Alfred Gratien : Brut

Bold and assertive, showing slightly smoky, nutty accents to the ripe, layered fruit flavors. Distinctive in aroma, and crisp but lingering on the finish. 16,000 cases made.

Fulsome bubbles, hints of coconut and tropical fruit. Oaky, yeasty and quite rich; a little ‘manufactured’ perhaps, but successful overall and will appeal to many.

This is a fantastic NV Champagne with a fine, creamy texture of small barrels and a deep, layered palate with dried apple, hints of pie crust and bread dough. Tangy. Layered and powerful, yet fresh. Lovely Brut Champagne. Based on 2015. Chardonnay 50% pinot noir 25% and 25% pinot meunier. Drink now or hold.

(45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Meunier and 10% Pinot Noir; 9 g/l dosage; disgorged on February 25, 2014): Light, bright gold. Sexy smoke- and mineral-laced aromas of ripe citrus and orchard fruits, with a suave floral overtone and a late hint of vanilla. Sappy and seamless on the palate, offering pliant orange and yellow apple flavors and a bracing jolt of chalky minerals. Closes with repeating smokiness and strong thrust, leaving a subtle honey note behind.

Light yellow-green colour with silver reflections, delicate mousse. Inviting yellow tropical fruits, nuances of pineapple and blossom honey, candied mandarin zest. Medium complexity, delicate minerality, white peach, fresh acidity, lime on the finish, some pastry on the aftertaste.

Light golden colour and a youthful mousse. Discreet nose of white-fleshed fruit like green apple, citrus and almond. Medium-bodied palate, youthful and fresh without autolytic notes, pure and fruity, with a creamy medium to long finish.

The current release of the NV Champagne Brut was disgorged in May 2022. Softly aromatic with apple blossoms, fresh bread dough, and tangerine, it is medium-bodied, with a delicate mousse, and is fresh with orchard fruit, pear, and lifting citrus. Pleasantly refreshing, this will make for a well-balanced aperitif over the next 6 to 8 years.

A beautiful yellow-gold, the 3 Champagne grape varieties resonate in unison. Aromas of milk, freshly baked choux pastry, sponge cake, and a Grand Marnier crème pâtissière are wonderful. A few notes of bouquet garni and fresh oak complete the sense of serenity. On the palate, it begins slightly caramelized but very quickly the ultimate tension asserts itself with remarkable length. The finish leaves us with a tasty tang and delightful flavors of mandarin zest. Lay a few bottles down in the cellar—it’s going to be sumptuous.

A lovely bead, with a nose that is quite precise, clean, and chalky

The nose is fresh and inviting, with Pink Lady apple, Bosc pear, ginger, light brioche, honeyed macadamia and sweet pea florals. The palate is lifted by elegant mousse and fine saline perlage, revealing notes of brioche, almond and a subtle salty-yeast finish. Bright acidity and textured richness make it a natural pairing for roasted vegetables or Gruyère.

The latest release of Gratien's NV Brut offers up aromas of pear, orange oil, white flowers and fresh bread. Medium-bodied, fleshy and charming, with a pillowy mousse and a pretty core of fruit, it's showing well.