What wine is Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Contrée Noir' 2018 - Brocard Pierre

The Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Contrée Noir' 2018 - Brocard Pierre originates in the heart of the Côte des Bar, the southernmost part of Champagne, an area known for its personality-rich clay-limestone soils. Maison Brocard Pierre, a family business that combines tradition and contemporary spirit, produces a Blanc de Noirs made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes. This Champagne is the ultimate expression of the 'méthode champenoise', or traditional method: a process of re-fermentation in the bottle that allows for the development of fine and persistent bubbles, capable of enhancing the wine's complexity and freshness.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage is considered one of the most balanced in Champagne in recent years. The favourable climate, characterised by a mild spring and a warm but not excessive summer, guaranteed perfect grape ripening. The result is healthy clusters with good aromatic concentration and a natural richness that allows for a surprisingly harmonious and structured Blanc de Noirs.

Winemaking and Aging

Production faithfully follows the traditional method: after the first fermentation in steel tanks, the wine is bottled for secondary fermentation and remains in contact with the lees for approximately 5 years. This long aging period allows for the development of complex and very elegant notes. The Extra Brut dosage, less than 6 g/l of sugar, enhances the purity of Pinot Noir and the freshness of the terroir, offering a perfect balance between intensity and finesse.

Tasting Notes

Colour

In the glass, it displays a luminous golden yellow, traversed by coppery reflections and a creamy, fine, and persistent mousse: a sign of great quality and meticulous craftsmanship.

Nose

The nose offers precise and elegant aromas of white-fleshed fruit and small red berries, accompanied by nuances of bread crust and toasted hazelnut, typical of aging on lees. With oxygenation, mineral nuances and a subtle citrus note emerge, adding depth and freshness.

Palate

The palate captivates with its balance: the sip is broad, vibrant, and of great purity. The bubbles are fine and creamy, the freshness is well-balanced by a slight softness that makes the drinking harmonious and persistent. The finish is long, clean, and sapid, with a pleasant sensation of elegance and precision.

What dishes to pair with Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Contrée Noir' 2018 - Brocard Pierre

This Champagne pairs well with various dishes, proving perfect both as a refined aperitif and to accompany an entire meal. It is recommended to try it with:

• Raw seafood and tuna or salmon tartare;
• Fresh cheeses and goat cheeses;
• Dishes based on white meats or delicate poultry;
• Seafood risottos or risottos with seasonal vegetables.

Its structure, combined with the typical freshness of Pinot Noir, also makes it an ideal companion for more flavourful dishes such as a trout fillet or veal carpaccio.

Storage and aging – how to store Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Contrée Noir' 2018 - Brocard Pierre

To best preserve its freshness and complexity, the bottle should be stored horizontally, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations.

• Ideal temperature: between 10 and 12°C;
• Environment: cool, dry, and free from vibrations;
• Bottle position: horizontal, so that the cork remains moist and perfectly sealed.

The Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 'Contrée Noir' 2018 by Brocard Pierre has excellent aging potential: if well-stored, it can mature in the bottle for several years, developing even more complex and fascinating notes.