G.H. Mumm

Mumm champagnes, the story of a Franco-German Dynasty

The story begins in Cologne, Germany. It was thanks to the production of an exceptional Riesling that the Mumm family made a name for itself and became one of the great fortunes of viticulture. His three sons followed in his footsteps and in 1827, in association with a French producer, G.Heuser and a German investor, F.Giesler, created an equivalent activity for Champagne à Reims. The company was then called P.A MUMM Giesler and Co.

It wasn't until 1852, when Georges Hermann Von Mumm - grandson of the creator - took over the management of the company, that the name was changed to G.H MUMM. Under his leadership and thanks to his passion for travel, the house became the leading exporter of Champagne. Thanks to him, the company took a major step towards modernity. He decided to invest in innovation and in stone, buying new, more modern premises.

It was he who created and registered the "Cordon Rouge" trademark, which today is the graphic signature of Maison Mumm. It's the famous red stripe arranged diagonally across the labels. He and his successor, family friend Georges Robinet, were recognized for their social advances. They provided housing and education for the families of winegrowers.

Later on, René Lalou made his mark on the company's history. When he took over the management of the company in 1920, he was determined to develop the brand around terroir and quality. He would acquire grands crus and restore the honor of mythical vignobles. Since 2005, Maison Mumm has belonged to the Pernod Ricard group.

The characteristics of the Mumm vineyard

The vignoble Mumm represents 218 hectares spread around Reims and Ay. 160 hectares are classified as grands crus. But this represents only 25% of Mumm's champagne production needs. For the remaining 75%, the brand sources from loyal independent winemakers.

The region's climate is rather continental with an oceanic influence. This results in cold, harsh winters and temperate summers. Rain, hail, fine weather and average temperatures are the order of the day. However, sunshine remains very decent, with around 1,600 hours a year. The vines grow on a variety of soils including clay, marl, chalk, sand and limestone. This is what allows us to produce exceptional, powerful wines.

Like all Champagne Houses, Mumm uses the grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier Noir. The combination of the three, with Chardonnay predominating, creates champagnes of character with incomparable flavors. Maison Mumm offers us champagnes Bruts, Demi-sec, Blanc de Blancs and Rosés.

Mumm and its grape varieties

The Chardonnay Blanc is the grape variety most present in Mumm champagnes. It brings freshness and bitterness. It particularly likes the chalk soils of the Montagne de Reims. Its small yellow berries bring aromas of citrus, hazelnut and hints of anise.

The blue berries of Pinot Noir, bring power and body to champagne. It's an exceptional grape variety that requires great dexterity and care. It brings more intensity and is distinguished by red fruit aromas.

The juicier Meunier Noir gives champagne more character and roundness. It can also be recognized by its red fruit aromas. It's a powerful grape variety that prefers clay soils.

The House of Mumm produces its champagnes through its own production and the purchase of vines from independent winegrowers who have followed and supported it for many years. This is how the Chef de Cave succeeds in creating perfect blends.

Mumm, expertise between tradition and innovation

Beyond the passion of the Chef de Cave and the winemakers, Maison Mumm has understood the importance of respecting the vines and their environment. To obtain quality champagnes, it has opted for traditional work respecting the method of Champagne winemaking. Gentle juice extraction, vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, fermentation, riddling, then ageing on laths and disgorging, Maison Mumm likes to follow all the stages, taking the necessary time not to rush production.However, it was the first to create a viticultural research laboratory in 1870. Even today, it works with INRA, CNRS and Méteo France to develop new production and analysis processes, and holds several scientific patents.

Mumm's grands crus

Here's a small selection of Mumm's signature Grands Crus for your next events.

Mumm - Cordon rouge

This is the house's flagship cuvée. It is a balanced wine with beautiful vinosity. The predominance of Pinot Noir provides structure and power, followed by the elegance of Chardonnay and the fruitiness and roundness of Meunier noir. Its bubbles are numerous and active, and its golden color is brilliant. On the nose, there are aromas of peach, apricot and exotic fruit followed by warmer notes of caramel, brioche and vanilla. On the palate, it's lively and fresh. It's a full-bodied wine with a lovely roundness in which we find the aromas already mentioned.

Mumm - Blanc de Noirs

This is a recent champagne from a subtle blend featuring Pinot Noir. It's an intense, powerful wine, ideal for exceptional meals. Its copper color gives way to an aromatic nose. We can distinguish effluves of dried fruit, nougat, coffee and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, we find nougat to which are added aromas of yellow fruit, honey and brioche. This is a structured, unctuous champagne.

Mumm - René Lalou

This is a great vintage that's being snapped up at a premium. It's the perfect balance between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 50/50. Its brilliant golden color reveals bubbles of great delicacy. On the nose we appreciate its reminders of yellow fruit, then nougat and spices. On the palate, it's a fresh champagne with candied fruit and citrus aromas.