# Cuvée 045 Grand Cru Extra Brut (NV)

- **Producer:** Champagne Lafalise-Froissart
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €60
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 9–9 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apple, lemon, pear, butter, pastry, brioche, biscuit, hazelnut, almond

## About this wine

Lafalise Froissart Cuvée 045 Grand Cru Extra Brut is a non-vintage white sparkling wine from Verzenay, a Grand Cru village in Champagne, France. Produced by Champagne Lafalise-Froissart, a family estate with a history dating back to 1885, the wine is primarily made from Pinot Noir with a smaller proportion of Chardonnay. The producer is known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices and a philosophy of minimal intervention in the winemaking process. The Cuvée 045 is distinguished by its Grand Cru status and the specific terroir of Verzenay, aiming to capture elegance and aromatic intensity.

## Interesting facts

- Described as a 'Maison d'initiés' – a house for those in the know.
- Grapes for Cuvée 045 come from the 'Les Rochelles' parcel in Verzenay.
- The estate is certified organic and biodynamic.
- Uses a perpetual reserve (Solera system) for added complexity.

## Food pairing

The wine's Extra Brut dryness and zesty acidity cut through richness and fat, making it an excellent companion for seafood and poultry. Its elegant structure complements delicate flavors without overpowering them, while subtle mineral notes can echo the brininess of shellfish.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Lafalise Froissart Cuvée 045 Grand Cru Extra Brut involves precise blending in small volumes. The grapes are wild-fermented on lees in barrels for 8 months. Following this, the wine is aged for 24 months on its lees in bottle before disgorgement. A perpetual reserve, incorporating 22% reserve wine from 2017, is utilized to add complexity. The harvest is carefully managed, with grapes tasted regularly to optimize maturity and balance.