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Edouard Brun Cuvée Spéciale Champagne Brut NV
Producer
This small family estate was founded by Edouard Brun, the son of a barrel maker, in 1898.
The estate covers eight hectares of vineyard in the Montagne de Reims, which are all classified at least to Premier Cru level. Their most prized vines are located in the famous Grand Cru villages of Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, valued for the red fruit power and longevity they bring to Champagne. The estate is now owned and run by the Delescot family, with second generation Emmanuel and Philippe Delescot looking after the management and winemaking respectively.
Vineyards
Cuvée Spéciale is a blend of 50% Pinot Meunier, 36% Pinot Noir and 14% Chardonnay. The family owned vineyards in the Montagne de Reims are in the 1er Cru rated villages of Chigny-les-Roses, Lude and Rilly, whereas those in Aÿ are Grand Cru classified.
Vinification
The grapes were vinified separately, by location and quality of each vineyard parcel. Some of the must was fermented in old oak casks and barrels to encourage complexity and a fuller body, the remainder was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. Unlike many houses, all the wine underwent malolactic fermentation before being bottled ready for the second fermentation and ageing on lees for 30 months. This added a creamy texture and nuances of butterscotch to the blend, as well as softening the acidity on the finish. 20% of the wine was composed of reserve wines from previous vintages and the dosage was 10 grams per litre.
Tasting Notes
The surprising richness and depth of the Cuvée Spéciale comes from the fact that it was partially fermented in old oak. The addition of the Pinot Noir gives the wine elegance and red fruit intensity, whereas the Pinot Meunier adds expressive, lively aromatics and interest to the blend.
| Vintage |
NV |
| Grape varieties |
50% Pinot Meunier
36% Pinot Noir
14% Chardonnay
|
| Region |
Montagne de Reims, Champagne |
| Winemaker |
Philippe Delescot |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
12% |
