André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Noir NV (France)

Description

• Dry style
• Hazelnut & biscuit
• Ripe pear & apricot
• Creamy & mouthwatering

"Made from 100% Pinot Noir from Grand Crus vineyards in the Bouzy subregion. Four years en tirage. It has an almost perfumed aroma with chocolate box, cherry blossom flavours and a good influence of bready and toasted nut autolysis" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review Dec 2021

"Just as good as last time it was tasted, although this bottle seems especially fresh and delicate, with a refinement that is perhaps not classic blanc de noirs, but seems to suggest some chardonnay in the mix (but there is none). Lovely wine indeed" Huon Hooke, Real Review, Oct 2019

"The effusive nose of candied citrus, ripe pear and brioche pulls you into this fresh and creamy champagne that hits all the pleasure buttons for a non-vintage Brut. Then the chalky freshness at the finish pulls you back for another sip. Excellent balance! 100% Pinot Noir. Drink now" The Wine Advocate, Apr 2021

"Enchanting pale golden in the glass boasting aromas of citrus with ripe orchard fruits and are subtle biscuity almond touch. This stunning grower Champagne has a creamy, refined palate that lingers. Pear and nut follow through from the bouquet, highlighted by a creamy and floral feel" James Suckling, Jul 2022

The harvest is manual and takes a large selection of clusters to remove those who have not aged well. The winemaking is done in a traditional winery, almost archaic. A former high vertical press gets fine and balanced must go to small tubs where they conduct the alcoholic fermentation between 16 º C and 18 º C, and malolactic to 18 º C. The wine is aged in the cellars of the family to 10 feet deep, with disgorgement removed and manuals.

Owner Jean-François Clouet - The man and his cuvées are deeply rooted into the multilayered and convoluted history of Champagne, arguably more than any other. He is the privileged custodian of eight hectares of estate vines in the best middle slopes of Bouzy and Ambonnay, the epicentre of pinot noir in Champagne. His family heritage in Bouzy extends back to 1492 and they have been making their own champagnes here since the early 1700s.