CHAMPAGNE LOUIS BROCHET Ecueil

Brother and sister Louis & Hélène Brochet represent the 4th generation of their family to raise vines on the favoured north-east slopes of the Montagne de Reims, with 13 hectares of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier spread across 50 plots in Ecueil, Sacy and on the tiny, pure chalk Mont Benoit terroir at Villers aux Noeuds, all classified Premier Cru, with neighbouring parcels on the sunny slopes of the terroirs of Branscourt, Mery-Premecy and Treslon. Respect for their inherited environment is key to their philosophy as vine growers, and they were early adopters of the increasingly popular Haute Valeur Environnmentale (HVE) certification. The soil is worked to reduce weeding, no chemical pesticides are used, and only organic fertilisers are applied. This attention to the health of the vineyard is progressively finding its way through to the wine, and we are delighted to have added their very impressive and elegantly packaged Brut Héritage cuvée to our list this year. Comprising 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 10% aromatic Pinot Meunier, it proved a hit at my daughter’s recent wedding. Delicate gold in colour, beaded with a fine mousse, with an aromatic, intense nose, a delicate yet generous blend of white fruit and brioche. Complex and harmonious, it is quite delicious.