Jacquesson Cuvée No. 745 Extra Brut NV
An established and fast-ascending maison and pioneer of edition-labeled NV champagne
Grape Makeup:
Chardonnay, Meunier, Pinot Noir
Sweetness Level:
Extra Brut
Ageing on Lees:
3+ years
Price:
$ (V)
Cellar:
Up to 5 years
Category:
Culinary
Photos
What
A maison founded in 1798 and one of the key houses through the 1800s; a small but fast-rising star acquired in late 2022 by François Pinault’s Artémis Group. The pioneer of edition-labeled NV champagne with their 700-series.
Where
Dizy, Vallée de la Marne; around 30 hectares of estate vineyards in the Grande Vallée and Côte des Blancs.
Why
The Chicquet brothers’ decision to stop blending their NV for consistency but rather target the best quality possible in each vintage kicked off the trend for edition numbering. The 700 series was born with Cuvée 728, which was based on the harvest from 2000. Cuvée 745 is based on the 2017 vintage (add 1272 to the number of the cuvée), a challenging year that required intensive sorting but has resulted in a characterful, layered blend. Ripeness (always a high priority at Jacquesson) is high and dosage is very low (0.75g/L for 745), making the style much more similar to a grower’s than most house champagnes.
What Else
The house has been selling some of its lower quality vineyards to enable it to focus on top sites, some of which it has highlighted in single-site bottling.
Tasting Notes
A quirky nose of bruised apples, green olives, iodine and fresh rainfall on rock is a fitting opener. The bubbles are still very assertive, pushing the acidity and sense of brightness as well as intensifying the flavours, which feel very vibrant and sharply defined. The flavours mirror the aromas, though with a slight bias towards more umami savouriness. The sharpness of the cider apple comes through forcefully also. Structurally, there is a thin layer of cushioning over the frame, and a unmistakable chalky texture to finish, with some citrus rind bitterness.
Try It With
Tangy, savoury entrées and snacks involving oily fish or other strong flavours.
When To Drink
Apéritif or with snack.
Perfect For
The friend who considers themselves a growth investor.
Tatler Tip
This house was bought by Francois Pinault's Artémis group in 2022 and many in the industry expect its ascent, already steep, to be turbocharged going forward.
TL/DR
Quirky, vibrant and savoury.
Supplier
Kerry Wines
