# Le Brut (NV)

- **Producer:** Champagne A. Margaine
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lemon, pear, green apple, pastry, biscuit, bread dough

## About this wine

A. Margaine Le Brut is a Non-Vintage Brut Champagne from the Premier Cru appellation of Villers-Marmery in the Montagne de Reims, France. Produced by the family-run Champagne A. Margaine, the wine is primarily composed of Chardonnay, with a small percentage of Pinot Noir. The estate's vineyards are situated in Villers-Marmery, an area recognized for its chalky soils and its unique status as a Chardonnay-dominant enclave within the Montagne de Reims. The Margaine family has been cultivating vines for four generations, emphasizing tradition and environmental stewardship.

## Interesting facts

- Villers-Marmery is an 'island of Chardonnay' in the Pinot Noir heartland of Montagne de Reims.
- The estate practices sustainable viticulture, with 90% of vineyards free of herbicides.
- Vineyards are old, averaging 32-35 years of age.
- The house's signature cuvée is made from a unique local Chardonnay clone.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and medium body cut through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its subtle minerality complements the briny notes of oysters and shellfish. The wine's delicate fruit notes can also bridge to lighter preparations of white meats and vegetables.

## Wine making process

A. Margaine Le Brut is produced using traditional Champagne methods. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness. The wine undergoes aging on lees in bottle for at least 24 months, contributing to its complexity. Reserve wines from previous vintages, some dating back to 2011, are incorporated into the blend to ensure consistency and depth. The dosage is typically between 7-8 grams per liter, classifying it as Brut.