Alfred Gratien : Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016

Tasting Characteristics and Recommendations for the Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016 by Alfred Gratien

Tasting Notes

Appearance
This wine reveals a particularly luminous pale gold hue. Its effervescence shows remarkable restraint, animated by fine bubbles that rise slowly to the surface.

Nose
The first olfactory contact unveils aromas of hazelnut and crisp white fruits, accompanied by herbaceous touches woven into a delicately smoky background. With aeration, more indulgent fragrances of brioche, cooked fruits and roasted notes emerge. With a little patience, the bouquet is further enriched by distinctive nuances reminiscent of shellfish bisque.

Palate
The attack is generous and wonderfully velvety, introducing a fleshy texture with beautiful substance. The mid-palate is marked by an appealing salinity that intertwines with flavours of baked pear, spices and eau-de-vie. The finish, of remarkable length, offers a perfect balance between acidic tension and saline depth.

Food and Wine Pairings
This characterful cuvée pairs marvellously with rich and intense dishes. It will enhance seafood such as lobster, whole barbecued salmon or monkfish tail wrapped in bacon. Where meats are concerned, it will be the ideal companion to roast squab, fillet of beef or veal coated in a creamy sauce, as well as exceptional Iberian charcuterie such as Pata Negra ham. Pasta dishes such as troccoli pugliesi are also an excellent choice.

Serving and Cellaring
To fully appreciate the Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 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, the Alfred Gratien House perpetuates an exceptional artisanal expertise. Now owned by the Henkell-Freixenet group, this prestigious brand retains its family spirit thanks to the lineage of cellar masters from the Jaeger family, of which Nicolas Jaeger is the current representative. For more than 160 years, the estate has stood out for its bold technical choices and traditional winemaking, prioritising quality over quantity to offer wines with a unique style.

The Vineyard
The grapes used for this cuvée come exclusively from terroirs classified as Grand Cru within the Champagne vineyard, guaranteeing raw material of exceptional nobility.

Winemaking and Ageing
The making of the Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru 2016 is based on traditional winemaking. The wines are aged in wood, in small 228-litre oak barrels. To preserve all the purity of the fruit and the authentic expression of the terroir, the House chooses not to carry out malolactic fermentation. Finally, this cuvée benefits from an extended ageing of 7 years in the cellar before being released.

Grape Variety
This wine is made exclusively from Pinot Noir.