Sunday apero. Gatinois Brut Vintage 2004: Gatinois, one of my favourite Champagne houses, is located in Aÿ in ...

Sunday apero. Gatinois Brut Vintage 2004: Gatinois, one of my favourite Champagne houses, is located in Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne, which is renowned for its opulent Pinot Noirs. It is one of the producers who made me fall in love with champagne. Both the “friendly” aromas of Pinot and the style of the house play a big role in this. Their Champagnes are, contrary to current trends, not zero dosage. However, they have enough body to carry the dosage, without feeling flabby or heavy. This bottle from the 2004 vintage, in perfect condition. Great nose. Surprisingly fresh and lean. (2004 is described by many as “classic Champagne vintage in every aspect. Relatively cool summer, also the harvest started later than usual.) It strikes a beautiful balance between opulence and fresh, clean aromas. 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, as is typical for many of Gationois’ vintage. It’s surprising to note that it contains 6 grams of dosage, as this is almost unnoticeable. It also boasts a fine and surprisingly long-lasting mousse. Floral notes, such as cherry and orange blossoms, and hints of crushed sour cherries occasionally give way to ripe plums -leathery dark plums and a hint of dates. The wine continues to evolve in the glass, demonstrating the potential of a well-stored aged Champagne. Ganevat Côtes du Jura La Barraque, 2018, from south of Jura, is still quite young and opulent. It took several hours for it to open up and show its true depth. Clean and herbious, filled with walnuts, this is a delicious and saline Chardonnay. #champagne #äy #jurawine #agedchampagne #winediary #ganevat