Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut: Luxury French Champagne

Indulge in the pinnacle of French champagne with Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut. This luxury sparkling wine encapsulates the quintessence of refined taste and celebration. It is meticulously crafted in the heart of France’s Champagne region, showcasing a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes.

Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut invites a sensory exploration. Its crisp notes of apple, pear, and citrus tantalize the palate. The 12% alcohol content and delicate bubbles achieve a perfect balance, cherished by champagne aficionados.

Wine critics have recognized this exceptional luxury sparkling wine. It has garnered 91 points from Wine Spectator and 88 points from Parker. These accolades underscore the quality and craftsmanship that define every bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut.

Key Takeaways

• Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut is a premium French champagne
• It’s made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes
• The champagne has received high ratings from renowned wine critics
• It offers notes of apple, pear, and citrus with delicate bubbles
• Best served at 10 to 12°C for optimal enjoyment
• Has a ripening potential of 2 to 3 years after purchase

A Legacy of Excellence in Champagne Making

The champagne history of Nicolas Feuillatte brand is a narrative of swift ascension and innovation. This esteemed producer has swiftly ascended to become the #1 Champagne brand in France and the 3rd largest globally. Their journey encapsulates the rich heritage of the Champagne region, seamlessly merging tradition with modern allure.

The History of Nicolas Feuillatte

Nicolas Feuillatte, founded in 1976, is a relatively recent entrant in the champagne domain. Despite its youth, the brand has achieved notable milestones in the industry. It presents a contemporary allure that captivates modern champagne aficionados, while honoring the venerable traditions of champagne production.

Champagne’s Rich Heritage Since the 5th Century

The chronicle of champagne traces back to the 5th century, when Romans planted vineyards in Reims. This enduring tradition has sculpted the region’s winemaking acumen. Presently, champagne production necessitates a minimum aging period of 15 months for non-vintage bottles and three years for vintage selections, guaranteeing quality and depth.

From Reims to Global Recognition

The Reims vineyards constitute the core of the Champagne region. Nicolas Feuillatte has capitalized on this prime location, securing access to grapes from over 5,000 growers across Champagne. This extensive network enables a diverse and superior grape selection, contributing to the brand’s global acclaim and triumph.

Understanding Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut

Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut epitomizes French Champagne’s pinnacle of excellence. Originating from the esteemed Champagne Grand Cru ‘Chouilly’ region, it showcases the terroir’s unparalleled quality. The champagne’s composition is a meticulous blend of grape varieties, crafting its unique character and flavor profile.

The Selection Brut’s distinctiveness arises from its grape blend. It combines 50% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay. This combination harmonizes to embody the Champagne region’s essence. With an alcohol content of 12%, it provides a delightful experience for connoisseurs.

Under the stewardship of Chief Winemaker Guillaume Roffiaen, Nicolas Feuillatte has ascended to France’s apex champagne brand. Roffiaen’s profound expertise, cultivated since 2002, guarantees each bottle’s excellence. The brand’s dedication to quality is manifest in its rigorous aging process, with champagnes maturing for at least three years.

The Distinguished Champagne Region of France

The Champagne region in France is renowned for its unparalleled winemaking prowess. It is the sole domain where the term “Champagne” can be legally applied to sparkling wine. This distinction is a testament to the rigorous quality benchmarks set by the Champagne appellation.

Champagne Grand Cru ‘Chouilly’ Terroir

The Grand Cru ‘Chouilly’ terroir is a jewel within the Champagne region. It is celebrated for cultivating grapes of unparalleled excellence. These grapes are pivotal in crafting premium champagnes, such as Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut.

Unique Geographical Advantages

The Champagne region’s cool climate and chalky soil are its hallmark. These conditions are perfect for cultivating the three primary grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. This synergy is essential for producing high-quality champagnes.

Appellation Controls and Standards

French wine regulations are instrumental in upholding Champagne’s quality and authenticity. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system enforces stringent guidelines for grape cultivation, harvesting, and winemaking. These regulations guarantee that every Champagne bottle adheres to the highest standards of quality and tradition.

Masterful Blend of Premium Grapes

Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut exemplifies a masterful champagne blend, capturing the essence of premium grapes. This exquisite creation combines 50% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay. The result is a balanced and complex champagne that highlights the unique qualities of each grape variety.

As the top-selling champagne in France for over a decade, Nicolas Feuillatte’s success stems from its commitment to quality. The brand’s cooperative model involves one-third of grape growers in the Champagne region, ensuring access to a wide variety of premium grapes.

The Selection Brut Champagne, priced at $49.99 per bottle, offers exceptional value. After two to three years of cellar-aging, it releases enticing aromas of white fruit, apple, and raspberry. This unique profile is a testament to the careful selection and blending of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes.

This expertly crafted champagne blend has helped Nicolas Feuillatte become the third best-selling Champagne globally. Its popularity extends to Australia, where it’s exclusively available at Dan Murphy’s stores, catering to the country’s growing appreciation for fine champagne.

Tasting Profile and Characteristics

The Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut presents a captivating sensory journey. Its champagne tasting notes reveal a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas that dance on the palate. Let’s explore the Selection Brut flavor profile in detail.

Aroma and Bouquet

The nose of this champagne greets you with a fresh and lively bouquet. You’ll detect crisp notes of green apple, ripe pear, and zesty citrus. A subtle hint of white flowers adds complexity to the aroma.

Palate and Finish

On the palate, the Selection Brut showcases a perfect balance of fruity and floral flavors. The crisp apple and pear notes carry through, complemented by a touch of lemon zest. Delicate bubbles create a creamy texture, leading to a clean and refreshing finish.

Serving Temperature and Glass Selection

To fully appreciate the champagne tasting notes, serve Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut chilled between 46-50°F (8-10°C). Use tall, slender flutes to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aromas.

Perfect Food Pairings

Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut excels in champagne food pairings. This versatile sparkling wine enhances a variety of dishes, turning wine and food matching into a delightful experience. Let’s dive into some exciting pairings that highlight the luxury of this French champagne.

Seafood Combinations

The crisp acidity of Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut pairs exquisitely with seafood. It’s a heavenly match for oysters, lobster, and scallops. The champagne’s bubbles enhance the flavors of rich fish like salmon. Try it with tuna tartare for a burst of flavor.

Cheese Selections

Soft, creamy cheeses perfectly complement this champagne. Brie, camembert, and fresh goat cheese are excellent choices. The wine’s effervescence refreshes the palate between bites, making each taste feel new and exciting.

Pork Dishes

Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut pairs wonderfully with pork. Its acidity balances the meat’s richness, creating a harmonious blend. Roasted pork loin, ham, or even bacon-wrapped appetizers are great options. The champagne’s bubbles refresh the palate, enhancing the dining experience.

• Prosciutto-wrapped melon
• Pork belly sliders
• Glazed ham

Remember, champagne food pairings are about personal taste. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match. Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut’s versatility makes it an ideal companion for various cuisines, elevating your dining experience to new heights.

Production Process and Quality Control

Nicolas Feuillatte’s champagne production exemplifies precision and quality assurance. The brand collaborates with over 5,000 vine-growers across 83 local cooperatives, spanning more than 2,150 hectares. This extensive network enables them to select grapes with meticulous care, a critical step in creating their celebrated champagnes.

The winemaking techniques employed by Nicolas Feuillatte are at the forefront of innovation. Their advanced facility, equipped with stainless steel tanks and thermoregulation systems, guarantees optimal fermentation conditions. This technology boosts the aromatic potential of their wines, contributing to their unique flavor profiles.

Quality control is a cornerstone in every phase of production. The brand’s COFRAC-accredited laboratory conducts thorough wine analysis, upholding the highest standards. Nicolas Feuillatte’s dedication to excellence also encompasses environmental concerns, with an automatic purification station and a strict no-GMO policy.

Every step, from grape selection to bottling, in Nicolas Feuillatte’s champagne production is governed by strict quality standards. This unwavering dedication to excellence has elevated the brand to a pinnacle of acclaim in the United States. It showcases the ideal fusion of tradition and innovation in winemaking techniques.

The Art of Champagne Blending

Nicolas Feuillatte’s expertise in champagne blending is evident in their Selection Brut. This masterpiece is a blend of three grape varietals, creating a symphony of flavors that delights connoisseurs globally.

Grape Varietals Composition

The Selection Brut presents a meticulously crafted blend of grape varietals:

• 50% Pinot Meunier
• 40% Pinot Noir
• 10% Chardonnay

This blend achieves a champagne that perfectly balances fruitiness, structure, and elegance.

Vintage vs Non-Vintage Selection

Nicolas Feuillatte’s Selection Brut is a non-vintage champagne. Unlike vintage champagnes, which highlight a specific year’s harvest, non-vintage blends focus on consistency. The winemakers at Nicolas Feuillatte strive to maintain a consistent taste year after year, utilizing their extensive network of 5,000 winegrowers.

For those desiring luxury, Nicolas Feuillatte presents vintage champagnes like the Palmes d’Or Brut and Rosé Intense. These champagnes capture the essence of exceptional harvests. The art of blending is showcased in both their non-vintage and vintage champagnes, catering to diverse tastes and occasions.

Storage and Aging Recommendations

Proper champagne storage is essential for preserving the quality of Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut. This luxurious French champagne thrives in specific wine cellar conditions, enhancing its aging potential. The ideal storage environment is a cool, dark space with a consistent temperature around 12 degrees Celsius (54°F).

While Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut is ready to enjoy upon release, it can develop more complex flavors with short-term aging. The minimum aging recommendation is 3 years. This allows the blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, and 40% Pinot Meunier to mature gracefully.

For optimal storage, consider these tips:

• Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist
• Avoid exposure to light and vibrations
• Maintain humidity levels between 50-80%
• Keep away from strong odors that may penetrate the cork

With its vast storage capacity of up to 100 million bottles, Nicolas Feuillatte ensures each bottle reaches consumers in prime condition. Whether you’re planning to enjoy it soon or age it for a special occasion, proper storage will help maintain the champagne’s fruity notes of honey, apples, lemons, and pineapple.

Global Distribution and Availability

Since its inception in 1976, Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut has emerged as a globally acclaimed champagne brand. Its success in champagne export has facilitated its availability in numerous countries globally.

Export Markets

Nicolas Feuillatte has made substantial progress in international markets. The brand targets to sell 50,000 bottles in the UK on-trade within 3-5 years. It aims to enhance distribution and visibility. The UK market will feature Réserve Exclusive Brut, Réserve Exclusive Rosé, and various vintage selections.

Purchase Options

Champagne aficionados can access Nicolas Feuillatte through diverse channels. Online wine purchase options include Vivino and Premier Champagne. The brand’s Réserve Exclusive Brut, accounting for 80% of production, is readily available for online orders.

Shipping Considerations

When ordering Nicolas Feuillatte for international shipping, it’s vital to consider local regulations and temperature control. The brand’s dedication to quality ensures their champagne arrives in the best condition. Customers should verify with retailers about specific shipping policies to preserve the champagne’s integrity during transit.

Special Occasions and Celebrations

Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut stands out as the quintessential celebration champagne for life’s most precious moments. As France’s leading champagne and the globe’s third-largest producer, this luxury brand infuses sparkle into weddings, anniversaries, and significant birthdays.

The brand’s Paris showroom, mere steps from the Champs-Elysées, offers bespoke service for selecting the perfect champagne for your event. Their team of connoisseurs will lead you through tasting workshops, assisting in finding the ideal vintage for your special day.

For sparkling wine events, Nicolas Feuillatte ensures secure delivery within 24 hours in Ile-de-France, guaranteeing your celebration is always accompanied by the finest bubbly. Their extensive range of champagnes, from grand crus to prestige vintages, meets every taste and occasion.

When planning your next luxury toast, Nicolas Feuillatte’s expertise and vast selection guarantee an unforgettable celebration. With their champagne gracing events in over 80 countries, you’re part of a global tradition of excellence.

Conclusion

Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut exemplifies the pinnacle of French champagne quality. This luxury sparkling wine is crafted from a perfect blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir grapes. This combination creates a harmonious balance, earning it widespread acclaim from both critics and consumers.

Its impressive average customer rating of 4.73 out of 5 underscores its excellence. The 2015 vintage, in particular, received a notable 90/100 from Robert Parker. Other Nicolas Feuillatte products have also garnered high scores from respected wine critics.

The Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut transcends mere accolades, offering versatility and enjoyment. It pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes, from risotto and wild boar to rich desserts. Its appeal extends beyond France, captivating a global audience of sparkling wine aficionados.

From its meticulous production to its widespread availability, Nicolas Feuillatte Selection Brut represents the epitome of champagne craftsmanship. For those seeking a truly exceptional French champagne experience, this luxury sparkling wine promises an unforgettable journey through Champagne’s finest terroir and tradition.