The penultimate Friday in April brought along showers worthy of the proverb; it would hopefully bode well for the appearance of the following month’s flowers…
…so, safe from whatever the weather was doing outside, we assembled in our cellars to sample the delights of six different Champagnes.
Our selection was designed to compare some established, well-known favourites with examples from smaller producers, some of which – in the UK at least – are only available through Nickolls and Perks as we import them directly.
Champagne Launois Veuve Clémence Blanc des Blancs NV
Veuve Clémence – Blanc de blancs, with four years aging on the lees. This is bracingly dry with yellow fruit and some white pepper spiciness – this one will wake you up! A great aperitif or to partner shellfish.
A perfect introduction to the floral, stylish and “diamond-cut” style of the House of Perrier-Jouët.
The Grand Brut is quite delicate, with floral and fruity fragrances.
A fresh, balanced champagne with a long finish. Its flavours are best revealed between 7 and 9 degrees C
A refined and subtle blend of charm and elegance.
Gosset-Brabant uses no herbicides on their vines, the grapes are crushed in a hand-controlled press, to make doubly sure that the cuvée, the juice from the flesh, is separated out from the more bitter juices obtained around the pips and in the skin. Gosset-Brabant specialises in fruity, Pinot Noir-heavy champagnes.
Christian Gosset and his brother run their 10 hectare family domaine with great energy and passion. Located in the centrally located village of Ay right opposite the slightly more famous Maison Bollinger, it is not difficult to understand why the brothers are so proud of their 55000 bottle production. Dominated by the wonderful Pinot Noir vineyards of Ay, Champagne Gosset-Brabant make powerful full-flavoured Champagnes which work remarkably well as quality table wines as well as the usual aperitifs. A high proportion of family owned vineyards, a culture of organic farming, and a minimum of three and a half years bottle age before disgorgement all add up to hand-crafted wines which represent exceptional value for money.
Special Cuvée from Bollinger is probably our most popular non vintage Champagne. A delicate blending between harvest grapes with around twenty percent of reserve wines, including some, aged in magnums for more than 15 years in Bollinger’s cellars; the result is always luxurious, full bodied and stylish, certainly one of the finest examples.
This wine is produced in only the best years and from grapes from their best vineyards, seducing connoisseurs who appreciate body and rich complex aromas. The 2006 is the latest vintage; it shows an extra level of balance over which reflects the general reputation of this superb vintage.
Great value at £27.60 per bottle
Our final sample was Gosset Brabant Grand Cru Reserve NV
This Cuvée from Champagne Gosset-Brabant is made from 100% Grands Crus Vines, at least 70% of which are family owned. With 5 years minimum bottle age, 6 years in Magnum, the quality oozes from the glass. The blend is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. Without doubt this is Grand Marque quality.
“A serious treat…chic and elegant” Susy Atkins, Stella magazine, Sunday Telegraph, 2nd December 2012
Susy also told us that it was one of the best champagnes she had tasted all year – it’s still showing well, as you’d expect.
All the Champagnes we tasted were in their own way, delicious and good value, with examples from the smaller producers showing extremely well in the exhalted company of the Grande Marques of Perrier Jouet and Bollinger.
Our next Champagne tasting is on Friday, August 8th when we’ll be sampling an all-vintage line up. Tickets are £30.00 each – phone 01384 394518 or email James for further details.