be—and White Key Villas’ ultra-luxe options include Villa Emeria, with ultra-elegant, modern interiors and unmatched panoramic views over the sea.
Over the last few years, watch pundits have predicted the return of the eccentric TAG Heuer Formula 1, in some shape or form. It was all but confirmed when TAG Heuer’s heritage director, Nicholas Biebuyck, teased a slew of vintage models on his Instagram account in the aftermath of last year’s Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. And when speaking with Frédéric Arnault at last year’s trade fair, the former CEO asked me directly if the brand were to relaunch its legacy Formula 1 collection, loved by collectors globally, how should they go about it?
My answer to the baited entreaty definitely didn’t mention a collaboration with Ronnie Fieg of Kith, one of the world’s biggest streetwear fashion labels. Still, here we are: the TAG Heuer Formula 1 is officially back and as colourful as ever.
As the watch industry enters its hype era—in recent years, we’ve seen MoonSwatches, Scuba Fifty Fathoms, and John Mayer G-Shocks—the new Formula 1 x Kith collaboration might be the coolest yet.
Here’s the lowdown: overnight, TAG Heuer, together with Kith, took to socials to unveil a special, limited-edition collection of Formula 1 timepieces, inspired by the original collection from the 1980s. There are 10 new watches, all limited, with some designed on a stainless steel bracelet and some on an upgraded rubber strap; both options nod to the originals.
Seven are exclusive to Kith and its global stores (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Hawaii, Tokyo, Toronto, and Paris, to be specific), and are made in an abundance of colours. Two are exclusive to TAG Heuer; and one is “shared” between TAG Heuer and Kith—this is a highlight of the collection, in our opinion. A faithful play on the original composite quartz watch from 1986, this model, limited to just 1,350 pieces globally, features the classic black bezel with red accents, a stainless steel bracelet, and that creamy eggshell dial, in all of its vintage-inspired glory. There’s no doubt that this particular model will present as pure nostalgia for those old enough to remember when the original TAG Heuer Formula 1 made its debut.
Of course, throughout the collection, Fieg’s design cues are punctuated: the “TAG” is replaced with “Kith,” forming a contentious new brand name for this specific release, as well as Kith’s slogan, “Just Us.”
Collectors and purists alike will appreciate the dedication to the original Formula 1 collection: features like the 35mm Arnite cases—sourced from the original 80s-era supplier—the form hour hand, a triangle with a dot inside at 12 o’clock, indices that alternate every quarter between shields and dots, and a contrasting minuterie, are all welcomed design specs that make this collaboration so great.
Every TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith timepiece will be presented in an eye-catching box that complements the fun and colour theme of Formula 1 but drives home the premium status of this collaboration. On that note, at $2,200 a piece, this isn’t exactly an approachable quartz watch but reflects the exclusive nature of Fieg’s Kith brand and the pieces he designs (largely limited-edition).
So, what do we think? It’s important not to understate the significance of the arrival of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 in 1986, in what would prove integral in setting up the brand for success throughout the 90’s—it was the very first watch collection to have “TAG Heuer” branding, after all—but also in helping to establish a new generation of watch consumer. Like Fieg, many millennial enthusiasts will recall their sentimental ties with the Formula 1, often their first timepiece in their horological journey.
This is as faithful of a reissue as we’ll get from TAG Heuer right now, and budding watch fans should be pleased with the result. To TAG Heuer’s credit, a great deal of research has gone into perfecting and replicating this iconic collection’s proportions, materials, and aesthetic for the modern-day consumer. Sure, it would have been nice to see a full lume dial, a distinguishing feature on some of the original pieces—why this wasn’t done is lost on me—and perhaps a more approachable price point, but there’s no doubt these will become an instant hit in the days to come.
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The TAG Heuer Formula 1 | Kith collection will be available on Friday, May 3rd, exclusively in-store at select TAG Heuer and Kith locations in Miami, and available starting Monday, May 6th, at select TAG Heuer boutiques, all Kith shops, and online at Kith.com. To see the full collection, visit tagheuer.com
Aston Martin will forever be associated with James Bond, ever since everyone’s favourite spy took delivery of his signature silver DB5 in the 1964 film Goldfinger. But there’s a lot more to the history of this famed British sports car brand beyond its association with the fictional British Secret Service agent.
Let’s dive into the long and colourful history of Aston Martin.
The origin of the Aston Martin name
The company that would become Aston Martin started out as a car dealership. In 1912, Englishmen Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin partnered to sell cars, but soon after they decided to build their own models. Their first prototype debuted in 1915, named in honour of Martin, a racing driver, and his favourite racing venue, Aston Hills. Thus, the name Aston Martin was born.
A speed-demon co-founder banned from driving
Aston Martin co-founder Lionel Martin wasn’t just a keen racing driver—he was an all-out speed demon. As a student, Martin won numerous gruelling bicycle racing records, including riding nearly the full width of England in one 22-hour stretch. He competed in motorcycle and sidecar races and automotive hillclimb competitions. It seems he also brought that need for speed to the public roadways: In 1909, having neglected to pay a previous speeding fine, Martin was caught driving 41.5 km/ph in London and was banned from driving for two years—during which he set yet another cross-country bicycle record.
A tractor company takes over
The years after World War I were tumultuous for Aston Martin, with financial difficulties and numerous takeovers. In 1947, Aston Martin went up for sale and was purchased by David Brown Limited, a company that specialised in farm tractors and industrial gears. Sir David Brown, grandson of the company’s founder, was a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, having built his own competition cars while working as an engineer at the family company. The first car built by Aston Martin after this takeover was called the DB1, named after the tractor company (and the man) that had saved the carmaker.
An indirect connection to Bentley
Around the same time that Sir David Brown took over Aston Martin, he purchased another struggling British carmaker, Lagonda. The company was developing a revolutionary twin-cam six-cylinder engine called the LB6, and Sir David wanted the engine for his new line of Aston Martin sports cars. The Lagonda engine had been designed by none other than W.O. Bentley—the man who co-founded Bentley Motors, who had long since been pushed out of the company bearing his name.
The history of the DB Series
Aston Martin built seven vehicles named in honour of owner Sir David Brown: The DB1, DB2, DB3, DB4, DB5, DB6, and the combo-breaker DBS all bore Sir David’s initials. In 1972, Sir David sold the car company, and the new owners ended the DB series of vehicles, but the name was revived in 1993 with the DB7 in honour of Sir David—who himself was given an honorary position at the company that same year.
Bond, James Bond
Of course, the most famous Aston Martin of them all is the DB5. Just over 1,000 examples were built between 1963 and 1965, but millions worldwide know this as the James Bond car. In the books, author Ian Fleming had specified an earlier Aston Martin DB Mark III as Bond’s car. Still, the DB5 was introduced in the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger, equipped with gadgets including machine guns, smoke screens, oil slicks, an ejector seat, and rotating license plates. Bond has driven several Aston Martin models over the years, including a V8 Vantage, a V12 Vanquish, and two DBS models, but the original DB5 will always be considered the quintessential Bond car.
The angular years
Today, the Aston Martin badge is most closely associated with swooping, evocatively curvy car designs, but in the 1970s the company was obsessed with angular, wedge-shaped designs. The trend began in 1976 with the Aston Martin Lagonda, a shockingly unconventional four-door luxury sedan with “folded-paper” body styling and the world’s first all-digital instrument panel. The Lagonda’s styling was further evolved in 1979 with the Bulldog, a radical concept car with gullwing doors and a sharply pointed nose. The Bulldog was meant to become the fastest road car on earth, but the project was abandoned before production could begin.
For Bond’s eyes only
While most of James Bond’s Aston Martins have been commercially available to anyone who could afford one, the DB10 seen in the 2015 film Spectre was exclusive to 007. As Aston Martin executive Marek Reichman explained to Variety, director Sam Mendes, producer Barbara Broccoli, and Bond star Daniel Craig were touring Aston Martin’s design studios when they saw a concept sketch on the wall. The Bond team insisted that this should be 007’s next car, and Aston Martin spent the next six months furiously working to turn the drawing into a real-world car. The DB10 was unveiled during the launch of the film Spectre, and eight of the 10 examples built were featured in the movie, with the remaining two used for promotional appearances.
Visiting the Floating City just got a bit more expensive.
Venice is officially the first metropolis in the world to start implementing a day-trip fee in an effort to help the Italian hot spot combat overtourism during peak season, The Associated Press reported. The new program, which went into effect, requires travellers to cough up roughly €5 (about $AUD8.50) per person before they can explore the city’s canals and historic sites. Back in January, Venice also announced that starting in June, it would cap the size of tourist groups to 25 people and prohibit loudspeakers in the city centre and the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’ Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official, told AP News. “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”
During this trial phase, the fee only applies to the 29 days deemed the busiest—between April 25 and July 14—and tickets will remain valid from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Visitors under 14 years of age will be allowed in free of charge in addition to guests with hotel reservations. However, the latter must apply online beforehand to request an exemption. Day-trippers can also pre-pay for tickets online via the city’s official tourism site or snap them up in person at the Santa Lucia train station.
“With courage and great humility, we are introducing this system because we want to give a future to Venice and leave this heritage of humanity to future generations,” Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding the city’s much-talked-about entry fee.
Despite the mayor’s backing, it’s apparent that residents weren’t totally pleased with the program. The regulation led to protests and riots outside of the train station, The Independent reported. “We are against this measure because it will do nothing to stop overtourism,” resident Cristina Romieri told the outlet. “Moreover, it is such a complex regulation with so many exceptions that it will also be difficult to enforce it.”
While Venice is the first city to carry out the new day-tripper fee, several other European locales have introduced or raised tourist taxes to fend off large crowds and boost the local economy. Most recently, Barcelona increased its city-wide tourist tax. Similarly, you’ll have to pay an extra “climate crisis resilience” tax if you plan on visiting Greece that will fund the country’s disaster recovery projects.
The starters are on the blocks, and with less than 100 days to go until the Paris 2024 Olympics, luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega was bound to release something spectacular to mark its bragging rights as the official timekeeper for the Summer Games. Enter the new 43mm Speedmaster Chronoscope, available in new colourways—gold, black, and white—in line with the colour theme of the Olympic Games in Paris this July.
So, what do we get in this nicely-wrapped, Olympics-inspired package? Technically, there are four new podium-worthy iterations of the iconic Speedmaster.
The new versions present handsomely in stainless steel or 18K Moonshine Gold—the brand’s proprietary yellow gold known for its enduring shine. The steel version has an anodised aluminium bezel and a stainless steel bracelet or vintage-inspired perforated leather strap. The Moonshine Gold iteration boasts a ceramic bezel; it will most likely appease Speedy collectors, particularly those with an affinity for Omega’s long-standing role as stewards of the Olympic Games.
Notably, each watch bears an attractive white opaline dial; the background to three dark grey timing scales in a 1940s “snail” design. Of course, this Speedmaster Chronoscope is special in its own right. For the most part, the overall look of the Speedmaster has remained true to its 1957 origins. This Speedmaster, however, adopts Omega’s Chronoscope design from 2021, including the storied tachymeter scale, along with a telemeter, and pulsometer scale—essentially, three different measurements on the wrist.
While the technical nature of this timepiece won’t interest some, others will revel in its theatrics. Turn over each timepiece, and instead of a transparent crystal caseback, there is a stamped medallion featuring a mirror-polished Paris 2024 logo, along with “Paris 2024” and the Olympic Rings—a subtle nod to this year’s games.
Powering this Olympiad offering—and ensuring the greatest level of accuracy—is the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9908 and 9909, certified by METAS.
A Speedmaster to commemorate the Olympic Games was as sure a bet as Mondo Deplantis winning gold in the men’s pole vault—especially after Omega revealed its Olympic-edition Seamaster Diver 300m “Paris 2024” last year—but they delivered a great addition to the legacy collection, without gimmickry.
However, the all-gold Speedmaster is 85K at the top end of the scale, which is a lot of money for a watch of this stature. By comparison, the immaculate Speedmaster Moonshine gold with a sun-brushed green PVD “step” dial is 15K cheaper, albeit without the Chronoscope complications.
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The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope in stainless steel with a leather strap is priced at $15,725; stainless steel with steel bracelet at $16,275; 18k Moonshine Gold on leather strap $54,325; and 18k Moonshine Gold with matching gold bracelet $85,350, available at Omega boutiques now.
In our quest to locate the most exclusive and exciting wines for our readers, we usually ask the question, “How many bottles of this were made?” Often, we get a general response based on an annual average, although many Champagne houses simply respond, “We do not wish to communicate our quantities.” As far as we’re concerned, that’s pretty much like pleading the Fifth on the witness stand; yes, you’re not incriminating yourself, but anyone paying attention knows you’re probably guilty of something. In the case of some Champagne houses, that something is making a whole lot of bottles—millions of them—while creating an illusion of rarity.
We received the exact opposite reply regarding Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs Assemblage No. 4. Yasmin Allen, the company’s president and CEO, told us only 7,328 bottles would be released of this Pinot Noir offering. It’s good to know that with a sticker price of around $1,800, it’s highly limited, but it still makes one wonder what’s so exceptional about it.
Known by its nickname, Ace of Spades, for its distinctive and decorative metallic packaging, Armand de Brignac is owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy and Jay-Z and is produced by Champagne Cattier. Each bottle of Assemblage No. 4 is numbered; a small plate on the back reads “Assemblage Four, [X,XXX]/7,328, Disgorged: 20 April, 2023.” Prior to disgorgement, it spent seven years in the bottle on lees after primary fermentation mostly in stainless steel with a small amount in concrete. That’s the longest of the house’s Champagnes spent on the lees, but Allen says the winemaking team tasted along the way and would have disgorged earlier than planned if they’d felt the time was right.
Chef de cave, Alexandre Cattier, says the wine is sourced from some of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir–producing villages in the Champagne region, including Chigny-les-Roses, Verzenay, Rilly-la-Montagne, Verzy, Ludes, Mailly-Champagne, and Ville-sur-Arce in the Aube département. This is considered a multi-vintage expression, using wine from a consecutive trio of vintages—2013, 2014, and 2015—to create an “intense and rich” blend. Seventy percent of the offering is from 2015 (hailed as one of the finest vintages in recent memory), with 15 percent each from the other two years.
This precisely crafted Champagne uses only the tête de cuvée juice, a highly selective extraction process. As Allen points out, “the winemakers solely take the first and freshest portion of the gentle cuvée grape press,” which assures that the finished wine will be the highest quality. Armand de Brignac used grapes from various sites and three different vintages so the final product would reflect the house signature style. This is the fourth release in a series that began with Assemblage No. 1. “Testing different levels of intensity of aromas with the balance of red and dark fruits has been a guiding principle between the Blanc de Noirs that followed,” Allen explains.
The CEO recommends allowing the Assemblage No. 4 to linger in your glass for a while, telling us, “Your palette will go on a journey, evolving from one incredible aroma to the next as the wine warms in your glass where it will open up to an extraordinary length.” We found it to have a gorgeous bouquet of raspberry and Mission fig with hints of river rock; as it opened, notes of toasted almond and just-baked brioche became noticeable. With striking acidity and a vein of minerality, it has luscious nectarine, passion fruit, candied orange peel, and red plum flavors with touches of beeswax and a whiff of baking spices on the enduring finish. We enjoyed our bottle with a roast chicken rubbed with butter and herbes de Provence and savored the final, extremely rare sip with a bit of Stilton. Unfortunately, the pairing possibilities are not infinite with this release; there are only 7,327 more ways to enjoy yours.