Vilmart & Cie : Grande Réserve Brut

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Grande Réserve Brut NM (Non-Vintage) Vilmart & Cie

Tasting

Color

The champagne shows a pale gold color, highlighted by very fine, regular bubbles that rise with persistence in the glass.

Nose

The nose is generous and complex, revealing delicate notes of white-fleshed fruit alongside hints of biscuit and light toasty, brioche nuances.

Palate

The attack is fresh and dynamic, carried by a creamy texture and a beautiful vinosity. A remarkable tension runs through the palate, leading to a flavorful and persistent finish.

Food and wine pairings

This champagne pairs well with dishes of tender texture, such as raw fish preparations, white meats, and cheeses with a cooked rind.

Other characteristics

True to its Brut designation, this champagne is crafted in a dry style, with the absence of malolactic fermentation helping to preserve its natural freshness and lively acidity rather than relying on added sweetness.

A Champagne from the Montagne de Reims, Crafted by Vilmart & Cie

The Estate

Founded in 1890 in Rilly-la-Montagne, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, Vilmart & Cie is a family-owned Champagne house now guided by the Champs family, who continue the estate's long-standing tradition. The house has built its reputation on meticulous vineyard work and a winemaking approach centered on authentic terroir expression. Vilmart & Cie champagnes are recognized for their precision and elegance, standing apart through a distinctive style that favors structure, freshness, and a clear sense of place.

The Vineyard

The grapes used for this cuvée come from vineyards located in the Montagne de Reims, around Rilly-la-Montagne, a part of the Champagne region historically associated with Pinot Noir. This terroir provides the backbone of the blend, pairing the structural strength typical of Pinot Noir with the natural freshness brought by chardonnay grown on these same slopes.

Blend

As a non-vintage champagne, the Grande Réserve Brut is composed by blending wines selected to achieve a consistent balance between the structure of Pinot Noir and the freshness of chardonnay. This approach allows the house to maintain a stable, recognizable style across different bottlings.

Winemaking and aging

The Grande Réserve Brut NM (Non-Vintage) is vinified in wooden foudres, a method that helps preserve the wine's natural freshness while adding subtle aromatic complexity. The house chooses not to carry out malolactic fermentation, a decision that further supports the wine's lively character and sustains its tension through to the finish.

Grape Varieties

This cuvée is composed mainly of Pinot Noir, complemented by Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims.