Champagne Brut Reserve Jacky Charpentier

Jacky Charpentier's Brut Reserve is a Champagne of character produced in the small town of Villers-sous-Chatillon, which, being part of the Montagne de Reims district, represents the area with the absolute most vocation for the production of Champagne made from red grapes. In fact, it is a Blanc de Noirs, made from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes from the maison's own vineyards. This small family business owns about 15 hectares of vineyards and works by remaining faithful to respectful practices in the vineyard that promote biodiversity in the vineyard.

Champagne Brut Reserve results from a cuvée given by blending the base wine from the last two vintages. The grapes, harvested by hand, are then pressed and fermented mostly in temperature-controlled stainless steel containers with malolactic fermentation taking place and, for a small percentage, brief ageing in French oak barrels. Once the cuvée is composed, liquer de tirage is added for the prise de mousse and the wine is allowed to re-ferment in the bottle on its own yeasts for about 48 months. It is then disgorged and topped up with the addition of liquor d'expedition to reach the dosage grade of the brut category.

Charpentier's Brut Reserve Champagne is bright golden yellow in colour with a fine, subtle perlage. The aromas of yellow fruit, including peach and plum, citrus, dried white flowers, sweet spices and brioche bread stand out on the nose. In the mouth, it is fresh, savoury and creamy, pleasantly supported by a good structure that gives it depth and body. This label from the small Jacky Charpentier winery is definitely a Champagne of character and clear expression, which should definitely be tasted.