Alfred Gratien : Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016 by Alfred Gratien

Tasting

Appearance
This wine displays a particularly luminous pale gold hue. Its effervescence is restrained, enlivened by fine bubbles that rise slowly to the surface.

Nose
The first impression reveals aromas of hazelnut and crisp white fruit, accompanied by vegetal touches on a delicately smoky background. With aeration, richer scents of brioche, cooked fruit and roasted notes emerge. Given a little patience, the bouquet takes on distinctive nuances reminiscent of shellfish bisque.

Palate
The attack is generous and wonderfully velvety, introducing a fleshy texture with lovely density. The mid-palate is marked by a pleasant salinity that intertwines with flavours of cooked pear, spices and eau-de-vie. The remarkably long finish offers a perfect balance between acidic tension and saline character.

Food and wine pairings
This characterful cuvée pairs beautifully with rich, intense dishes. It will enhance seafood such as lobster, a whole salmon grilled on the barbecue or monkfish tail with bacon. As for meat, it is an ideal match for roast squab, fillet of beef or veal in a creamy sauce, as well as exceptional Iberian charcuterie such as Pata negra ham. Pasta such as troccoli pugliesi is also an excellent choice.

Serving and cellaring
To fully appreciate the Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016, serve it at 12°C. Opt for a classic wine glass or a wide flute to allow its aromas to express themselves freely.

The authentic expression of a great champagne by Alfred Gratien

The estate
Founded in 1864 in Épernay, in the heart of Champagne, Maison Alfred Gratien upholds an exceptional artisanal savoir-faire. Now owned by the Henkell-Freixenet group, this prestigious brand retains its family spirit thanks to a lineage of cellar masters from the Jaeger family, currently represented by Nicolas Jaeger. For more than 160 years, the house has stood out for its bold technical choices and traditional winemaking, favouring quality over quantity to produce wines with a unique style.

The vineyard
The grapes for this cuvée come exclusively from terroirs classified as Grand Cru within the Champagne vineyard, ensuring fruit of exceptional nobility.

Winemaking and ageing
The Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016 is crafted using traditional winemaking methods. The wines are aged in small 228-litre oak barrels. To preserve the full purity of the fruit and the authentic expression of the terroir, the house chooses not to carry out malolactic fermentation. Finally, this cuvée undergoes extended ageing of 7 years in the cellar before release.

Grape variety
This wine is made exclusively from Pinot Noir.