Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV
Grape Varietals: *Equal parts: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier
Growing Region: Epernay - France
Chef de Cave: Damien Cambres
In July of 2022, I was kindly invited to visit this iconic family-owned Champagne House in Epernay. I have had the pleasure of visiting the home of Pol-Roger since 1993 - when I first met ‘the late’ Christian Pol-Roger and we became good friends. So, after a warm welcome, with hard-hat on, yellow-vest and work-boots, we carefully walked through the still under-construction, new addition and extension to the winery & cellars. We then explored their stunning 7kms of underground cellars, while talking through the past and upcoming vintage and harvest.
Then it was time to work through a tasting of their current range of Champagnes, starting with this character cuvée, their highly respected Brut Réserve NV. I have been in the wine industry for over 35 years, and this is what I like to call ‘Sophisticated Simplicity’ - sound confusing, well once you taste, all will be unveiled.
This non-vintage is arguably the hardest of all Champagne expressions to recreate. A harmonious assemblage of 30 different crus and from several different vintages, with 25% reserve wines used to craft this cuvée. Pol Roger consistently crafts a wine with such style and elegance that simply dances across your palate only touching down when are where needed.
★ As you pour this elegant though confident Champagne, you will be hypnotised by the golden straw colour and the extremely fine beading that will appear in your glass. The bouquet has an elevated white floral elegance, that flows onto the palate showcasing vibrant pip-fruit flavours along with integrated biscotti, cardamom, orange peel and vanilla characters delivered effortlessly by the exquisite continuous mousse of tiny bubbles. All of these aspects and multiple thin layers combine seamlessly to create a well-structured, perfectly balanced and appealing style of Champagne, which is suitable for all occasions.
This Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV has 12% Alc./vol. Crafted with a dosage of 9g/L. Chill gently and serve in an generously curved flute or in an aromatic wine glass at 8°- 10°C. *NZ$128.00
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 10/12/24)
Drinking perfectly well at all times; and can hold its characters for 3 - 4 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine as an aperitif, plus as a complement to oysters, shellfish, tempura calamari, grilled fish, stuffed crab, pea & parmesan risotto, mixed vegetarian cuisine and fresh apple & pear tart, or simply at any time - enjoy.
