In its 160 years of history, Pol Roger has carved out one of the most flattering reputations in the select circle of the leading Champagne brands.
Pol Roger made his first sale of wine in January 1849. Family circumstances forced him to set up a business: his father, a notary, had contracted an incurable disease and could no longer carry on his practice. The customer was a merchant in Aÿ, the native village of Pol Roger. The firm developed rapidly. From Aÿ, it moved to Epernay in 1851.
As early as 1855, Pol began to favour the production of brut Champagne. He knew that this was the type of Champagne which the English preferred.
By 1899, when its founder died, the brand had acquired an enviable amount of recognition. It had only taken about thirty years...
The emblematic figure of Winston Churchill left his mark on the post-war period. This British statesman was an unwavering client of the firm: "the most drinkable address in the world", he declared.
It was in 1955 that a general improvement in sales could be felt. The range of wines was enlarged, and this gave an additional impetus to the development of Pol Roger's fame. In 1961, a vintage rosé was launched.
A few years later, a special vintage was born, the Cuvée Blanc de Blancs.
The celebrated Cuvée Winston Churchill was born in 1975 in homage to Sir Winston Churchill mindful of the qualities that he sought in his champagne : robustness, a full-bodied character and relative maturity. The exact blend is a closely guarded family secret but it is undeniable that the composition would meet with the approval of the man to whom it is dedicated.
2001 saw the launch of a new cuvee, "Rich", a demi-sec. In the same year the logo and bottle were redesigned in order to better reflect the elegance and distinction of the champagne.
In 2007 the house launched another cuvee, "Pure", an Extra Brut.
In addition to its own 92 hectare vineyard, the house has worked tirelessly to ensure sourcing of the best grapes from growers, in order to maintain its current level of excellence which is recognized worldwide.
From 2001 to 2011 the winery underwent a complete renovation; an undertaking which ensured that the cellar master, Dominique Petit, could vinify cuvees of irrefutable consistency and quality.