Michel Arnould & Fils Memoire De Vignes Blanc De Noirs Grand Cru Brut

Tatler Champagne Guide 2024-2025

Grape Makeup:

100% Pinot Noir

Sweetness Level:

Brut

Ageing on Lees:

Five+ years

Price:

$$$

Cellar:

Five to ten years

Category:

Culinary

What

Pinot Noir specialist grower based in Verzenay, known for potent, assertively flavoured wines, now in its fifth generation.

Where

Verzenay, Montagne de Reims; 12ha.

Why

This cuvée is composed of Arnould’s oldest vines, from the sloped Les Coutures, planted 50 years ago; Potences just below it and Perthois, right by the eccentric lighthouse built in 1909 at the top of the village of Verzenay. These sources have combined to produce a Pinot with a silky richness, only gaining a little edge on the finish.

What Else

This is a decidedly chic bottle, with the vintage stamped in wax on the front and a simple, narrow strip of label. The 2016 Cuvée Carte d’Or Millésime is much darker-toned and earthier, with a decidedly sauvage streak, though its warming softness returns, like a pear baked in butter pastry.

Tasting Notes

Soft and a little honeyed, this evokes butter biscuit and subtle dried peach and Asian pear, all quite understated. Though there is quite a forceful mousse, the overall impression is medium-toned, slightly golden but with more golden fruited (baked pear, hints of apricot) than necessarily toasty. A clean, silky texture shows some density through the middle but no obvious shoulders, slipping over the palate easily. The finish finally brings a light metallic clang, helping give some edge, supported by acidity.

Try It With

A buttery, rich fish like black cod or halibut

When To Drink

Main course

Perfect For

Your foodie friend

TL/DR

Soft, subtle and silky

Supplier

Golden Gate