Maisons Marques et Domaines hosts its 2026 Annual Portfolio Tasting
On the 10th March, Maisons Marques et Domaines welcomed guests to its 2026 Annual Portfolio Tasting, a highlight of the company’s calendar and an event of particular significance this year, as the occasion coincides with major milestones for both MMD and its parent company, Champagne Louis Roederer.
In 2026, MMD UK celebrates its 40th anniversary, while Champagne Louis Roederer marks two historic achievements: the 150th anniversary of its prestige cuvée Cristal and the 250th anniversary of the company itself. Champagne Louis Roederer remains under family ownership and continues under the stewardship of seventh-generation custodian Frédéric Rouzaud.
The tasting brought together a full representation of MMD’s producers, each presenting a comprehensive selection of wines from their estates. In addition, every producer showcased an ‘Icon’ wine at their stand, often a vintage of particular significance, offering guests a deeper insight into their philosophy and approach to winemaking.
Two expert masterclasses formed a key part of the day’s programme. The morning session explored the diversity and ageing potential of Sauvignon Blanc. Peter Richards MW chaired a panel discussion with Michele Drusian, Sales and Marketing Director at Attems (Friuli); Brian Bicknell, Owner and Winemaker of Mahi (Marlborough); Nicole Carter, CEO of Merry Edwards (Russian River); Pascal Jolivet, Owner and Winemaker of his estate (Sancerre); and Federica Boffa, owner of Pio Cesare (Piedmont). The masterclass demonstrated an exceptional range of wines, highlighting the versatility and expressiveness of this celebrated variety.
In the afternoon, Mark Bingley MW led a tutored tasting focused on wines from across the MMD portfolio that have each achieved a perfect 100-point critic score, highlighting excellence across regions and styles. The wines presented included Roederer Estate L’Ermitage 2019, Cristal 2008, Domaine Faiveley Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022, Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2022 and 2016, Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2010, Ornellaia 2013, Delas Frères Hermitage Les Bessards 2009, Diamond Creek Estate Volcanic Hill 2013, Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay 2012, and the legendary Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Blanco 1986.
The event once again welcomed strong attendance from trade customers, both long-standing partners and new contacts, alongside members of the media. Guests were invited to reconnect with producers, discover new vintages, and uncover hidden gems within the portfolio, with the MMD team on hand throughout the day to provide guidance and support.
Maisons Marques et Domaines extends its thanks to all attendees for their continued support and participation and looks forward to working closely with partners throughout 2026, a year anticipated to be rich with opportunity.