Earlier this month Drinks Trade visited Domaine Pommery, overlooking the town centre of Reims in the Champagne region of France, as a part of our annual Champagne & Sparkling focus. The estate, commissioned by Madame Louise Pommery and completed in the late 19th century, is renowned for its distinctive Elizabethan-style architecture. The main house, historic cellars and expansive production facilities are adorned with ornate gates and a sweeping driveway that leads to the main building. The entrance sets the tone for the elegance and sophistication found throughout the estate.
While originally founded by Alexandre Louis Pommery and Narcisse Greno in 1858, it was Madame Pommery who was most instrumental in expanding the brand's international reach and is credited with creating the iconic Pommery style. She commissioned the construction of the grand Pommery estate including magnificent cellars carved into ancient chalk pits, known as "crayères." These cellars provide the perfect environment for aging champagne and are a testament to the house's commitment to quality and tradition.
Madame Pommery’s vision for the future of Champagne, and astute dealings with the key market in the UK, led her to take what was a significant risk in changing the style of wines. At the time Champagnes were all sweet with dosage in the region of 30gms, but madame Pommery was convinced the market wanted dry style Champagnes, and it was her vision that propelled Pommery & Grenno Champagne into the new world of the brut style in 1874.
Brut Champagne is of course loved around the world, and to celebrate this achievement current chef de cave, Clément Pierlot, has released the Pommery Cuvée 150 NV (limited release 150 years after Pommery & Grenno’s first brut Champagne) and shipped extremely limited quantities around the world. Here’s what you can expect if you’re lucky enough to get hold of a bottle.
Appearance: The Pommery Cuvée 150 NV presents a bright, golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles that create a delicate and inviting mousse.
Nose: Elegant bouquet of aromas. Subtle notes of green apple and pear are complemented by hints of citrus zest and white flowers. As it opens, deeper aromas of toasted brioche, almonds, and a touch of honey emerge, adding complexity.
Palate: The palate is refined and well-balanced, showcasing the champagne's fresh acidity and creamy texture. Flavours of ripe stone, apricot and peach, are intertwined with citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. The mid-palate reveals a subtle minerality.
Finish: The finish is long and refreshing, with a lovely balance of fruit and acidity, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and finesse.
Notes: The Pommery Cuvée 150 NV Limited Release Champagne is a sophisticated and harmonious wine. Its complexity and depth make it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Keep the wrapping on the bottle, even through the chilling process, the bottle is clear and the contents precious.
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