A deliciously delicate vintage Brut champagne
The estate
Alfred Gratien founded this eponymous house in 1864. Located in Épernay, at the heart of the Champagne wine region, the Alfred Gratien House has advocated for a rigorous selection of grapes and vinification in barrels as well as volume control to preserve the terroir’s original character and to exude all of the freshness of the wines.
Alfred Gratien Champagne is produced from a know-how which has been transmitted from father to son for multiple generations and which contributes to the unique style of the house’s cuvées.
The vineyard
The Alfred Gratien Champagne House overlooks 1.56 hectares of vines situated on two exceptional Premiers and Grands Cru terroirs in the Champagne region: the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The house completes its supplies by acquiring grapes from over sixty long-standing and loyal winegrowers who have worked with the house for generations.
Winemaking and ageing
Exclusive use of the first press. Since 1864, vinification has been entirely carried out in oak barrels of at least 4 previous wines. This method encourages the wines’ micro-oxygenation, conferring complexity and roundness. Plot-based vinification without malolactic fermentation to preserve the whole fruit and the characteristic liveliness of these wines with significant ageing potential.
Blend
The Paradis Brut 2006 cuvée by Alfred Gratien is produced from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Tasting
Colour
The wine is a bright and beautiful golden colour. The effervescence is fine and beautifully persistent.
Nose
The nose harmoniously combines fragrances of honey, hazelnut and white fruit.
Palate
Rich and beautifully fine, the Cuvée Paradis Brut 2006 unveils an ample palate with intense aromas of white fruit and gingerbread.
Golden-yellow in color the 2006 Alfred Gratien Cuvée Paradis Brut is 65% Chardonnay with 35% Pinot Noir; it fermented in oak with malolactic fermentation blocked, was bottled in April 2007 and disgorged in 1/2013 with 9.15 grams per liter dosage. It opens intense, fresh and elegant on the nose displaying ripe and delicate aromas of vanilla, honeydew melon and tropical fruits. Provided with a very fine and elegant mousse, the Paradis is round and charming on the palate, and finishes with a bright lemon-freshness and a good, stimulating grip. This is from lot 14106.