Notes:
- Producer: Herbert Beaufort is a family-owned Champagne house with roots dating back to the early 1900s. Today, the estate remains under family ownership and farms vineyards in both Bouzy Grand Cru and the Premier Cru village of Ambonnay, two of the Montagne de Reims' most historic terroirs. Unlike many larger Champagne houses, Beaufort has remained committed to small-scale production, emphasizing traditional viticulture, careful grape selection, and extended aging before release. The wines are classically styled, favoring balance, finesse, and drinkability over opulence. Rather than chasing trends, Herbert Beaufort continues to produce Champagnes that faithfully reflect the character of their vineyards while offering exceptional value within the region.
- Vineyard: Les Facettes is sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in Ambonnay, where Pinot Noir thrives on the Montagne de Reims' chalk-rich soils. The cuvée is composed of approximately 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, combining the power and structure of Pinot Noir with the elegance and freshness of Chardonnay. The current release is based on the 2018 vintage, a warm and generous growing season that produced fruit with excellent ripeness while maintaining sufficient acidity for balance. The chalk and limestone soils contribute the mineral backbone that defines the finished wine, while the Pinot Noir dominance gives the cuvée its depth and vinous character.
- Winemaking: The base wine is fermented using traditional methods with no malolactic fermentation, preserving freshness, precision, and vibrant natural acidity. Extended lees aging develops additional texture, complexity, and fine mousse before disgorgement. The reserve blend allows the house to maintain consistency while still expressing the character of the base vintage. The finished Champagne combines generous fruit with brioche, citrus, and mineral notes, making it equally enjoyable as an aperitif or throughout a meal. Beaufort's restrained cellar approach allows the quality of the fruit and the Premier Cru terroir to remain the central focus.
- Technical Details: Champagne Premier Cru AOC; Base Vintage 2018; approximately 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay; Premier Cru vineyards in Ambonnay; Montagne de Reims; chalk and limestone soils; no malolactic fermentation; traditional méthode champenoise; extended lees aging; Brut Réserve; approximately 12% alcohol.
- Food Pairing: Oysters, lobster, grilled shrimp, salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, and Gruyère are excellent companions to Les Facettes. The wine offers aromas of ripe apple, apricot, citrus, brioche, toasted bread, and crushed chalk with a palate that balances richness and freshness. The Pinot Noir contributes body and texture while Chardonnay provides lift and precision, making this an exceptionally versatile Champagne that transitions effortlessly from aperitif to the dinner table.
Herbert Beaufort Champagne "Les Facettes" 1er Cru Brut Réserve (R18)
Sale price$60.00
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