Our tasting impressions
Such a fresh, lively and crisp tasting Brut. The lack of malo on the Chardonnay is apparent. A yeasty note provides some interesting counterpoint to the zesty acidity and minerality. Drink now and for the next few years to enjoy the freshness.
About this wine
This non-vintage Brut is a blend of 40% Chardonnay and 30% each Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Seventy percent is from the 2014 vintage and the rest is reserve Chardonnay.
The Chardonnay is vinified without malolatic fermentation. There is a light filtration prior to bottling. Dosage: 6-7 g/litre. Disgorged April 2018.
About the grape blend
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the three most common grapes grown in Champagne. Blending all three for a non-vintage Brut is typical.
On your table…
This would be great with a lobster roll and chips. The fatty, richness of meat and mayo provide great counterpoint to the angular, crisp minerality of the wine and Champagne and salt is a beautiful thing. Serve at or just below cellar temperature.
Suggested Glassware: Grassl Mineralité
The roots of this Grower Champagne estate dates back to 1920. Hervé's grandfather Paul was in the business of transporting wine to the big Champagne houses by horse. He bought land in Avize in order to feed and raise the horses and this land eventually was designated Grand Cru vineyards. A decade later, he developed the property to focus on wine production.
In 1981, Hervé began bottling wine under his own name. His daughter, Nina has been working with him since 2012.
The 6.3ha estate in the Côte des Blancs near Épernary is 63% Chardonnay - 3.5ha are Grand Cru from Avize in the Côte de Blancs and a half ha of 1er Cru in Montagne de Reims. The estate also comprises 1.5ha Pinot Meunier and .8ha Pinot Noir from the Vallée de la Marne.
Thirty-eight years ago, Hervé was among the pioneers who began stemming the malolactic fermentation process in his Chardonnay the enduring malic acid made his wine fresher, livelier and more transparent of the terroir. Typically, they do this with half of their Chardonnay production.
They have no desires to grow, to be famous or wealthy from their work. These are truly artisan winemakers. Their only goal is to produce the best Champagne they can - Champagne that is deeply reflective of the land and people who work it.
