Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut NV

Grape Makeup:

40% Pinot Noir, 50% Meunier, 20% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Brut

Ageing on Lees:

3-4 years

Price:

$

Cellar:

Up to 5 years

Category:

Celebration

What

France’s best-selling champagne, now owned by a super-collective of over 6,000 growers (Terroirs et Vignerons de Champagne) that represent 3,000 hectares between them, with a production capacity of 24 million bottles.

Where

Chouilly, Côte des Blancs; 2,100 hectares and 5,000 growers supply grapes for Nicolas Feuillatte, with land in 11/17 Grands Crus and 26/42 Premiers Crus.

Why

This is the no. 1 selling cuvée from the no. 1 selling champagne brand in France for good reason – the wine is a masterclass in balance, with sweetness well balanced by lively acidity and lively fruity elements (guaranteed by the relatively high proportion of meunier, 40%, though this is lower than it has been in the past) offset by ample toastiness from a solid 3-4 years on lees.

What Else

In the 1970s, the first clients for the maison were businessman Feuillatte’s famous American friends like the Kennedys and Aristotle Onassis. The 2015 Blanc de Blancs, coming from quite a hot-summer vintage, has an intensely fresh, citrussy character with a subtle vegetal lift – lovers of austerity will appreciate its slightly peppery, stony notes.

Tasting Notes

Especially effervescent in its mousse, this starts open and approachable with sherbety fruit – lemon drop, fresh green apple – layered with a fine toastiness that shades into walnut with time and air. Noticeably sweet on the entry, this lands with a very full, rounded body, nicely offset by peppy acidity. The nuttiness returns on the finish, with Jordan almonds and butter biscuits wrapped in a pleasant chalky texture.

Try It With

Classic canapés like gougères or stuffed mushrooms.

When To Drink

Apéritif.

Perfect For

The friend who loves a bargain but not sacrificing quality.

TL/DR

Effervescent, approachable but layered.

Supplier

Omtis Fine Wines