# Armand de Brignac Brut Gold (NV)

- **Producer:** Armand de Brignac
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €290
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, peach, lemon, orange blossom, apricot, honey, brioche, biscuit, vanilla

## About this wine

Armand de Brignac Brut Gold is a prestige Champagne produced by the Cattier family in the Champagne region of France. The brand, revived in 2006, is now co-owned by Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter and LVMH. This non-vintage Champagne is a blend of three distinct vintages, a testament to the Cattier family's mastery of blending. Its distinctive packaging, featuring a gold-lacquered bottle and the 'Ace of Spades' symbol, is a hallmark of its artisanal production. The wine's dosage liqueur undergoes a unique aging process in French oak barrels, contributing to its intricate character. Grapes are sourced from prestigious crus across Champagne, with vineyards holding HVE 3 certification.

## Interesting facts

- Each bottle is hand-finished by a team of 18 artisans.
- The gold bottle is lacquered and adorned with pewter labels.
- The dosage liqueur is aged for a year in French oak barrels.
- It was voted 'World's Best Champagne' in a blind tasting of 1,000 brands.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity and medium-plus body provide a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes, while its complex aromas and subtle fruit notes complement a range of delicate proteins and seafood. The creamy texture can also stand up to richer sauces.

## Wine making process

Armand de Brignac Brut Gold is produced using traditional Champenois methods. Grapes are sourced from prestigious crus and hand-harvested. The vinification process utilizes a traditional Champenois Coquart press, with only the first pressing (cuvée) being used. The wine is a blend of three distinct vintages, with the blend aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The dosage liqueur also undergoes a year of aging in French oak. The wine is then aged for a minimum of 3 years on lees in the deepest cellars of the Cattier estate before disgorgement. Production involves a meticulous hand-finishing process by a dedicated team.