Arlaux Brut Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Champagne NV

This Premier Cru tastes like it would be a $100 wine. And, if it wasn't for the BHW direct model, it would be. This small-production wine is made in the classic "English" style. A deft touch of oak, a lovely biscuity, brioche, and yeast quality.This Champagne is just flat-out delicious. We drank a bottle so quickly, that we were all looking at one another as to who drank it and how it vanished so quickly. This is a bottle you definitely want to have around for any Tuesday and every holiday. 

The Arlaux family acquired this estate back in 1792. But it was in 1826, right after the crowning of the last king of France, Charles X, that Jean Arlaux produced the first sparkling wine. Little did he know that this estate, which originally was producing red and white wines, was going to become one greatest Champagne houses in the region. Today, this Maison only produces sparkling wines.

Arlaux is located in the Premier Cru vineyard in Montagne de Reims, one of the five sub-regions of the Champagne appellation. This is one of the northernmost vineyards on the planet. The terroir is perfect, and it is highly influenced by the ocean breeze, with soils composed of clay. The vineyard is managed with sustainable and respectful viticulture.

Champagne had quite a rocky start before becoming the second most famous French word in the world and being associated with royalty, celebrations, and luxury. The first sparkling wines in France were only created by accident. Earning the name "the devil's wine" or le vin du diable. Imagine the shock of French winemakers when suddenly bottles of wine would start exploding due to the pressure built up in the wine bottles, sometimes causing a chain reaction in the cellars leading to losses of anywhere from 20-90%. Today champagne bottles have the same amount of pressure in them as a standard car tire. Wine bottles back then were not up to the challenge of withstanding the pressure which often led to surprise showers of glass and wine. Initially considered a fault, Champagne has the ultimate rags-to-riches story and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of fine wine. 

Not only does the wine need to come from Champagne appellation in order to earn the name, but a secondary fermentation must occur in the bottle in order to give the wine its classic, tiny mousse-like bubbles. There are other strict rules that must be followed regarding pruning practices, yield allowances, and sur less aging requirements. Thanks to the high levels of acidity, champagnes can be aged for many decades and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes as well as being absolutely spectacular all on its own.

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Its fine bubbles, its delicate, fruity aromas, and its flavors of brioche with hints of almond meet the expectations of the most demanding connoisseurs. The perfect combination of elegance and delicacy.

From old Pinot Meunier vines on the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, the producer has created this softly textured, fruity and concentrated wine. It is ripe, full bodied and generously rich. Drink this Champagne now. ~92 Wine Enthusiast.

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