Brut Vintage 2015
A voluminous & elegant champagne
The light golden colour is bright, animated by very fine, constant bubbles. They form a fine ring on the surface.
The first nose is warm and ripe. It’s the end of summer! You’ll notice toasted notes as well as melted butter, mirabelle plum jam, and roasted pineapple, against a backdrop of mild tobacco. Then, vanilla, malt and root hints appear. The bouquet is powerful, almost exuberant, and already perfectly mature.
The attack on the palate is generous and tasty, showing the heady character of the wine, followed by a very full body. It is certainly a strong vintage, with plenty of character. This warm power is backed by the dosage, balanced out nicely by a lively edge. The sparkle stays well and truly in the background. The aromas on the palate evoke fruit compote and pastries. At the finish, it becomes chewy and tightens up. The overall effect is a texture akin to thick velvet, revealing slightly rougher glimpses of its structure little by little.
Summary
The harvest analysis data shows the profile of a year with plenty of quality potential. The excellent ripeness of the grapes, a respectable level of acidity, and above all their perfect state of health, point to a fantastic vintage. With zero cause for concern and a powerful vintage, 2015 is the year of every superlative.
Service and suggestion
Serve at 12°C in a broad flute or a wine glass.
With its dense, warm texture, the Alfred Gratien 2015 vintage pairs perfectly with sweet-and-sour meat dishes such as pineapple pork, foie gras with ratafia jelly, duck with peaches, or a lovely lamb tagine. It also goes well with creamier cow’s cheeses (such as Munster, Epoisses, Pont-L’Evêque or Livarot.)
