- CHAMPAGNE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS - ARMAND DE BRIGNAC (WOODEN BOX): WHY WE LIKE IT
It is the latest addition to the Armand de Brignac family, obtained from Chardonnay grapes harvested in the best plots of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. Brut Blanc de Blancs is a Champagne in which two complementary souls meet: one elegant and refined, the other complex and powerful. Already wonderful to drink now, it guarantees considerable aging potential, which will see it evolve towards toasted references and sweeter notes in the coming years. It is an exclusive bubble, and as such perfect to be uncorked during the most special occasions. Highly sought after by collectors, also because of its precious bottle, it is a Champagne with nothing short of fabulous features.
TASTING NOTES
Brilliant and crystalline straw yellow in the glass, characterized by a fine and persistent perlage. Notes of pastry and brioche join with the hint of quince and grapefruit, to then be completed by hints of caramel, candied citrus fruit, ginger and honey: the olfactory bouquet is refined, rich and complex. The taste is equally important, layered, mineral and savory, broad and of excellent length.
COMBINATIONS
Excellent for the most sophisticated and refined aperitifs, it is perfect as an accompaniment to prawns cooked in the oven and wrapped in colonnata lard
2) Dom Pierre Pérignon,
He certainly couldn't be missing, the "Dom" among the fine champagnes. Yes, because this fine champagne is beyond any doubt, especially if in pink and even more so if Œnothèque. Here, perhaps the maximum expression of Dom Pérignon comes precisely from the meeting between these two typologies and the result - Œnothèque Rosé - is absolutely extraordinary, to the point that it is in all probability the best pink champagne, especially in memorable vintages like 1982 , the 1988 and the 1990. It's a shame that the circulation of these bottles is extremely limited and the cost is not really within everyone's reach (from 800 euros and up). But we are still talking about precious champagnes…
3) Louis Roederer Cristal
« Intense, fresh and of great precision, the bouquet reveals an entire palette of flavours, complete and complex, to compose a velvety, fleshy, melting, airy whole of great aromatic purity. » — Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master
The symbol of preciousness applied to champagne belongs first and foremost to him, without a doubt. Roederer's cuvée de prestige is the symbol of luxury, it is a status symbol and it is certainly precious for this fame and for the intrinsic and objective quality of the wine. In any case, Cristal champagne is produced with grapes from the best estate vineyards, 60% of these are biodynamic, the wines are fermented in wood for approximately 25% and never undergo malolactic fermentation, the assembly sees Pinot Noir always slightly prevalent on Chardonnay. An exceptional champagne, which ages beautifully and deserves more respect.
PUSHING THE LIMITS FURTHER AND FURTHER
In 1974, one hundred years after the creation of Cristal, Jean-Claude Rouzaud created the Cristal Rosé cuvée by selecting old Pinot Noir vines, located on the best territories of the Grand Cru d'Aÿ, now cultivated biodynamically. Drawing an exquisite minerality from the unique calcareous soil of this territory, these grapes have the particularity of reaching, in great vintages, an extraordinary maturity combined with crystalline acidity.
A UNIQUE ALLIANCE
Made with approximately 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, of which 20% are wines vinified in oak barrels, Cristal Rosé is made with the bloodletting method after cold maceration. It is aged for an average of 6 years in the cellar.
THE PRECISION OF CRISTAL, THE INTENSITY OF ROSÉ
The aromatic intensity is felt right from the start in the mouth, with a well-established roundness and smooth, sweet flavors of white flowers, red fruits, caramel and Tatin cake. The round, broad and refined texture of the first palate, typical of Maison Louis Roederer, is underlined by a vinous structure, without being excessive, and by a beautiful freshness that gives an impression of great finesse and reinforces the precision of this wine.
4) Louis Roederer Cristal Rosè
The Cristal Rosé 2014 with its ripe, slender fruit and delicious texture boasts incredible precision. A delight, almost electric, of great gustatory intensity.
VINTAGE
A three-beat climatic waltz, with strong, clear contrasts and decisive! A splendid and dry spring that results in a torrid June; an autumnal summer, fresh and rainy; a hot, sunny and very dry September... worthy of a month of August. The “key” to the vintage lies in the soil and in the work of the winemakers: the chalk, rewarding because it is more draining, in the medium-lower area from the hill, made it possible to eliminate excess water of the summer and to limit its stagnation... ours are fundamental increasingly virtuous viticultural practices that allow to push ourselves further in the search for balance in the grapes and maturation.
TASTING NOTES
Pink color with slightly coppery reflections. Dynamic effervescence that forms a persistent cord. Pure, precise and radiant bouquet. The intense aromas of Pinot noir recall the harvest, the pure fruit, ripe and concentrated: red berries (redcurrants, wild raspberry, blackcurrant) and sour, raspberry liqueur. Followed by sweet spices, smoky notes, the hint of reduction (smoked, spicy) of Pinot noir with its undergrowth notes. Concentrated, broad palate, in which the red fruits (strawberry, raspberry) are concentrated in a strong and intense texture, which develops in two phases that reflect the extremes of the year: a silky and broad initial attack (maturity final) followed by a resolute and intense freshness (summer fresh). A feeling of concentration, a whirlwindof flavors that explode in an elegant and gradual way like salt bubbles on the palate. The saline, iodine impression it combines with smoky hints and giving acidity umami and an infinitely tasty finish.
5) Champagne Ruinart, The key points
The first Champagne house founded in 1729, Ruinart is held in high regard in the hearts of purists. The historic Maison owes its birth to the visionary monk and precursor Dom Thierry Ruinart. Having gauged the nobility's infatuation with this effervescent wine which did not yet bear the name of Champagne, Dom Ruinart wrote the deed of foundation of the Maison, which is still preserved today.
Located in the heart of Reims, the Maison Ruinart holds a true treasure. Unique, historical and architectural monuments, the Ruinart chalk quarries have been classified as a historic site since 1931 and inscribed since July 2015 in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. At almost 40 meters deep, in the darkness and cold of the cathedral-like quarries, they wait patiently for the precious bottles before seeing the light.
An emblematic white grape variety, Chardonnay is the signature and soul of Ruinart, leaving its distinctive mark in each of the Maison's cuvées. From the largest limestone soils of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, Chardonnay reveals its nobility, purity and aromatic freshness of emblematic wines, such as the legendary Blanc de Blancs, in the iconic bottle, or "R" of Ruinart, quintessence of the expression of Ruinart taste.
Elegance, timeless style leaves us the DNA of a champagne house that is among the most appreciated brands in the Hexagon, embodying the excellence of the French art de vivre throughout the world.
6) Broël & Kroff,
an extra luxury brand created by a fashion house (Drappier) together with two entrepreneurs. Broël & Kroff initially debuted with a single cuvée, dressed in a very precious dress (the capsule is in 18K solid gold), produced only in magnum and in no more than 2,000 examples, with the ambition of becoming the most exclusive in the world. The debut vintage was 1996, followed by 1995, 1999 and 2000, all made by blending the best Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) from the Aube. Each example is hand degorged to order. The preciousness of the new champagne is further demonstrated by the cork stopper made up of five pieces, by the precious wooden box that houses the magnum and by the refined dedicated bucket. The cost? Over 3,000 euros. Then, fortunately, the range was also enriched with more "human" vintage cuvées, but that's another story...
7) Krug Clos d'Ambonnay.
The most expensive champagne (read the tastings of the 1995 and 1996 vintages), especially if we think that the cost of the bottle (around 3,000 euros) refers only to the 0.75 bottle and not to larger sizes as in other cases. But it is not a sinister marketing operation... Or, rather, there is certainly a bit of marketing, but also a lot of substance: years of tastings by the Krug family, experiments that began in 1990, finally the debut with vintage 1995. The circulation is limited to just over 3,000 bottles, but this exclusive 100% Krug blanc de noirs is the result exclusively of the grapes from the small vineyard (0.685 hectares) enclosed by walls in the heart of the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. Currently on the market there is the third vintage, the 1998, which follows the aforementioned 1995 and the 1996. Among other things, it is the latest creation of the great Henri Krug, after the Clos du Mesnil and the Rosé.
8) Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises
An authentic piece of work (tasting of the 1999 vintage for this Bollinger here), a legendary and certainly precious champagne, an extraordinary blanc de noirs, capable of conquering and never being forgotten again. It is the living example of how champagne was made in the 19th century, starting with the vigne en foule. Only two, very small, enclosed by walls, therefore clos, one behind and one in front of the Aÿ maison. The grapes are then fermented entirely in wood and the draft of just over 4,000 bottles takes place with the cork stopper (bouchon liège). It costs around 700 euros and currently this Bolly wanted by Mme Lily herself is on the market with the 2004 vintage, reviewed in the Grandi Champagne 2014-15 guide.
9) Veuve Clicquot.
One of the most sublime of the sublime. Obtained from a blend of around 50 different wines, with various grapes and ages, although most are classified as "Grands Cru", ultra premium white wines. Its quality lies in the fact that between 25% and 35% of the reserve wines are added to the wine of the year. At sight and from the first uncork it appears yellow, with golden flashes and bubbles. On the nose there are fruit and brioche, toasted notes of walnuts and vanilla. In the mouth it has the presence of a good champagne, due to the carbonic flavor and intense fruit. If what you want from this champagne is for it to be smooth, and not a standout, then it represents a major disadvantage. To be taken into consideration when accompanying meals. Find something that matches this champagne and not the other way around.
10) Moet & Chandon
It is a classic champagne created from more than 100 wines. Within its composition there is Pinot Noir which ranges from 30 to 40%, Pinot Meunier which ranges from 30 to 40% and Chardonnay which ranges from 20 to 30%. In the glass this champagne has a light yellow color with a slightly greenish hue, with fine bubbles, perceptible even from a distance, which float in the glass with ease. It is a slightly thick drink, which its presence is strong when it passes through the mouth and down. The citrus flavor of green apple is balanced with the freshness of white flowers, other notes of cereals and fresh nuts, and the added sweetness of fruits such as pear and peach. The nose is full of intense citrus scents, a lot of floral presence that invites the freshness of a long and unique drink. If it is sought after as a companion, perhaps its flavor is too strong and dominates over the appetizers or foods to be enjoyed. It is recommended to cleanse the palate with water after each sip.
11) The classic champagnes on board the jet:
1) Ruinar, white and rose. 2) Don Perignon white and roses. 3) Crystal. 4) Moet Chandon. 5) Veuve Clicquot.