Press Release

Great Honour for Alfred Gratien Le Guide Hachette des Vins names Nicolas Jaeger “Winemaker of the Year”

The renowned French guide Le Guide Hachette des Vins annually selects the best from , Luxembourg and Switzerland through blind tastings. The jury has named Nicolas Jaeger from the small but perfectly formed Alfred Gratien Champagne winery in Épernay as winemaker of the year for the Guide Hachette 2018. Not only that: they also drew particular attention to one of the producer’s cuvées, awarding it “Coup de Coeur”.

Fourth generation of excellent cellar masters Traditional Champagne production has been in the family at Alfred Gratien for over a century. Gaston Jaeger, in 1905 the first “Chef de Caves”, handed the craft down to his son, who likewise passed the art of Champagne production down to his own son. Great-grandson Nicolas Jaeger, born in 1972, joined the company in 1990 and worked alongside his father, Jean-Pierre, for 17 years. Growing up in the family’s own vineyards, his passion for winemaking was nurtured from an early age. In close co-operation with his father, he benefited from the family’s comprehensive knowledge and unique creativity in Champagne production. Since 2007, Nicolas has been the “Chef de Caves” at Champagne Alfred Gratien in Épernay and thus continues the long-running family tradition, adding his own individual style.

“Coup de Coeur” for Champagne Alfred Gratien Brut Millésimé 2004 The exclusive Champagne Alfred Gratien Brut Millésimé 2004, which received special recognition by the Guide Hachette, was also awarded the title “Coup de Coeur”. This denotes the jury’s highest recommendation and is awarded to just one or two extra-special creations each year. The cuvée consisting of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, created by decorated cellar master’s father, gains a special taste through maturing in oak casks. Additionally, it was aged in the cellar for 13 years – like all the producer’s vintage cuvées, with a natural cork, which promotes the perfect development of the wine thanks to its porousness and character. “Since 1864, our wines have been aged in oak casks, lending our

17.10.17, 1 / 2 uniqueness, complexity and body. Because the oak facilitates gentle oxidisation and imparts aromas that develop a robust, rounded structure in the wines.” – this is how the award-winning cellar master describes one of the special characteristics of Champagne production at Alfred Gratien. He considers the award a confirmation of the producer’s philosophy: belief in products of the highest quality in small batches.

About Alfred Gratien Champagne “I was always of the opinion that Champagne should be to wine what haute couture is to fashion.” Alfred Gratien

Hand-made Champagne, crafted by a family of cellar masters over four generations: that’s what Champagne Alfred Gratien stands for. Starting with the first fermentation, production takes place at the cellars in Épernay. After pressing, the fresh must from hand-picked grapes is fermented in small 228-litre oak barrels. This lends Champagne Alfred Gratien’s luxurious beverage a compact, winey structure that differentiates it from competitors. Today, Nicolas Jaeger is guarantor of high standards in artisan know-how. He is the fourth-generation cellar master of the Jaeger family. The consistent, outstanding quality of Alfred Gratien Champagne is regularly confirmed in international competitions. Further information can be found at www.alredgratien.com or www.alfredgratien.de.

About Henkell & Co.-Gruppe Henkell & Co.-Gruppe is represented by its subsidiaries in 20 countries, exporting to more than 100 nations around the globe. It is the market leader for wine, sparkling wine, Prosecco or various categories of spirits in numerous countries. The building where Henkell was founded remains the headquarters of the Henkell & Co.-Gruppe, to which brands such as Henkell, Mionetto, Champagne Alfred Gratien, Törley Sekt and i heart WINES belong. Further information can be found at www.henkell-gruppe.com. For the image video of Henkell & Co., visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTo25XUxDsc

Press contact: Henkell & Co.-Gruppe Vanessa Lehmann Henkell & Co. Global Biebricher Allee 142 65187 Wiesbaden T. +49 (0)611 63231 E. [email protected]

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