The Clouet family first found the spotlight as the official printers to Louis XV’s Royal Court in Versailles in the 18th century (hence the beauty of their wine labels). The family’s estate located in the village of Bouzy is comprised of 20-acres of Grand Cru vineyards both here and in the Village of Ambonnay which the current owner, Jean-François Clouet (Andrés son), still calls home today! A bit of a showman, Jean-François, takes great pride in his family lineage living in the house his ancestors first built in 1741. Beneath this historic site, lies their labyrinthine chalk cellar which still contains partial false walls that hid precious bottles during Nazi invasion in World War II. With all this historic grandeur surrounding him, Jean-François respectfully draws from tradition and time-honored techniques while embracing modern technology. And with only 20-acres of estate vines, he can make this philosophy a reality. Committed to making Pinot Noir focused wines with as little dosage as possible to craft pure, dry and clean wines, Jean-François offers an expansive, historically-reflective expression of the appellation and every Champagne lover needs to try these outstanding wines.
This Brut Millésime 2012 is made from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay coming from the family's Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy within the Montagne de Reims. This Millésime is only produced in the best vintages, carefully selected by Jean-François himself which he ferments and then ages in Sauternes barrels for a few years while the dosage remains within the parameters of Brut. Great balance both to the nose and in the mouth, we find an abundance of lemon, white fruit and a light floral aroma that make way for stronger notes of honey and yeast. The finish is ample and the bubbles are silky.
