Charles de Cazanove Stradivarius 2007
A 200 year-old house founded by a family of master glassmakers
Grape Makeup:
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Sweetness Level:
Brut
Ageing on Lees:
7 years
Price:
$$ (V)
Cellar:
Up to 5 years
Category:
Celebration
Photos
What
A 200 year-old house founded by a family of master glassmakers that took on the name Cazanove after travelling to Venice to hone their craft, now owned by the Rapeneau family, which also owns G.H. Martel and Vieille France.
Where
Reims; 35 hectares of estate vineyards and 265 hectares of long-term leased vineyards.
Why
Stradivarius is the house’s prestige cuvée, aged for an impressive 7 years on lees and bottled in the apple shaped bottle favoured in the 18th century (see Le Déjeuner d'Huîtres by Jean François de Troy for an example).
What Else
The house was once helmed by Charles Nicolas de Cazanove, a botanist who played a major role in the fight against phylloxera.
Tasting Notes
Very caramelised and jammy, it has a nose like orange marmalade without any bitterness; soft and gooey, with butter toffee edges. The palate is like drawn butter, with a slightly feral, leathery sweetness and a pleasant spiciness, like cassia and ground ginger. Brightening, fresh acidity and a touch of citrus peel bitterness on the back help keep things in balance. The finish is extremely long, its golden citrus fruit persisting for a long time before brown butter, toffee notes come back.
Try It With
Sweet and richly meaty main courses, like a roast goose with glossy mahogany skin dressed with plum sauce.
When To Drink
After dinner.
Perfect For
The most hedonistic person you know.
Tatler Tip
This bottle has a highly distinctive shape that doesn't scream "champagne" - either let your friends know ahead of time that this is something special or don't serve it.
TL/DR
Caramelised, nutty and bittersweet.
Supplier
Telford
