NV Champagne Ruinart, Blanc De Blancs
Regular price £52.70 Save £-52.70ABOUT THE WINE
Ruinart is a low profile, yet select, Champagne house which is steeped in history. It dates back to the 17th century, the time of the famous Dom Perignon. It was founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in the city of Reims, the year after a Royal Decree in 1728 whereby Louis XV gave his consent for sparkling wines to be shipped in baskets containing 50 to 100 bottles. This opened the gates of Europe to champagne and thus makes Ruinart the oldest Champagne House. Since the Second World War the house has become synonymous with class and its production of only 1.7 million bottles per annum is small compared to other grande marques.
TASTING NOTES
A distinctive golden yellow colour with subtle green highlights. Its delicate colour is heightened by the transparent bottle. The substantial effervescence and delicate bubbles decorate the glass with a ribbon around its inner edge while revealing an elegant radiance and purity. On the nose fresh fruit (mostly citrus) combined with aromas of white flowers & white fruits (peach).
FOOD PAIRING
Delightful with seafood, grilled sole or sashimi with white fish. For dessert, a lemon tart or grapefruit sorbet would be an excellent partner.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
With the finest grapes, skilful blending, extensive ageing in its 2000-year-old cellars, and a uniquely shaped bottle, Ruinart defines its commitment to excellence and luxury.
NV Champagne Ruinart, Brut Rose
Regular price £96.00 Save £-96.00ABOUT THE WINE
Ruinart is a low profile, yet select Champagne house, steeped in history. It dates back to the 17th century, the time of the famous Dom Perignon. It was founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in the city of Reims, the year after a Royal Decree in 1728 whereby Louis XV gave his consent for sparkling wines to be shipped in baskets containing 50 to 100 bottles. This opened the gates of Europe to champagne and thus makes Ruinart the oldest Champagne House. Since the Second World War, the house has become synonymous with class and its production of only 1.7 million bottles per annum is small compared to other grande marques.
TASTING NOTES
A subtle nose of rosehip, spice and wild strawberry; on the palate the wine marries exuberant fruit with a rich velvety texture.
FOOD PAIRING
Thin slices of fine Italian prosciutto (San Daniele, Parma, etc.) A starter of salmon prepared as a Japanese 'tataki', will reveal its many facets. Leg of milk-fed lamb or a low temperature cooked veal fillet.
FRIARDOOD SAYS
Ruinart is famous for their Rosé; justly so!
NV Louis Roederer Collection 244 Brut Champagne
Regular price £56.00 Save £-56.00ABOUT THE WINE
First founded in 1776 as Dubois Père et Fils, the house was inherited and renamed by Louis Roederer in 1833. The company, which now includes vineyard-holdings and estates throughout France and around the world, remains under the ownership of his descendants. Unusual for large Champagne houses, Roederer owns a large proportion of the vineyards which contribute to their wines: vintage expressions, including Cristal, are sourced entirely from their own grapes, and only a third of their overall production is made from bought-in grapes. They have been undertaking experiments with biodynamic viticulture in their vineyards since 2000.
The Collection 242 was launched in September 2021 to replace the flagship Brut Premier. The radical idea of changing the flagship NV cuvée stemmed from battling the fierce challenges climate change had brought to Champagne in terms of vintage variation. Hence, to “fight for freshness" this new cuvée was created. The perpetual reserve, which had been in the works since 2013 is mainly used as the "freshening element" and makes up 34% of the blend. The rest is 10% oak reserve wines and 56% from only the 2017 harvest.
TASTING NOTES
A delightful Champagne, which sees the bright, youthful character of the base wines enhanced by extended lees-ageing and 10% barrel-aged reserve wines, which add a creamy texture to the palate, mingling with citrus, glazed fruit and toast flavours. A hint of smoke adds complexity to the finish; a very fine non-vintage Champagne.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent aperitif, it would pair very well with smoked salmon or scallops fried in butter.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
242 represents the number of times Roederer has made a non-vintage since founded in 1776 and it's aged for 3 years on the lees, with a further 6 months ageing following disgorgement to allow the wine to settle before release. 10% reserve wine is used, which has been aged in oak barrel for between 2 and 5 years.
2015 Champagne Louis Roederer, Cristal Brut
Regular price £298.00 Save £-298.00ABOUT THE WINE
The most famous wine of the Roederer estate, Cristal was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II – the emperor asked Louis Roederer himself to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year. This exceptional champagne came in a flat-bottomed & transparent lead-crystal bottle (to foil the insertion of explosives in the indentation by would-be assassins!), hence the name. Not commercially available until 1945 it is only produced in the best of years when the Chardonnay (c. 40% of the blend) and Pinot Noir (c. 60%) have attained perfect ripeness. Cristal is then aged for 6 years in their cellars and left for a further 8 months after dégorgement. A remarkably balanced and refined style there is also tremendous aging potential; it can be kept for over 20 years without losing its freshness and character.
TASTING NOTES
Tropical fruit and brioche aromas on the nose and a silky texture complemented by a powerful mineral quality on the palate. With white stone fruit and citrus notes this is a luscious and deep flavoured champagne with a long finish – a truly harmonious marriage of the full-bodied, smooth & ripe Pinot Noir and the fresh, elegant minerality of Chardonnay.
Smoked monkfish and oyster mousse, Truffled chicken ballotine with creamy morel sauce or buttered lobster & tarragon risotto would be sublime!