Paul Berthelot (NM), Eminence Brut Premier Cru Champagne, NV
A blend of 50:50 pinot noir and chardonnay (from 2010 they produce a 100% pinot meunier wine), together with reserve wines; mushroom cork closure, 12% abv. Le Vieux Comptoir, about £25.
This small negociant-producer is based at Dizy on the right bank of the Marne, opposite Epernay, with parcels at Dizy (PC) and Ay (GC).
Soils – clay, limestone and alluvial silt.
Vinification – 3 years on the lees; dosage up to 12g/l for the brut style.
WSET style tasting note
Appearance – the wine is clear and bright, of pale intensity lemon, showing small bubbles and tears.
Nose – It’s clean on the nose, of medium (+) intensity, and is developing, with an aroma profile opening with fleeting warm white bread/brioche notes, then ripe stone fruit – nectarine and apricot, and a hint of unripe pineapple, then delicate hints of citrus – lime, digestive biscuit and beeswax.
Palate – It’s a dry wine, with medium (+) acidity, no tannin, medium alcohol, a medium body, with medium intensity flavours, opening with delicate toasty and biscuity notes, then hints of warm honey, apricot and ripe grapefruit. The mousse is creamy with a long persistence, the length is long.
Quality – Obviously this is a well made wine of good quality, with a balance between acidity and alcohol+residual sugar, which are in harmony with the intensity of the quite complex range of flavours.
