Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne

Dry, crisp and quietly rich. This is a medium-bodied Brut Champagne with a fine, lively mousse. The nose shows green apple, lemon and biscuit, with almond and white flowers. The palate brings yellow peach, citrus, brioche and a touch of hazelnut. Oak fermentation adds subtle depth and a creamy texture. Bright acidity and chalky minerality carry a clean, lemony finish.

Founded in Épernay in 1864, Alfred Gratien is one of the very few Champagne houses that still ferments all of its wines in small oak barrels. It also avoids malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness. This non-vintage Brut blends Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir and spends several years on its lees before disgorgement, well beyond the legal minimum. It is made by the traditional method and bottled at 12.5% ABV in a 750 mL bottle.

Serve well chilled, around 45 to 50°F, in a tulip glass. Enjoy it with oysters or delicate fish.