What kind of wine is Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte
The Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte is an excellence born in the heart of Champagne, France, from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced exclusively from Grand Cru classified vineyards. This designation guarantees superior quality, distinctive terroir, and unparalleled aromatic purity. The Nicolas Feuillatte house, one of the most renowned and appreciated cooperatives in the French panorama, combines tradition and modernity to create elegant, contemporary, and accessible Champagnes.
As per tradition, the secondary fermentation takes place using the Champenoise method (or traditional method), which involves a second fermentation directly in the bottle. This artisanal process, followed by a long aging on lees, is what gives the wine its typical fine and persistent effervescence, as well as unique complexity and creaminess.
Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage in Champagne was particularly generous: a year marked by a warm and dry summer that favored optimal grape ripening, with a perfect balance between sugars and acidity. Stable weather conditions allowed for Chardonnay grapes of great aromatic concentration and structure, ideal for a refined and long-lived Blanc de Blancs.
Winemaking and Aging
After alcoholic fermentation, the Champagne is bottled for natural secondary fermentation according to the traditional method. It then rests on its lees for at least six years, the time necessary to develop elegant notes and a soft, creamy texture. The dosage, precisely calibrated, maintains the Brut style (i.e., with low residual sugar content), enhancing the freshness, minerality, and purity of the Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte presents a luminous straw yellow with golden reflections. The perlage – the technical term for the development of bubbles – is subtle, continuous, and persistent, a distinctive sign of great quality.
Nose
The bouquet is elegant and complex, with aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus, green apple, and hints of dried fruit. Slight toasted notes and fresh butter then emerge, typical of aging on lees, enriching the aromatic profile and inviting a sip.
Palate
On the palate, it strikes with a perfect combination of freshness and roundness. It is a lively Champagne, with fine and creamy bubbles that envelop the palate, leaving a long persistence and a clean, mineral, and savory finish. The balance between fruit and structure makes it extremely pleasant and versatile.
What dishes to pair with Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte
Thanks to its elegance and lively freshness, this Champagne is perfect to accompany:
- raw seafood, oysters, and fish tartare;
- crustacean or steamed white fish dishes;
- delicate risottos and fish carpaccios;
- fresh or soft cheeses.
Also ideal as a "classy" aperitif or for a special evening, it expresses itself best during convivial and romantic moments.
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte
To preserve the characteristics of this Champagne, it is important to follow some simple storage rules:
- Temperature: consistently around 10-12°C, avoiding temperature fluctuations.
- Light: store in a dark place or with indirect light, as UV rays can alter the wine.
- Position: keep the bottle horizontal, to keep the cork moist.
In the cellar, it can evolve positively for several years, developing greater aromatic complexity and creaminess. However, thanks to its freshness and balance, it is already ready to be enjoyed in all its expressiveness today.
Nicolas Feuillatte
The story of the Nicolas Feuillatte winery The Nicolas Feuillatte winery represents a cornerstone of French wine tradition, combining historical heritage with bold innovations. Founded in the heart of the Champagne region, Nicolas Feuillatte is renowned for its ability to unite timeless elegance ...
How to open and best serve Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte
1. Bottle placement
Before opening the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte, it is important to position the bottle correctly. If it has been stored horizontally, place it upright for at least a couple of hours before opening, so that any sediment settles at the bottom. Avoid abrupt movements to not disturb the natural clarity of the wine.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Temperature plays a key role in best appreciating the qualities of this Champagne. Serve the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte at a temperature between 8°C and 10°C.
- Cool it slowly in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 30 minutes.
- Avoid a too-cold refrigerator (below 6°C), which would alter the bubbles and limit its aromas.
3. Opening the bottle
Opening should be done gently, to preserve the fine perlage. Follow these steps:
- Tilt the bottle slightly to 45° holding the cork with your thumb.
- Remove the foil and slowly loosen the wire cage, always keeping one hand on the cork.
- Rotate the bottle – not the cork – very slowly, until you hear a soft sigh of air and not a sharp "pop." This reduces carbon dioxide loss and maintains the wine's elegance.
4. Inspection and first taste
Once the bottle of Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte is open, pour a small amount into the glass to check:
- The clarity and liveliness of the bubbles.
- The color, which should be bright and golden with greenish reflections typical of Blanc de Blancs.
- The aroma, which should release notes of citrus, white flowers, and a slight hint of hazelnut, a sign of the cuvée's maturity.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although Champagne is generally served directly from the bottle, for a vintage Champagne like the Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte, slight oxygenation is recommended:
- Open the bottle approximately 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the wine to breathe.
- In particular cases, you can pour it into a Champagne carafe or a specific decanter for sparkling wines, being careful not to disperse the perlage.
This process enhances the complex aromas and evolving nuances of the wine.
6. Serving
Use wide flutes or white wine glasses with a slightly widened opening to allow the aromas to fully express themselves. Pour the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte slowly along the inside wall of the glass to preserve the bubbles. Serve moderate quantities to keep the wine fresh until the last sip.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with an airtight Champagne stopper and place it in the refrigerator. You can store it for up to 48 hours without significant loss of effervescence. Avoid using spoons or other homemade methods, which are ineffective at maintaining carbonation.
By following these instructions, you will be able to enhance every aromatic and gustatory nuance of the Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millésimé 2015 - Nicolas Feuillatte and enjoy an impeccable tasting experience.