Category: French Wine

The BEST Hostess Gift: Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive [Brut] Champagne Gift Pack + Two Flutes

I found this exclusive Nicolas Feuillatte Gift Pack, complete with two elegant flutes, to be a perfect choice for holiday shoppers seeking a sophisticated yet accessible hostess gift it is a harmonious blend of history, quality, and elegance, making it an exceptional choice. Cheers to making every moment special with this exquisite Champagne!

Nicolas Feuillatte’s Réserve Exclusive Brut is a perfect balance between Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, and at the same time offers remarkable complexity and elegance. This exclusive brut goes perfectly with tasty dishes such as crispy smoked salmon, turkey and on its own as a holiday aperitif!

Wine News: Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles have their first Premier Crus!

The Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles ODG (Organisme de Gestion et Défense) have just officially announced the recognition of their first Premier Cru wines. The wines can be officially labelled commencing with the 2024 vintage – the ministerial decrees defining the new production specifications for our two appellations were signed on November 18, 2024, by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

These Premier Cru classifications are the culmination of a long process that began in 2006 in partnership with the INAO (Institut Nationale des Appellations d’Origine). This achievement is rooted in a detailed geological and pedological study of the terroirs, an exploration of the historical significance of the parcels, an analysis of agronomic and winemaking practices, and the recognition of the most renowned Climats (Burgundian lieux-dits) within the appellations.

The production specifications for the new Premier Cru wines are both strict and groundbreaking, notably banning all herbicides and mandating manual harvesting. This is a first in Bourgogne for Premier Cru Climats, reflecting environmental responsibility.

The two appellations, Pouilly-Loché (32 ha) and Pouilly-Vinzelles (52 ha), both exclusively planted with Chardonnay, are true gems of the Mâconnais in southern Bourgogne. Their finest clay-limestone Climats have now been classified as Premier Crus, joining our friends and neighbors from Pouilly-Fuissé, who achieved their Premier Cru status in 2020.

The following have received the much-coveted designation:

New Pouilly-Loché Premier Cru (32 ha)

Les Mûres (7.09 ha)

New Pouilly-Vinzelles Premiers Crus (52 ha)

Les Longeays (7.50 ha)

Les Pétaux (2.76 ha)

Les Quarts (12.45 ha)

Wine Review: Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne

The Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne stands out as one of my favorite champagnes, not only for its exceptional quality but also for its unique and elegant metal jacket adorned with intricate petal designs.

Tasting Notes:

Laurent-Perrier’s Metal Jacket Petals Edition Brut Cuvée Rosé presents a refined expression of the house’s signature elegance and craftsmanship. On the nose, it unveils a bouquet of fresh red berries, predominantly strawberry and raspberry, intermingled with hints of rose petals and subtle notes of currant. The palate is marked by a lively acidity that enlivens the delicate fruit flavors, with a touch of minerality adding complexity. The finish is long and crisp, leaving a refreshing impression. The fine bubbles enhance the champagne’s light and airy texture, making it an ideal choice for celebratory occasions.
Score:  94

Technical Details:

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alc./vol.: 12%

Dosage: Brut

Aging: Minimum of five years on the lees

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)

The Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne reflects Laurent-Perrier’s dedication to excellence and luxury. The unique metal jacket, adorned with petal designs, not only protects the bottle but also serves as a tribute to the elegance and refinement that define the house’s creations. This is a standout choice for this holiday season, combining luxury and exceptional taste in one exquisite presentation! 

Historical Background

Laurent-Perrier Estate was founded in 1812 by André Michel Pierlot and has grown to become one of the most esteemed champagne houses in the world. The estate is located in Tours-sur-Marne, in the heart of the Champagne region, and has been guided by a dedication to tradition and innovation over the centuries.

Laurent-Perrier is renowned for its pioneering spirit, especially in the production of rosé champagne. The house’s Brut Cuvée Rosé was first created in 1968 by the visionary Cellar Master, Bernard de Nonancourt. Unlike many other rosé champagnes, Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Cuvée Rosé is made using the saignée method, which involves allowing the grape juice to remain in contact with the skins until the desired color is achieved. This technique imparts a rich and distinctive character to the wine.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture practices. Laurent-Perrier emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in its vineyards and has adopted measures to minimize its environmental impact. The house’s meticulous approach to winemaking includes hand-picking grapes and employing traditional methods in its state-of-the-art facilities.

Champagne Review: Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 Brut Champagne

Laurent-Perrier’s “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 is a meticulously crafted multi-vintage blend, incorporating 65% 2012, 25% 2008, and 10% 2007 vintages. This cuvée is also composed of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, exclusively sourced from grand cru vineyards. The Chardonnay component is selected from Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize, and Oger, while the Pinot Noir is derived from the prestigious terroirs of Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzy.

Tasting Notes:
Aged for a decade sur lattes, this champagne offers an extraordinary aromatic profile, with complex layers of ripe apple, white peach, fresh-baked brioche, and mineral-rich chalkiness. Delicate undertones of caraway seed, dried florals, with a hint of smokiness which adds depth. On the palate, it demonstrates remarkable purity and structure, presenting a full-bodied profile with a refined mousse and finishes with length and complexity, showcasing impeccable balance and a vibrant core of fruit.

Although this wine is still youthful, it promises to evolve beautifully over the next five to ten years, rewarding patience with further layers of complexity.

Rating: 98+

New Leadership to Foster Growth and Recognition for Vins du Centre-Loire

The Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins du Centre-Loire (BIVC) has ushered in a new chapter with the appointment of François Bouteille as its Director, succeeding Edouard Mognetti. With a strong background in vine and wine law, a degree in business law, and intellectual property from Bordeaux University, Bouteille brings extensive expertise to the role. His wine industry journey began with the Champagne Trade Association, followed by a consulting firm in Australia that specialized in appellation protection. Most recently, Bouteille held the directorship at the Vouvray Syndicate, where he worked closely with regional winegrowers to elevate their profiles on both local and global stages.

Bouteille is determined to champion the values of independent winegrowers while promoting the diverse terroirs and appellations of Centre-Loire wines. His strategic vision focuses on enhancing the region’s economic research initiatives to identify new markets and diversify its offerings.

“I am convinced that the vineyards of Centre-Loire are poised for greater recognition. The immense potential of our wines resonates with enthusiasts across all generations, both in France and internationally,” Bouteille said.

He emphasized that the BIVC’s technical and promotional strategies will continue to support the sustainable growth of the region’s eight appellations and two IGPs. The appeal of single grape variety wines offers an approachable entry point for consumers, fostering a deeper exploration of the region’s unique mosaic of terroirs.

Source: (BIVC)