# Grand Cru Royal (2015)

- **Producer:** Champagne Pommery
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €70
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit, peach, brioche, toast, bread, butter, honey, almond, hazelnut, dried apricot

## About this wine

Champagne Pommery, established in Reims, is one of the most famous houses in Champagne, renowned for pioneering the dry 'Brut' style of Champagne in 1874 under the guidance of Madame Pommery. The Grand Cru Royal Millésimé is a prestigious cuvée crafted exclusively from grapes grown in Grand Cru classified villages, showcasing the exceptional terroir of the region. The 2015 vintage represents a year of contrast, with a hot, dry summer yielding grapes of remarkable concentration, structure, and balance.

## Interesting facts

- Madame Pommery created the very first commercially successful Brut Champagne in 1874, changing the region's style forever.
- The wine is aged in Pommery's historic Gallo-Roman chalk cellars, which lie 30 meters underground at a constant 10°C.
- This cuvée is crafted exclusively from grapes harvested in 100% Grand Cru rated villages in the Champagne region.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and effervescence of this vintage Champagne act as a palate cleanser, cutting beautifully through rich, buttery, or fried foods. The autolytic complexity (brioche, toast) complements earthy flavors like truffles and mushrooms, while the crisp citrus notes elevate delicate seafood.

## Wine making process

This Champagne is produced using the traditional method (méthode champenoise). It is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced entirely from Grand Cru rated vineyards. After primary fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle. It is aged on its lees in Pommery's historic chalk cellars (crayères) in Reims for several years before disgorgement, with a low dosage to preserve its precise, terroir-driven character.