𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝.
𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝.
𝔼𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕪 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤𝕟’𝕥 𝕝𝕚𝕖.
𝕋𝕦𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕟.
The Côte des Bar region is known for more experimentation because the estates are “younger” than those in the north. This is because until relatively recently, they used to sell their grapes to the bigger champagne houses. One day it dawned on them that they had excellent quality grapes and should make their own champagne THEIR way.
Since 1862, the Albert Beerens family estate has been cultivating the rich terroir in the Côte des Bar lovingly caring for their seven hectares of vines. Today sixth generation Anne-Laure Beerens passionately leads the charge of the sustainable farmed estate. As well as the three main grape varieties they also grow Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Their reserve wines rest in conical oak barrels.
Anne-Laure is a sensitive soul with an enormous energy that radiates like sunshine. It is a ripple effect of her energy emanates in the vineyard and in her champagnes.
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝔸𝕝𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥 𝔹𝕖𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕤 𝕊𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 ℂ𝕦𝕧é𝕖
Anne-Laure is very proud of this cuvée (her smile says it all in the photo above). A blend 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier. Add a special blend of 50% base wines (2015, 2014, 2013 harvests), 50% reserve wines aged in casks following the Solera method (35%) and in vats (15%) with a Brut dosage of 8g/L. Phew! That is quite the endeavor but then again, this is HER Signature 🥂
Pours into the glass like sunlight trapped inside a liquid jewel with energetic effervescence.
The magnitude of the aromas are incredible – an opening sonata of citrus, juicy strawberry and raspberry, followed by acacia, vanilla, honey and toast. As this beauty opens up, the complexity rolls richly into sweet fig, raisin, brioche and salty minerality.
The first sip is a dream – it’s creamy attack draws you in instantly on notes of freshly baked pastries, toasted brioche, gingerbread, baking spice , ripe pears and dried fig. Lovely interplay of zesty acidity, juicy fruit and salty minerality with a very precise palate.
This champagne marks the culmination of her achievements as an incredibly talented winemaker. It’s liquid luxury through and through. The sophistication of the finish lingers gorgeously. Beautiful, period.
Paired with a champagne lunch of likeminded women, stimulating conversation accompanied by gorgeous dishes of local roasted littleneck clams with lemon, garlic and chili flakes, winter panzenella, roasted swordfish and lamb ragu at The Boathouse in Tiverton, RI.
