Alfred Gratien : Vintage Brut 2016

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Alfred Gratien Brut Millésimé 2016

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a brilliant golden hue with remarkable brightness. The effervescence is fine and lively, forming a quick ballet of bubbles that evokes both elegance and energy. The visual aspect reflects beautiful maturity.

Nose
The nose opens intensely with tangy and indulgent notes. Aromas of brioche, pastry cream, and candied fruit are complemented by hints of citrus such as citron and mandarin. As it aerates, the aromatic palette gains complexity, revealing nuances of roasted coffee, thyme, and marine notes. An expressive and deep bouquet, full of character.

Palate
The attack is broad and generous. The palate is dense and structured, unfolding flavors of redcurrant and candied apricot. The balance between freshness and fullness is remarkable, carried by a tight texture and fine tannins. The finish is long and mouthwatering, lingering with a delicate saline touch.

Serving

For optimal enjoyment, serve at 10°C in a fairly wide flute.

Food and Wine Pairings

A fish tagine, lobster (or crayfish or monkfish tail) à l’armoricaine, John Dory with hollandaise sauce, veal Orloff fillet, or duck à l’orange pair ideally with this Alfred Gratien Brut Millésimé 2016.

The Structure and Balance of a Vintage Brut Champagne

The Estate

Alfred Gratien founded the eponymous house in 1864. Located in Épernay, at the heart of Champagne, the Alfred Gratien House has championed, since its inception, a rigorous selection of grapes, barrel vinification, and limited volumes to preserve the original character of the terroir and express all the freshness of its wines.

The expertise of the Champagne Alfred Gratien House has been passed down from father to son for several generations, contributing to the unique style of each cuvée.

The Vineyard

Alfred Gratien tends a 1.56-hectare vineyard of vines classified as Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, located on two emblematic terroirs of Champagne, the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The house supplements its supply by purchasing from around sixty growers who have been loyal to the house for generations.

Winemaking and Aging

Exclusive use of the first press. Since 1864, vinification has been carried out entirely in oak barrels of at least four wines. This method encourages micro-oxygenation of the wines and brings complexity and roundness. This 2016 vintage champagne benefits from plot-by-plot vinification without malolactic fermentation to preserve the original integrity of the fruit and the lively character of these wines with great aging potential.

Blend

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Pinot Meunier.