Gosset Grand Millésime '15 Brut Champagne

“Quality does not have to come with great age! This is a fresh and elegant vintage in which Chardonnay expresses itself fully." - Cellar master Odilon de Varine A shimmering, translucent wine. A wonderfully fresh and expressive first impression reveals an assortment of white fleshed fruit such as pear and peach which develops into notes of grapefruit, aniseed and liquorice. The lively attack is delightfully taut. The finely poised, full-bodied palate remains incredibly light, with every sip revealing notes of damson, mirabelle plum, and ever-present pear, followed by the citrus flavours of orange and pink grapefruit. Sustained by a bold liveliness, the wine finishes satisfyingly with just a hint of salinity. Composed of 33% Pinot Noir and 67% Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs, Villers-Marmery, Ambonnay and Cumières. Bottled with 8 gms/litre dosage. About the house Gosset has been producing wine since 1584 in Aÿ, making it the oldest wine house in Champagne, well before Dom Pérignon and his trusty winemaking monks put the sparkle into wine in 1668. The house started out making still red wines in the former winemaking capital of Champagne, Aÿ and for many years resisted the sweeping sensation of making sparkling wine. To this day, the house is focused on making wine before champagne, a direct contrast to houses that make acidic base wines purely on the purpose of making champagne. One of the key winemaking techniques is the absence of malolactic fermentation. This preserves the pristine nature of the fruit and highlights its lively acidity and bracing energy. The wines therefore benefit from an extended time in the cellar to gain their full potential. They would certainly have the potential to develop in yours. At Emperor, we have been impressed by all the cuvées and are big fans of Gosset. Food Suggestion Ideal to serve as an aperitif, this vintage is also the perfect companion to fish such as line-caught bass, skate, sole, and hake, accompanied by a citrus sauce. This pairing suggestion can also be extended to sushi or maki and generally any grilled firm-fleshed fish, accompanied by green asparagus or spinach. Expert Review “A firm, focused version, this swathes a chiseled spine of acidity in a raw, silky texture and finely meshed flavors of yellow peach, orange liqueur, honeycomb and chopped almond. A rich streak of salinity drives the well-cut, spiced finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2035.” 94 points, Wine Spectator, Sept 2022