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Wine Description
The Story
“CUVÉE 225 DERIVES ITS NAME FROM THE LITRE CAPACITY OF THE OAK BARREL IN WHICH IT HAS BEEN FERMENTED.”
The oak supports the evolution of the different wines and plays an important role in developing their tasting profile.
Furthermore, barrel fermentation allows greater rigour when selecting the cru wines, by magnifying the character of each grape variety.
An accurate selection of Premier Cru or Grand Cru wines are used in the blend.
Blend:A distinguished and voluptuous Champagne enhanced by ageing in oak barrels. The perfect balance of fruit, roundness and elegance.
Appearance:The dazzling appearance of this original, pronounced, copper-pink Champagne is pleasing on the eye. Its appetising hue is brought to life by delicate bubbles. The mischievous and persistent effervescence pirouettes in the glass. Impressive clarity.
Nose:Develops a complex structure in the spectrum of blackcurrant and blueberry black fruits, strawberry and raspberry red fruits and pepper spices, opening up to reveal candied fruits, berry fruits and eau de vie. Already delightful.
Palate:Slightly tannic on entry, sure sign of its time spent in oak, appealing finesse invades the palate. The breadth already shows tremendous potential. The rounded and vinous character on the attack is overriden by freshness and elegance, bringing incredible length. This is an elegant wine, discretely structured and very well-balanced. An emminently drinkable Champagne!
Best served at 11-13°C.
Food and wine pairings:
Aperitif: Two salmon and cream of chive verrines
Starter: Red tuna sashimi and soya sauce
Main: Lamb curry with 5 spices
Dessert: Panna cotta and wok-fried fruit
Awards:
Vintage 2005:
- Silver medal – Mondial du Rosé 2013
Vintage 2004:
- Silver medal – Vinalies Internationales 2011
Vintage 2004
A great example of how large yields do not necessarily mean poor quality in Champagne. As a reaction to the previous year's low yields, the vines produced one of the largest crops on record. The growing season proceeded without major difficulties but the bumper crop called for bud thinning. August brought about cooler weather and some rains, increasing the risk of rot. The massive crop, averaging 13,990 kg/ha, was picked from September 18th onwards. The quality was a pleasant surprise; vibrant wines with appropriate intensity, refined charm and refreshing lightness. This vintage impresses me more and more, and I feel tempted to give it the full five stars. It comes with a rare balance of freshness, lightness, yet fine aromatic intensity. Post-release, this vintage has proven to be slow to age, and elegant wines are likely to keep on ageing gracefully. Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer Cristal both excelled.