 |
 |
 |
|
Gosset's current vintage release is the superb 1999. A delicate and bewitching nose of jasmine, white flowers and grapefruit gives a hint of what's to come. On the palate the wine is vinous and has the characteristic Gosset creaminess and fleshiness delivering citrus laced with almonds on a wave of super delicate bubbles. With this comes a pure mineral core and balancing acidity that gives this wine a world class feel and structure. 1999 was a great year, taste it in this bottle.
Gosset
Founded in Aÿ in 1584 by grower and winemaker Pierre Gosset, the then still wines of Gosset first found fame at the court of Francois 1. The reputation of the wine was such that the King ordered his own cellar to be built at Aÿ. Production turned to sparkling wine in the 18th century following the discovery of the méthode champenoise. The family eventually sold the company in 1993 to Max Cointreau, owner of the prestigious Cognac house Frapin.
Quality and integrity remain central tenets of the company’s winemaking philosophy. Only 4000 cases of the prestige cuvée, Célébris, are produced despite overwhelming demand. Gosset is renowned worldwide for its fine sparkling wines, with their creamy style, consistency of quality and character. The elegance, freshness, structure and pleasing body also makes the entire range, from the Brut Excellence NV to the three Célébris cuvées, ideal to serve with food.
The Gosset blends are made from fruit grown only in the Premiers and Grands Crus (villages) in the Marne region. The naturally fruity character that makes Gosset so instantly recognisable is due to the fine malic acid preserved in the wine – there is no malolactic fermentation. A percentage of the blends destined for the Grande Réserve and up are fermented in wooden vats. Four centuries of experience and knowledge have not been forgotten. The traditional methods of poignettage (riddling) and dégorgement are still carried out by hand, each day. The wines are then aged for a minimum of three years before release to allow them to develop fully.
Célébris - the jewel in Gosset's crown - completed its line up in 2008 with the addition of the Célébris Extra Brut Rosé 2003, a fantastic example of the Extra Brut style, the Rosé joins the Vintage 1998 and the Blanc de Blancs in celebrating the very best that winemaker Jean Pierre Mareigner has achieved (so far!)
But which style is the favourite? Odilon de Varine admits he always returns to the Grande Réserve, others prefer the fabulous Grand Rosé - perhaps the best example of a non vintage Rosé available. It is another of the house’s annual challenges, to produce that classic creamy non-vintage style from cuvées that are never the same each year.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Technical info
|
Variety: Chardonnay (56%), Pinot Noir (44%)
Vineyards: 14 crus
Winery Tasting Note
Colour and Appearance: Clear, luminous pale gold with flashes of green and amber. Creamy, frothy mousse and a constant stream of supremely fine, whirling bubbles.
Nose: Delicate, elegant and complex, with richly scented fruit such as apricots, peaches and pears, and elegant fresh jasmine and white lilac flower scents. On swirling a smattering of citrussy, honeyed notes reminiscent of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit and zest of candied citron fruit bring a hint of refreshment swathed in the sweet smells of baking: sponge cake and fresh butter. This cuvée has the elegance of a Champagne that is already showing its pedigree through luxuriant, deeply sensual spicy notes. Cinnamon, vanilla, aniseed and sweet liquorice mingle and complement one other.
Palate: Full-bodied, this pleasant, finely honed Champagne has liveliness and vinosity, with flavours echoing the aromatics. The judicious blend of grapes from different vineyards is revealed by the lush Pinot fruit flavours, backed by a rounded, velvety structure with attractive but subtle hints of sweet almond and wild sloes liqueurs. Chardonnay tempers the fruity fleshiness, contributing just the right amount of freshness characterised by a cakey, spicy flavours: lemon buns and fruit cake, cinnamon and soft liquorice, and a hint of violet. The delicate sparkle contributes a gentle softness and reveals the underlying fresh acidity, which contributes to the overall balance. Enjoyable, long and pleasantly persistent on the finish, with spice, dried fruit and Tahitian vanilla notes. The sweet, mature flavours of preserved fruit and acacia honey are just beginning to show. Ready for drinking.
A marvellous match for French or Asian cuisine, this wine complements almost any kind of dish, savoury and sweet, with the obvious exception of those with excessive acidity or bitterness. Opt for a well-balanced dish that will complement but not mask the flavour of the wine: scallops or snails, carpaccio of tuna or pigeon stew; or caramelized pears. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Made in