NV Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne

This is a small artisan house with only 25,000 cases total production, they purchase most of their fruit 65% only premier cru and Grand cru used and they do own 2 hectares of vineyard. No second pressing used in this label 100% oak aging and barrel fermenting but none new just to allow a bit of oxidation. No malolactic fermentation and this wine is 2007 base with 15% 2006 vintage, a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Meunier and 10% Pinot Noir. Gratien uses old barrels from Chablis up to 20 years old. Aged for 6 months on the yeasts with no batonage used. A good amount of toasty brioche and nutty aromas to the nose, this wine spends 4 years on the yeasts, fresh fruit quince and apple fruit with notes of ginger spice. Smooth creamy mousse on the tongue with nice fresh fruit and a firm underbelly of acidity keeping things fresh and lively along with a nice dose of minerality, chalky, sea shell like. Finish 40 Excellent