WINE REVIEW: RUINART BLANC DE BLANCS

The blend is 100% Chardonnay from various years (20 to 25% of which are wines reserved from the 2 previous years).

A large majority of Premiers Crus from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims vineyards for aromatic refinement, supplemented by Sézannais wines known to provide maturity.
Finally, several wines from the north of the Vesle valley give a light, fresh touch.
Vinification:

• Hand picked
• Fermentation in temperature-regulated stainless steel
• Full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage : 9 g/l

TASTING NOTES
Beautiful pale golden yellow colour with gentle touch of green; there is an active effervescence with a persistent release of bubbles; On the nose fresh ripe citrus notes with some hints of white flowers and peaches; harmonious on the palate with a long finish.

FROM FLUTE TO PLATE
Perfect champagne for aperitifs; Is an excellent accompaniment for seafood and shellfish; perfect with a sea bass, sole and tartare.

Rating 91
Liz Palmer July 2017

Champagne Review: Baron-Fuenté NV Grands Cépages Chardonnay

Liz Palmer Champagne ReviewThis is Baron-Fuenté’s top wine. Light gold hue with expressive nose intermixing aromas of pear, nuts and citrus fruit; the palate is well-balanced; the minerality is palpable with a zingy edge and lemon-zest flavors which flow through to a long palate.

Pair with:
This fruity well-balanced champagne will be ideal with turbot and dill, lemon-pie or excellent as an aperitif.

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Winery: Baron-Fuenté

Sugar Content: 6 g/L

Sweetness Descriptor: XD – Extra Dry

Style: Rich & Complex

Date Published: July 20, 2017

Piper-Heidsieck To Launch Essentiel

Piper-Heidsieck is launching a cuvee this September aimed at the champagne connoisseur and will be exclusive to the UK on-trade and select wine merchants.

Essentiel is a low-dosage offering at 5g/l compared to the Brut NV at 9/10g/l, and has received an additional 12-18 months of ageing. Additional information will be displayed on the label, such as, disgorgement and cellaring dates which will communicate that extra level of detail to an engaged champagne audience.

Chef de Caves, Régis Camus states:
“I am proud of this Extra-Brut cuvée which symbolises the essence of our champagnes. This extra-aged and lower dosage wine is the pure expression of Piper-Heidsieck style: a structured, crisp and ardent wine.”

Winemakers tasting notes: bright, crisp and firm, you can expect notes of citrus, grapes, crisp apple, almond and salinity.

Price – GBP37.99 (US$49) per bottle

Happy International Chardonnay Day (May 25th) and What is Blanc de Blancs Champagne

First of all Blanc de Blancs is a French term that means “white from whites”, and is used to designate Champagnes made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes.

Secondly – Champagne Geography – the key districts for Blanc de Blancs are the Côte des Blancs and Côte de Sézanne. The Côte des Blancs is particularly famous for its Chardonnay and yield the best examples of this style. The six grand cru villages include: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Oiry. In Champagne, unlike Burgundy, the grand cru classification is linked to its villages and not vineyards. The designation denotes not only the highest-quality grapes—but also, generally, those that command the highest prices.

Thirdly, the differences in aromas and flavors are attributable to terroir. For instance, the Côte de Sézanne tends to yield riper fruit, hence riper wines. Other differences are the result of winemaking techniques, the degree of dosage, and other variables.

A classic Blanc de Blancs is restrained and elegant when its young, yet with ageing, it develops a mouth-coating brioche richness that overlays an intense expression of fruitiness.

Blanc de blancs Champagne is vibrant in its acidity it wants nothing more than to throw itself into comfort foods, seafood, and fried foods.

Producers include Salon, Billecart-Salmon, Jacques Selosse, Dom Ruinart, Krug, Guy Larmandier, Champagne R&L Legras, Champagne Henriot, Pol Roger, Krug, Louis Roederer, Dom Ruinart, Vilmart, Taittinger, and J. de Telmont  – also seek out smaller producers, you will be surprised and delighted.

Moët & Chandon Champagne 6-Packs

Just in time for wedding season and Memorial Day weekend, Moët & Chandon just released its first 6-pack of mini champagne bottles (137mL bottles) of its classic Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne.

Tasting notes include a blend that’s crisp, fresh, smooth, and easy to drink with light body and fruity notes.

This release is currently available in the US.

At $100 the Moët Mini Share Pack comes with its own golden flute toppers, so you can pour and share your bubbles elegantly in any circumstances, may it be at an engagement party, picnic chic, at the beach, at a cocktail party, or just to elevate any summer soiree!