Category: Champagne reviews

Champagne Review: J. de Telmont Grand Rose Brut

J. de Telmont

This Champagne is produced in Damery in the Marne Valley by J. de Telmont, one of the last Champagne houses to be family-owned and operated.

Currently the House is headed by Bertrand Lhopital. With his sister Pascale, and his brother-in-law Philippe, the fourth Lhopital generation is working to keep J. de Telmont’s rank among the 20th most important Champagne Houses in France.

Grape Varieties

85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Alcohol

12%

Tasting Notes:

Raspberry pink hue with some light salmon reflections; long-lasting mousse with fine bubbles. The initial nose reveals citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon; on the initial swirl strawberry, raspberry notes emerge; in the mouth exceptional balance and finesse; long finish with hints of cherry.

Aging Potential

3+ years

Gastronomic suggestions

Aperitif, light entry of fish or crustaceans, light cheeses, desserts with red fruits
Score
90/100

WINE REVIEW: RUINART ROSÉ

BLEND – VINIFICATION:

Blend constructed on a base of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, mostly classified as Premiers Crus with 20 to 25% coming from wines reserved from the 2 previous years.

45% of the Chardonnay is from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims vineyards
55% of the Pinot Noir is from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne vineyards, 18 to 19% of which has been made into red wine.

VINIFICATION:

• Hand picked
• Fermentation in temperature-regulated stainless steel fermenters
• For the red wine, short maceration and light extraction
• Full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 9 g/l

TASTING NOTES:

The colour is a beautiful pomegranate pink with some orange reflections; the effervescence has persistent foam; there is an intense aromatic profile on the nose with hints of tropical fruits including raspberries, and strawberries and rose; on the palate the attack is distinct and full, cradled by a gentle effervescence; the balance brings together a delightful freshness and full body, expressed by an elegant touch of mint and grapefruit.

FROM FLUTE TO PLATE:

Ruinart Rosé is a delight to drink throughout a meal from aperitif to dessert.

Rating 93%
Liz Palmer – July 2017

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