Alfred Gratien, "Cuvée Paradis" 2013 , Epernay, Champagne, France

Exemplary champagne brut for its category, with a greater emphasis on bubbles than wine. It has benefited from its reserve wine content and its maturation in cellars. Superb complexity that combines young aromas with notes gained through maturation in cellars.

This chardonnay-led blend, all from Premier Cru and some Grand Cru vineyards, is effortlessly gentle yet satisfyingly round and textured, with immense class and purity.

VINTAGE: 2013

STYLE: Brut

METHODE: Traditional

GRAPES: Chardonnay 65%, Pinot Noir 35%    (Only Premiers and Grands Crus)

SOIL: limestone

PRACTICE: Sustainable

MATURATION: Fermented and aging 6 to 7 years in bottles before second fermentation (Non-Malolactic)

COLOR: Yellow, bright young gold

BODY: Full Body (9 to 10)

TASTE: Dry with a hint of sweetness

YEAST: Medium-moderate

BUBBLES: Fine (Gustative)

PRIMARY AROMAS: White Peach, grapefruit, orange peel, minerality

SECONDARY AROMAS: White flowers, vanilla, crème patissiere

FORMAT: 750 ml

ALCOHOL:  12.0

SERVICE AND SUGGESTION: Serve at 8 to 10°C.

Its balanced qualities mean it can be paired quite liberally. Avoid anything too salty, sugary, fatty, or spicy, opting instead for balance. Ideal for your savoury or sweet-and-sour hors d’œuvre, and for aperitifs.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:

Alfred Gratien founded this estate based on the philosophy that Champagne is not manufactured, it is created. His commitment to quality was reflected in his insistence on selecting only premium fruit, vinification exclusively in small oak casks, limited production, and consideration for the character and individuality of the vineyards. Following in his footsteps, Nicolas Jaeger, as the fourth generation, remains dedicated to his ancestor's ideals and traditions. Under his watchful eye, only the very best cuvées of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier spend a minimum of six months in 228 liter oak casks without malolactic fermentation, followed by at least three years in the bottle before release. This special care, coming from one of the few remaining handmade champagne houses in the world, defines Alfred Gratien as truly exceptional.