FAMU Graduate Launches First Female Black-Owned Champagne in UK
|
Posted By: Kennedy Williams on March 08, 2021 Drinks importer and distributor Rusty Rabbit International has launched a new premium champagne brand. Lapin Rouillé Champagne is the first own-label release by Rusty Rabbit International in London and is the baby of Nichole Johnson, our founder, and CEO. Significantly, it is heralded as the first (and only) female black-owned champagne in the UK and one of only two brands with this claim in Europe. And with only one female black-owned champagne brand in the USA, this elevates Johnson into a unique crowd. Sourced from a small single estate producer in Massif de Saint-Thierry near Reims, at the center of the champagne region, Lapin Rouillé is crafted from 100% Pinot Meunier grapes, a champagne variety that is rapidly gaining in popularity for its delicate, dry, and floral flavors. Lapin Rouillé follows in the footsteps (or pawprints) of similar pre-eminent Champagne cuvées from the likes of Billecart-Salmon, Laherte and Egly-Ouriet. With Nichole as its CEO, Rusty Rabbit International is already the only female black-owned liquor importer, exporter, and distributor in the world, with certification in 142 countries, and its business base is growing steadily. Johnson is profoundly proud of her achievement, saying “my aim with Rusty Rabbit is to create and to curate premium drinks brands from around the world and to promote them to the world. The world of wine and liquor is filled with people passionate about what they produce. Shouting about the diversity in the industry is a fantastic way of bringing even more passion, more innovation, and more entrepreneurship.” “I am lucky to work with some awesome producers, from whom integrity and provenance are the foundation to their work. With Lapin Rouillé, I am super proud to join those brand owners and offer a world-class drinks product, with real product integrity and a heck of brand promise.” The first release of Lapin Rouillé was limited to just over three thousand bottles, but such is the demand, that it has secured additional stock to feed the thirsty champagne lovers calling for it, both in Europe and the USA. It’s available through its own website (lapinrouille.com), through the iconic London luxury department store Harvey Nichols (harveynichols.com), and through the well-established London drinks retailer Gerry’s (gerrys.uk.com). And the brand has also collaborated with Harvey Nichols and the new chocolatiers Cartografie to offer an exclusive gift bag. Containing a bottle of Lapin Rouillé Champagne and a box of bespoke Cartografie chocolates (hand filled to pair perfectly with the champagne), this gift is a very limited edition. Hop over to Harvey Nichols's website and order yours today. Tasting note: Pale gold in color, with deep gold reflections and fine, persistent beading. Bounces around the palate with springy exuberance, Displays exotic fruit, red berries, spring flowers, and a pinch of sea salt, coming together with freshness and delicacy. A perfect aperitif and pairs beautifully with seafood, in particular salmon and shellfish. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 104,277 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
