As most of our subscribers know, André Clouet’s “Brut Grande Réserve” is a SommSelect staple—the kind of wine that’s as vital to a well-stocked larder as good sea salt or extra virgin olive oil. With many Champagne-worthy occasions on the near-term horizon, we wanted to give you a chance to stock up (or re-stock) on this wine in time for the holidays.
This is our last little bit of supply on this classic for a while, and we can offer up to 6 bottles per customer until it runs out. Coming in under $40 despite containing 100% Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru villages of Ambonnay and Bouzy, this powerful, expressive sparkler has become a value-for-dollar benchmark for us—a wine that exemplifies everything we’re trying to accomplish at SommSelect—and a trusted go-to for our customers. Of course, if this is your first go-round with Clouet, read on for more details on this reference-point sparkler.
This wine features incredibly delicate bubbles and has a light golden-yellow core that moves to green reflections on the rim. Aromas of dried yellow apple, dried pineapple, preserved lemon, freshly-baked croissant, white mushrooms, honeysuckle, and gardenia jump from the glass. The concentrated palate evolves to deliver red fruits with hints of red currant alongside lemon curd, hazelnut, and brioche. It’s a wine that masterfully walks a high wire between the full-bodied, rich mouthfeel and the crisp acidity and stony minerality we all crave from the best Champagnes. To allow the magnificent aromatics of this Champagne to really flourish, avoid serving in thin traditional flutes. Opt instead for a white wine stem or a tulip Champagne stem and serve just below cellar temperature (about 50 degrees). And, by all means, pair it with food. In a previous offer, we suggested trying it with some homemade steak tartare, and quite frankly, that’s hard to beat—here’s the recipe again, in case you missed it. Enjoy!