About the Wine

The Goutorbe-Bouillot house is a small grower Champagne estate located in the village of Damery just west of Epernay. Family-owned and run since 1911, the 8 hectares of 30 different parcels of vineyards extend over the Vallée de la Marne with a focus on Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes. The union between Jules Goutorbe and Louise Bouillot was the origin of the creation of Champagne GOUTORBE-BOUILLOT. 

The average age of the vineyard parcels is around 35 years old, though some parcels were planted in 1930 and are almost a century old. With great care for quality and the health of the vines, Goutorbe-Bouillot is now certified as "viticulture durable", which is the highest European standard of sustainable agriculture.

Goutorbe-Bouillot Champagnes are produced by a method similar to the Solera system. Each year they use 50% of this reserve wine in the blend. This means that the wine contains some of all the earlier vintages in decreasing proportions. This perpetual reserve was started in 1980 for the Carte d'Or and in 2000 for the other non-vintage cuvees. The aim is to give more maturity and complexity to the wines. In order to keep the natural acidity and aromas from the grapes, the house blocks malolactic fermentation. Thus the wines are fresher in their youth but gain more complexity with aging.

Aging: 36 months on the lees.

Tasting note: Sparkling Wine. 60% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir. The eye is attracted by this delicate, pale golden color, displaying very alive thin bubbles. Fine and fresh, the nose shows delicate white fruit aromas (pear and peach). Fresh, vibrant on the palate, this cuvée shows a subtle creamy texture, very refreshing on the finish, with tiny citrus notes.

Reviews

A lavish Champagne, this is rich and toasty up front, with roasted hazelnut and brioche accents leading to flavors of baked black currant, lemon curd, and candied ginger. A backbone of firm acidity keeps this fresh, almost lip-smacking, while the creamy mousse carries the flavor range through the lingering finish. Drink now through 2023. 2,000 cases made, 250 cases imported. ~92 Wine Spectator

A dense and creamy Champagne with lots of apple, lemon, and lemon-tart aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Flavorful and rich. Solid. Drink now. ~91 James Suckling

Disgorged after 36 months on the lees and with eight grams per liter dosage, the latest release of the NV Brut Reflets de Rivière offers up attractive aromas of dried white flowers, toasted nuts, fresh peach, and orchard fruit. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy, and expressive, it's lively and charming, complemented by a delicate low-pressure mousse. This Pinot Meunier-dominated blend is drawn from a solera established in 1980. ~90 Wine Advocate

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