Champagne Gosset Excellence Brut Non Vintage 0106

Bin No: 0106 Wine: Champagne Gosset Excellence Brut Non Vintage

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Producer: Maison Gosset

Vintage: Non Vintage

Colour: White Grape Variety: Chardonnay - Pinot Noir - Pinot Meunier

Status: Sparkling Sustainable Environmental management

Allergens: contains sulphites

Dry/Sweet: 2 (1 is dry, 7 is very sweet) abv: 12.0% - bottle size: 75cl

Tasting Note:

This cuvée is pale gold and yellow in colour. An open and expressive nose, with rich flavours of plump, ripe yellow stone fruit such as apricots and peaches or even dried fruit. On the palate it is rich, rounded and powerful. It shows lovely development with a soft freshness.

Winery information:

The Champagne region is located in North Eastern France and has four main growing regions: Montagne de Reims, Marne Valley, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bar. The first three lie towards the northern end of the region and the fourth, the Côtes de Bar, lies to the South East close to the town of Troyes and not far from the northern limits the Chablis appellation.

Champagne Gosset is situated in the Marne Valley. It was founded in Aÿ in 1584 but since 2009 has also had premises in Epernay. The Montagne de Reims and Marne Valley surround Epernay and Aÿ and are known for their chalky soils and hillside vineyards that provide excellent growing conditions for the vines.

Mainly working with growers surrounding Epernay and focuses on Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. In the Champagne region the vineyards are officially classified by a scale known as Echelle des Crus where each vineyard is ranked between 80 and 100 percent. Champagne Gosset’s sourcing policy means that they have a high average across their range of 95%. (Premier Cru vineyards are rated from 90 to 99 and Grand Cru are 100 percent)

Working with around 200 growers who between them have around 120 hectares mainly around the premier and grand cru vineyards that surround Epernay. The House’s long history allows them to benefit from strong, long term relationships with growers, which in many cases, have lasted for several generations. Gosset works closely with their growers throughout the year and choose only to work with those who adopt sustainable practices.

Winemaker Odilon de Varine has worked at Gosset since 2006 and is the custodian of the House’s characteristic style. Winemaking at Champagne Gosset is as simple as possible to protect the individual characteristics of each vineyard and cru. Each Cru is vinified separately, with no filtration and aged on fine lees. Malolactic fermentation is naturally avoided to ensure the wines retain their natural acidity and fruit characters. Gosset wines are also marked by their extended ageing and the average length of time spent in the cellar across the range is 5 years.

Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne. It was founded in Aÿ in 1584 by Pierre Gosset an alderman and wine-grower who made mostly red wines. At that time the region’s still wines competed for pride of place on the best tables of France with the wines of Beaune which were made from the same grape varieties as they are today.

In the 18th century Gosset joined their neighbours and began to make the sparkling wines for the first time. It was at this time that the house adopted the unique antique flask-shaped bottle that is still used today.

Gosset’s wines are characterised by their purity and expressiveness. Grapes come mainly from premier and grand cru vineyards surrounding Epernay and their winemaking style is characterised by minimal intervention, extended ageing and no malolactic fermentation. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the house’s focus.

Since 1993 Gosset has been owned by the Renaud Cointreau family who have sought to protect the quality and character of their wines. This has led them to keep production levels moderate and to respect the history of the house along with the integrity of the region and its vineyards.

Vinification:

Harvested by hand a blend of the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks and matured for 30 months before disgorging.

Food Recommendation:

This cuvée is harmonious and pleasant an ideal aperitif.