André Clouet Vintage 2015

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

Bouzy and Ambonnay are the epicentre of Pinot Noir in Champagne, and the Clouet family is the priviledged custodian of eight hectares of estate vines in the best middle slopes of both villages.  These are rich and concentrated expressions of pinot noir, wines of deep complexity, multi faceted interest and engaging character, yet with remarkable restraint and sense of control.  Recent tastings confirm my impression that this small and relatively unknown grower ranks high among Champagne’s finest practitioners of pinot noir – and expresses one of the best value of all.

I just can’t get enough of it — especially at this price. The Andre Clouet grande reserve brut is a delicious wine made from 100 per cent pinot noir with all the richness and definition that variety offers. There’s plenty of fine bead, red fruits mingled with citrus, and earthy, warm spice (think star anise and cinnamon), zesty and dry on the finish. It builds on the palate and is quite voluptuous , almost full-bodied for champagne, and, while aricher aperitif, this is much, much better with food.

JANE FAULKNER, The Age Epicure

Having worked in Champagne, seen behind the closed doors I know a fair few of the tricks of the trade. It’s refreshing when you come across someone like Jean-Francois Clouet who will openly discuss the tricks and is willing to stand by his wines. I explore the exceptional and ugly in the Wine Bites Mag article “Vintage 1998 Champagne Devaux, Bur-sur-Seine and Les Gras et Haas, Chouilly in the Côte des Blancs”

It’s fair to say Jean-Francois Clouet was born in a bath of Pinot, suckled on Blanc de Noir, and, grew up pour it on his corn flakes! His family was making wine a decade before Möet et Chandon’s Dom Perignon. Not long ago Bollinger rang to “enquire” read complain about Clouet’s labels ripping off their designs. After a quick look it turned out to be the other way around by decades!

Where in Champagne are Clouet’s Vineyards

Based in Bouzy with vineyards in both Bouzy and Ambonnay. The villages rest to the south of Reims and north of Épernay. Clouet is a Pinot master! Bouzy is home to many of the best Pinot growing sites in Champagne.

The map below shows the main sub-regions of Champagne

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From left to right Champagne vineyards by Soil Type, Aspect and Dominant Varietal

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Soil Types

Vineyard Aspect

Map showing dominant varieties planted in Champagne