Description
Nathalie Falmet 'Cuvee Brut Nature' Champagne
Champagne Nathalie Falmet is a tiny estate of a mere 3.4 hectares based in Rouvres-les-Vignes, on the eastern edge of the Aube.
Its namesake proprietor took over the family domain in the early 1990s after completing degrees in Chemistry and Oenology. One of the few women in Champagne to hold both titles, Nathalie Falmet is involved in every aspect of the production and marketing of her wines.
Her vines are sustainably grown on clay limestone, with the utmost respect for nature, then vinified and aged using different winemaking techniques and vessels (including amphora, steel vats and 350L casks) for different parcels to ensure she brings out the purest expression in each cuvée. Production remains artisanal, with a yield of 30,000 bottles per annum, made up of unique and varied vintage and multi-vintage wines.
Nathalie believes that it is impossible to disassociate the winemaker from the wine and that her Champagnes best express their uniqueness and excellence by oenophiles who appreciate her multi-dimensional approach.
Description
Vigneron/Oenologist Nathalie Falmet was the first woman to hold those two titles simultaneously in France - essentially meaning she manages her wines every step of the way from grape to barrel to glass.
She is considered a pioneer for female grape-grower/winemakers in Champagne, with her fuller-bodied yet focused wine styles receiving wide acclaim. Her vineyards are found in the warmer, more humid sub-region of Côte des Bar, where her Pinot Noir dominant blends build more power and weight due to the climate. Her signature style combines this element of richness with a freshness and vibrancy that makes them compelling to drink in any situation.
The 'Brut' is built in a drier style with 80% Pinot noir and 20% Chardonnay in total, with a portion of the Pinot Noir coming from a solera started in 2009 giving an added element of complexity and a lovely balance of power and finesse to the final cuveé.
This Champagne opens with inviting aromas of pear, melon, and honeysuckle, beautifully complemented by more complex notes of blood orange and chalky minerals. It is smooth and expansive on the palate, offering fresh orchard and red fruit flavors with an exotic hint of jasmine. A creamy mousse and firm structure provide a foundation for acacia, quince, roasted almonds, and spice, giving the wine a toasty character. The finish is refreshingly bitter, with a substantial mineral edge, adding lift and focus, though it remains modest in length.
Origin:France
Type:Champagne
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol:12 %
Bottle Size:750ml