Category: Wine of France

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.

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)

Lunch Wines at The Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés 2020-2023 [London]

The Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés tasting, held yesterday at the historic Church House in London, brought together key figures from the wine industry—journalists, sommeliers, and wine trade professionals. Lunch showcased a selection of Bordeaux’s iconic appellations, including Pomerol, Saint-Estèphe, Sauternes, Saint-Julien, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Émilion, Pauillac, and Margaux with vintages from 2008 to 2019.

The white wines provided a refreshing prelude to the reds, exhibiting the precise craftsmanship of Bordeaux winemakers in their balance of acidity, fruit expression, and oak integration. Notably, the 2019 Château Tronquoy Blanc (Magnum) from Saint-Estèphe impressed with its elegance and minerality, while the 2010 Château Guiraud 1er Grand Cru Classé from Sauternes offered the hallmark sweetness and complexity characteristic of top-tier dessert wines.

The red wines took center stage, offering a tour de force of Bordeaux’s diverse terroirs and winemaking styles. The lineup included:

2017 Château Branaire-Ducru (Saint-Julien), exhibiting fine tannins and a fresh, vibrant finish.

2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte (Pessac-Léognan), with notes of black fruit and tobacco, showcasing its structured elegance.

2016 Château Canon (Saint-Émilion),and 2016 La Mondotte (Saint-Émilion), representing the rich, powerful styles of Saint-Émilion.

2016 Château Pontet-Canet (Pauillac), with its signature depth and concentrated flavors.

2015 Château Montrose (Saint-Estèphe), which stood out as a personal favorite, revealing an impeccable balance of bold fruit, earthiness, and a long finish—epitomizing the power of Montrose.

2014 Château Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux), offering elegance and finesse.

2009 Château Gazin (Pomerol), another standout with its lush, velvety texture and layers of complexity—a highlight of the tasting.

2008 Château Léoville Poyferré (Saint-Julien), with its refined structure and aging potential.

My personal favorites from this exceptional tasting were the 2009 Château Gazin from Pomerol and the 2015 Château Montrose from Saint-Estèphe, each offering distinct profiles that perfectly showcased the diversity of Bordeaux’s terroirs.

Own a Piece of Bourgogne History – BIVB to Auction Iconic Appellation Signs

For any wine lover, having a tangible connection to the vineyards is a dream, and this dream can now become a reality with special thanks to the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB). After refreshing all their vineyard signs in 2023 they are offering wine enthusiasts and professionals the rare opportunity to acquire a piece of Bourgogne’s history. On Tuesday, November 12, 600 iconic vineyard signs will go under the hammer in an exclusive auction, allowing fans of the region’s illustrious appellations to bring a slice of Bourgogne home.

Taking place live from the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne in Beaune, this unique auction will be divided into 300 lots, many of which once graced the prestigious Grand Cru, Village, and Régionale appellations. Hosted by renowned auctioneers Jérôme Duvillard and Alexandra Chaillou-Weidmann (Quai des enchères), the sale will be accessible via drouot.com and interencheres.com, where bidders can follow along via livestream.

Bring Home an Appellation Souvenir
These signs have been a part of the landscape of Bourgogne for over two decades, proudly marking the regions from Côte de Beaune to Mâconnais. Imagine a sign from your favorite Grand Cru appellation adorning your home or wine cellar or adding a touch of vineyard charm to your garden. Each lot is a celebration of the unique terroirs that have made Bourgogne famous worldwide.

Highlights include:

29 Grand Cru appellation signs (1.30m x 0.6m)
280 Régionale or Village appellation signs (1.90m x 0.4m)
280 signs bearing the iconic “B” of Bourgogne wines (0.45m diameter)

The online catalogue gives bidders ample time to plan their purchases.

A Sale with a Cultural Cause
This auction isn’t just about acquiring a vineyard keepsake – it’s also a chance to contribute to the cultural richness of Bourgogne. All proceeds from the sale will support the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne in continuing its diverse cultural activities, including conferences and exhibitions celebrating the art, history, and heritage of the region. After a successful first year, the Cité is growing in popularity, and this auction will help further its mission.

So, where will you display your piece of Bourgogne?

Source: The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB)

Ruinart Unveils Blanc Singulier: A New Champagne Based on Climate Change

Frédéric Panaïotis, cellar master of Maison Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house founded in 1729, has introduced a new cuvée, Blanc Singulier. The label describes it as “A Singular Expression of Chardonnay, Revealed by a Changing Climate.”

Ruinart is renowned for its Chardonnay, and Blanc Singulier continues this tradition with a 100% Chardonnay composition. The Edition 19 comprises 80% fruit from the 2019 vintage and 20% reserve wine, with a portion aged in oak casks and zero dosage.

Edition 19
Edition 19 is the third release in this series, following Editions 17 and 18. Despite an early harvest in August, 2017 was not as challenging as recent years, making it an experimental prototype. Panaïotis chose zero dosage for this cuvée, he states “We decided to go for it, and this was our experimental cuvée, a prototype.” He recalls that he decided to go for Zero dosage, although in his words, “it probably needed one or two grams.”

The 2018 vintage set heat records in Champagne, with summer temperatures averaging two degrees above normal, necessitating greater selectivity in vineyard choice. Nonetheless, Panaïotis achieved a balanced wine without dosage.

Edition 19 underwent full malolactic fermentation, with 77% fruit from the 2019 vintage, some oak aging, 36 months on lees, and zero dosage. Panaïotis and other Champagne winemakers regard 2019 as an exceptional vintage. Panaïotis remarks, “I think everybody in Champagne agrees that 2019 is the greatest vintage we’ve had in a number of years. You talk to growers, to other houses, all winemakers are in love with 2019; it’s like a dream vintage.”

Sustainability
Ruinart’s new cuvée highlights adaptability to climate change and a commitment to sustainability. Panaïotis defines sustainability as a balance between environmental, social, and economic factors. Ruinart ceased airfreight shipping around 2013-2014 and prioritizes carbon footprint reduction, with a focus on packaging and transportation. In the vineyards, biodiversity protection is paramount in the face of climate change.

To sum up
Panaïotis reflects on future challenges posed by warmer temperatures, expressing confidence in Ruinart’s ability to craft quality Champagnes even under extreme conditions. He acknowledges uncertainty about potential future extremes but remains hopeful.

Source: The Drinks Business