Probably they already were before, but they definitely are since SCHATZI WINES, an “alternative importer and distributor” based in Milan has started importing Hubert Soreau’s CHAMPAGNE Le Clos l’Abbé. Read an extract of their enthusiastic writing about Hubert and his wine (and then run to get a bottle of those fine bubbles!).

“Hubert Soreau is not from Champagne and like many outsiders who have found their way into traditional, European viticultural regions (ref. Tony Bodenstein at Prager, Michi Moosbrugger at Schloss Gobelsburg, Ted Lemon at Dujac), he is making waves. He is part of the single vintage, single parcel, single barrel approach currently utilized by a handful of growers in the region, but he also brings to his work a perspective unencumbered by traditions and conventions. Le Clos l’Abbé is a single parcel outside of Epernay where the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs meet. This parcel was originally planted in the 9^th Century after the Bishop of Reims ordered it cleared for viticulture. […] He never uses pesticides or herbicides and he picks late in the season with an average ripeness of 11° Baumé. Fermentation takes place in both used barriques and neutral 300L Hautvillers oak barrels and is finished with minimal dosage.”