Joseph Perrier : Cuvée Royale Brut Nature

Newly released this year, the inaugural iteration of Joseph Perrier's NV Brut Nature Cuvée Royale is based on the 2013 vintage, complemented by 24% reserve wines, and was disgorged in 2020. Wafting from the glass with pretty aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, orange oil, beeswax and white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and precise, with ripe but racy acids, a charming core of fruit and a delicately chalky finish. This represents a fine debut.

Crisp and lacy in texture, this mouthwatering sparkling white features flavors of juicy green apple, pink grapefruit pith and chalk. Disgorged 2021. Drink now. 2,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.

A silky Champagne with chopped-nut, honey, apricot and lemon aromas. It’s fresh and sleek on the palate with gentle bubbles. Pure and well integrated. 62% chardonnay, 24% pinot meunier and 14% pinot noir. Disgorged in 2023. Dosage 0g/L. Drink now.

Based on the 2016 vintage and including 24% reserve wines, the Cuvée Royale Brut Nature NV is a blend of 62% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Noir and 24% Pinot Meunier, aged 72 months in the cellar and finished with zero dosage. Expressive and alluring notes of apple compote, brioche, nougat, dried coconut flakes and vanilla unfurl into a lean, light-bodied palate, with buoyant acidity enveloping delicate orchard fruits. A little austere on the chalky finish, it is balanced and refreshing.

finely reduced, the nose shows a different personality, mineral and chalky

In a sign of a world of riper Champagne grapes, this familiar brand now has a zero-dosage version. It is certainly crisp and dry, but the richness of the fruit gives it a fine balance. This bottling could be kept for a few months for the tight texture to open out. So drink from 2021.