2012 Champagne Frerejean Frères Cuvee des Hussards Vieilles Vignes Premier Cru

Champagne Frerejean Frères, founded by the Frerejean-Taittinger brothers, only produces Champagne from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in Grauves, Côte des Blancs. They are very finesse-rich wines with a special complexity. These very elegant and fresh Champagnes are produced with little dosage (only 6.5 grams per liter). They obtain their roundness and complexity through maturation sur lies of at least five years. After 5 years of ripening on the lie still at least 1 year in own cellars.

The Cuvée des Hussards is named after the light cavalry of Napoleon (who was the first to sabble a bottle of Champagne). This champagne Cuvée des Hussards 1er Cru is a blend of the typical champagne grape varieties namely 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir and ripens for more than 8 years on its own yeasts (sur lie). This is a so-called millisieme which means that this is not a blend of several years but a champagne which is made from an exceptional year. As all champions of Frerejean Frères distinguish themselves in particular in elegance and sophistication, this Brut 1er Cru also has these characteristics.

This is a powerful and very rich champagne. In the nose especially a lot of stone fruit such as apricot and peach with apple and pear, followed by subtle grid tones. In the mouth the wine is intense but with a soft pallet with layers of white fruit with a very fine, creamy mousse. This is the top version of Frerejean Frères and is a wine to be enjoyed and is great with fresh dishes such as oysters and ceviche but also rich meals such as duck confit and roast veal.

97/100 Decanter