Alfred Gratien : Brut Nature

Alfred Gratien reveals a lively and aromatic Brut Nature champagne

The estate

Alfred Gratien founded this eponymous house in 1864. Located in Épernay, at the heart of the Champagne wine region, the Alfred Gratien House has advocated for a rigorous selection of grapes and vinification in barrels as well as volume control to preserve the terroir’s original character and to exude all of the freshness of the wines.

Alfred Gratien Champagne is produced from a know-how which has been transmitted from father to son for multiple generations and which contributes to the unique style of the house’s cuvées.

The vineyard

The Alfred Gratien Champagne House overlooks 1.56 hectares of vines 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.

Winemaking and ageing

Exclusive use of the first press. Since 1864, vinification has been entirely carried out in oak barrels of at least 4 previous wines. This method encourages the wines’ micro-oxygenation, conferring complexity and roundness. Plot-based vinification without malolactic fermentation to preserve the whole fruit and the characteristic liveliness of these wines with significant ageing potential.

Blend

The Brut Nature by Alfred Gratien is produced from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a beautiful and luminous golden yellow colour. The effervescence is even and beautifully fine.

Nose

The first nose is intense, revealing fragrances of dried, candied fruit and melted butter. Aeration complexifies this bouquet through notes of hazelnut, walnut and jasmine.

Palate

A lively attack precedes a palate which, through its absence in dosage, seduces with its dynamism, minerality and firm texture. The finish is persistent and direct, marking with its precision and tangy notes.

Food and wine pairings

This Brut Nature cuvée by Alfred Gratien goes perfectly with foods with a firm texture, such as lobster, cured ham, small game birds, aged gouda or even mimolette.

Serving

For an optimal tasting, serve at 8°C in a slender flute.