Notes:
- Producer: André Clouet is a family-owned grower Champagne estate based in Bouzy Grand Cru in the Montagne de Reims. The Clouet family traces its history in Bouzy to the 18th century, originally serving as royal printers to the court of Louis XV before establishing themselves as winegrowers. Today, the estate is managed by Jean-François Clouet and farms approximately 9 hectares, almost exclusively within the Grand Cru villages of Bouzy and Ambonnay. Pinot Noir dominates the vineyard holdings, reflecting the historic identity of Bouzy. The domaine harvests by hand, ferments individual parcels separately, and emphasizes long lees aging before release. Production remains relatively small compared to the major Champagne houses, with a focus on Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs.
- Vineyard: Grande Réserve is produced from 100% Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from Bouzy Grand Cru. The vineyards are planted on the classic chalk and limestone soils of the Montagne de Reims, covered by a thin layer of clay that provides water retention while allowing vine roots to penetrate deeply into the chalk. The Base 2021 release includes reserve wines to maintain consistency while preserving the character of the vintage. Bouzy has long been recognized for producing Pinot Noir with both richness and structure, and Grande Réserve is intended to express this terroir without blending fruit from other villages.
- Winemaking: Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Individual lots are vinified separately before blending with reserve wines. The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and is aged for approximately 36 months on the lees, considerably longer than the minimum required for non-vintage Champagne. Following disgorgement, it is finished with a Brut dosage of approximately 8 g/L. No oak is used during vinification, allowing the fruit, chalk-derived minerality, and extended lees aging to define the finished wine.
- Technical Details: Champagne AOC; Base 2021; 100% Pinot Noir; Bouzy Grand Cru; chalk and limestone soils with clay topsoil; hand harvested; stainless steel fermentation; reserve wines included in the blend; approximately 36 months on the lees; Brut dosage (~8 g/L); approximately 12% alcohol.
- Food Pairing: The richness of Bouzy Pinot Noir and the wine's extended lees aging make Grande Réserve an excellent partner for roast chicken, duck breast, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, tuna, and mushroom dishes. Its combination of ripe fruit, chalky freshness, and moderate dosage also pairs well with aged Comté, Gruyère, charcuterie, and poultry with cream sauces, while remaining balanced enough to serve as an aperitif.
Andre Clouet Champagne Grande Reserve Grand Cru NV
Sale price$59.00
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Andre Clouet Champagne Grande Reserve Grand Cru NV
Sale price$59.00