Have you tried Vintage Champagne? If so, what did you think?
Vintage Champagne is an indulgence I am fortunate to enjoy once or twice a year. I love its depth, balance and the delicious caramelized or brown sugar notes.
Vintage Champagne is made using grapes from a single harvest and that vintage will be displayed on the bottle. These wines will only be made in the best years, usually only several times each decade, sourcing grapes from the best vineyards. As well, the wine must be aged a minimum of three years in bottle. This culminates in a wine that is very time and labour intensive to produce.
All Champagne, whether vintage or non-vintage, must come from the Champagne region in France. In addition to this, Champagne must adhere to some very specific rules. For instance, Champagne can only be made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Champagne must also undergo a second fermentation in the bottle (this adds the bubbles), unlike some sparkling wines which undergo second fermentation in a large tank.
Champagne Jean Vesselle Prestige Millésimé 2009
Champagne Jean Vesselle is a family run winery. The 2009 Prestige Millésimé is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and it is aged for a minimum of eight years prior to disgorging.
This Vintage Champagne has fairly pronounced aromas of brioche, dried apricot, brown sugar, bruised, green apples and soft mushroom notes. It is dry with high acidity. On the palate there are notes of lemon, clove, green apple slices dipped in brown sugar and freshly baked brioche with a medium finish.
References
Sethi, S. (November 28, 2017). The Difference Between Vintage and Non-Vintage Champagne. Retrieved from: https://vinepair.com/articles/the-difference-between-vintage-and-non-vintage-champagne/
Beautiful bottle, Deb. Cheers! 🥂
Have you tried this one before?