Le Brun de Neuville Autolyse Noirs & Blancs Champagne NV

Le Brun de Neuville, established in 1963, is a distinguished Champagne house located in the Côte de Sézanne, a sub-region celebrated for its chalky limestone soils and exceptional Chardonnay grapes. The estate spans over 12 villages, with vineyards averaging over 40 years in age, predominantly planted with Chardonnay (90%) and a smaller proportion of Pinot Noir (10%). Committed to sustainable viticulture, Le Brun de Neuville holds the "Haute Valeur Environnementale" certification, reflecting their dedication to environmentally friendly practices. The Autolyse Noirs & Blancs is part of their esteemed Autolyse collection, renowned for extended lees ageing that imparts depth and complexity to the wines.

The vineyards benefit from southeast-facing slopes, ensuring optimal sun exposure, while the chalky soils provide excellent drainage and impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. The Autolyse Noirs & Blancs is crafted from 86% Pinot Noir and 14% Chardonnay, sourced from vines averaging 45 years old. The base wine is from the 2008 vintage, with 12% reserve wines included. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, followed by an impressive 14 years of ageing on lees, a process known as autolysis, which enhances the wine's richness and complexity. The dosage is 8 g/L, classifying it as a Brut Champagne.

Appearance: Pale yellow gold with light greenish hues and silver reflections. The wine exhibits fine, persistent bubbles that form a delicate mousse, indicating its extended lees ageing and quality. The clarity and brilliance in the glass highlight its refinement.

Aroma: The nose opens with aromas of linden, cherry, gooseberry, pear, and red apple. As it aerates, notes of honeysuckle, blackcurrant, plum, and Sichuan pepper emerge, adding complexity and depth. Subtle hints of pastry, toasted almond, and chalky minerality give further elegance.

Taste: Supple and fresh, with a creamy, well-integrated effervescence. Flavours of crisp white fruits, juicy red berries, and a hint of black fruit are balanced by a gentle spiciness and a refined, mineral-driven structure. The long lees ageing imparts a round, textural richness, complementing the wine’s vibrant acidity.

Finish: Long, layered, and harmonious, with lingering notes of ripe fruits, citrus zest, and a subtle touch of spice. The saline, mineral-driven finish gives a mouthwatering, elegant close, making it both refreshing and complex.

Food Pairing:
Périgord salad with duck confit and walnuts, where the Champagne’s acidity and richness cut through the savoury flavours while enhancing the texture.
Veal fillet with a parsnip purée, as the creamy, earthy elements of the dish complement the wine’s depth and finesse