James William
Champagne Gosset was founded in 1584 and remains one of the oldest houses in Champagne. They have been family owned for sixteen generations. 93 James Suckling – Aromas of ripe orchard fruit, pear and apricot mingled with hints of fresh bread and pastry preface this medium to full-bodied, fleshy but incisive wine. This is typical of the house style.
The Story
The Grande Reserve is Gosset’s flagship cuvee, a rich wine layered with Pinot texture and a hint of toast from extended bottle aging. A blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, it receives a dosage of 8 grams per liter and is aged for an average of three years before disgorgement. Founded in Ay in 1584, Gosset is the oldest Champagne house and one of its most prestigious. The name has become synonymous with elegance and quality, and the House’s antique bottle – whose neck features an easily recognizable label – is emblematic of the brand.
Gosset crafts artisan and gastronomic wines, which are often seen on the menus of the world’s finest restaurants. Current Chef de Caves Odilon de Varine carries on the House’s hallmark style, which includes extended aging “sur lees” and avoiding malolactic fermentation, to preserve their signature freshness and acidity. This philosophy earned the House the title of Enterprise du Patrimoine Vivant in 2013, an honor bestowed only to a select few of France’s top Champagne producers.
The Grapes
Champagne Gosset is the oldest Champagne house and their style has a regal quality to it. Tart citrus and toasty yeast ride a stallion of acid, creating a wine that is both complex and pure. The NV Grande Reserve is a blend of 45% Chardonnay; 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, with 8 grams per liter of dosage. The nonvintage cuvee has a strong showing of fruit, ripe pears and grapefruit with a little pastry and spice to close.
Cellar master Odilon de Varine takes pride in the purity of his wines and a key to that is the suppression of malolactic fermentation. This is a rare practice in Champagne and one that allows the wines to retain their piquant acidity. The Brut Grande Reserve is aged on lees for three years and has 15% reserve wine in the final blend, a combination that adds depth and complexity. This Champagne is a stunner and will be even better with some age.
The Winemaking
The champagne gosset grande reserve signature cuvee. Its delicate and fruity character makes it the ideal Champagne to accompany all your most cherished dishes, especially those with complex flavors. This nonvintage cuvee consists of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, including 15% reserve wines. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks and without malolactic fermentation, preserving the original freshness of the grapes. It is aged for four years on lees before disgorgement, which is longer than the legal minimum of three years for nonvintage Champagne.
Luminous and golden, this Champagne is full of fruits on the nose. The Chardonnay brings a delicacy underscored by notes of yellow fruit, such as peach or Mirabel plum, while the Pinot Noir from Ay gives structure to this bubbly. The acidity, expressed by citrus notes, is perfectly balanced. This Champagne is an ideal companion for tapas, poultry, fish (like salmon or langoustines) and cheese (comte or parmesan). It also goes exceptionally well with desserts.
The Tasting
NV Champagne Grande Reserve offers the full range of Gosset’s signature style. It is a rich, creamy and toasty cuvee that received the state label of ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ in 2013, showing the high quality level of this house. It is crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (up to 5%) and is blended with several vintages. No malolactic fermentation takes place so that the wines retain their fresh and zesty profile, and extended aging on lees in the cellars brings roundness, depth and complexity. Dosage is kept low at 11 g/L.
This prestigious wine has been the drink of choice for many monarchs and can be seen on the menus of the world’s finest restaurants. Today, it remains in the hands of the Renaud-Cointreau family (also owners of the Cognac Frapin) who insist on preserving the traditions that have made Champagne Gosset such a legendary name.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Champagne Gosset Grande Réserve stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication that goes into crafting exceptional champagne. Its rich history, meticulous production methods, and distinctive flavor profile make it a captivating choice for both connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of fine beverages. By embarking on a journey to explore its charms, one not only indulges in a luxurious experience but also gains a deeper appreciation for the nuances that define this renowned champagne house.
FAQs:
What sets Champagne Gosset Grande Réserve apart from other champagnes?
Champagne Gosset Grande Réserve distinguishes itself through its unique aging process and the commitment to tradition. It is one of the few houses that still employs oak barrels for aging, which imparts a subtle complexity to its flavor. Additionally, the extended aging period of over three years allows the wine to develop a harmonious balance between freshness and depth, setting it apart from champagnes with shorter aging times.
Can Champagne Gusset Grande Reserve be enjoyed on its own or is it better suited for pairing with food?
The versatility of Champagne Gusset Grande Reserve is one of its remarkable features. It can certainly be enjoyed on its own, allowing you to savor its intricate flavors and textures. However, its well-defined character and refined effervescence make it an excellent companion to a variety of culinary experiences. From delicate seafood dishes to rich, savory fare, this champagne’s versatility enhances the dining experience and adds an extra layer of sophistication.
