Alfred Gratien : Vintage Brut 2012

A complex and perfectly balanced vintage Brut Champagne

The estate

Alfred Gratien founded the eponymous house in 1864. Located in Épernay, in the heart of the Champagne region, the Alfred Gratien House has always advocated the meticulous selection of the grapes, vinification in barrels and limited volumes in order to preserve the original character of the terroir and to bring out all the freshness of its wines.

The know-how of the Alfred Gratien Champagne House has been passed down from father to son for several generations and contributes to the unique style of each champagne.

The vineyard

The Alfred Gratien House looks after a vineyard of 1.56 hectares situated on two exceptional Premiers and Grands Cru terroirs in the Champagne region: the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The house completes its supplies by acquiring grapes from over sixty long-standing and loyal winegrowers who have worked with the house for generations.

The vintage

The cool, rainy winter had an impact on both the development of the vine and the yields. The strong sunshine during the summer months enabled the grapes to reach full maturity, thus giving rise to a very high quality vintage.

Vinification and ageing

Exclusive use of the first press. Since 1864, the vinification process has been carried out entirely in fourth-fill oak barrels. This method favours the wines' micro-oxygenation, conferring complexity and roundness. Vinification in a plot-by-plot manner without malolactic fermentation in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the lively identity of these wines, that boast a great ageing potential.

The blend

Chardonnay

Pinot Noir

Pinot Meunier.

Alfred Gratien’s Vintage Brut 2012: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is bright and crystalline. The effervescence is fine and lively.

Nose

Discreet, the nose gradually reveals fruity (peach, mango), spicy (thyme, white pepper), waffle and almond fragrances. When aerated, the bouquet becomes more complex with flavoursome notes of honey, stewed fruit and hazelnut.

Palate

A full attack gives way to a deliciously creamy and balanced palate, whose silky texture resembles soft cashmere. The finish is long and seductive with aromas of wakame and black tea.

Service

For optimal tasting experience, serve at 10°C in a wide enough flute.

Food and wine pairing

This Vintage Brut 2012 by Alfred Gratien will complement fish (sea bass, meagre fish, cod), meat (veal fillet, poularde) with cooking juice. It is recommended to avoid vegetables and root vegetables in order to preserve the balance of these gourmet pairings.