Review: Besserat de Bellefon NV Brut
- vinterest
- Dec 23, 2014
- 1 min read
The low-down: Champagne needs no introduction! This number is a blend of 45% pinot meunier, 35% chardonnay and 25% pinot noir. Besserat de Bellefon was founded in 1843 in Ay. The domaine has 25 ha under vine in the Marne Valley, where it grows its own pinot meunier, but also purchases grapes from other growers.
The domaine crafts its champagne to accompany meals rather than as an aperitif, and may partly explain the dominance of pinot meunier vs. other champagnes we have tasted. This brut in particular is suggested to be paired with creamy dishes. The vigneron follows the old cremant style of producing gently sparking champagne.
We picked this up retailing in France for 23 Euros - good value for a quality producer.
The take: On appearance, a very pale, very light yellow, initially quite effervescent but the bubbles settle. On the nose, hazelnut dominates, with floral aromas, sherbet (kali), blueberry and citrus fruits. On the attack hazelnut again, very smooth, quite sweet with a hint of sour fruits.
In closing: Lovely, smooth, perhaps a little one dimensional.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Champagne (AOC)
Producer: Besserat de Bellefon
Vintage: NV
Grape: Pinot meunier, chardonnay, pinot noir
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Mid range
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