# Grande Réserve Brut (NV)

- **Producer:** André Clouet
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €60
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, red cherry, pastry, brioche, biscuit, hazelnut, almond

## About this wine

André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut is a non-vintage Champagne produced by André Clouet from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy and Ambonnay within the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne, France, this wine is a Blanc de Noirs. The Clouet family has a historical connection to the region, with a legacy in Bouzy dating back centuries. The estate focuses on expressing the terroir through Pinot Noir, utilizing traditional winemaking with modern refinements. The wine's distinctiveness stems from its single-varietal composition and extended aging on lees.

## Interesting facts

- The Clouet family were once printers to the French Royal Court.
- This is a 'Blanc de Noirs', meaning 'white from black grapes' (Pinot Noir).
- Vineyards are on mid-slope with volcanic schist over chalk.
- Extended lees aging contributes complex brioche and nutty notes.

## Food pairing

The wine's stimulating acidity cuts through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its body and complexity complement the textures and flavors of dishes like lobster and fried chicken. The subtle nutty notes from lees aging can echo the richness of butter-based preparations.

## Wine making process

André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut is produced using 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The base wine is fermented in small stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. A small portion (5%) of the base wine is aged in barrels. Following secondary fermentation in the bottle, the wine undergoes an extended aging period on lees for a minimum of 36 months, contributing to its complexity. A significant percentage of reserve wine, typically 30-50%, is incorporated into the final blend to ensure consistency and depth. The dosage is typically low, around 6-8g/L.