Champagne De Malherbe Brut N.V. - Fine Wine Direct Exclusive

£39.95 per bottle

ABV 12.5%

This is our 'house' Champagne it is as good if not better than some of the big producers, on offer at under £40 per bottle.

Tasting Notes
A soft and well rounded Champagne that exhibits typical attractive brioche aromas with hints of red fruits and citrus. The extended maturation on the lees gives a supple balance, with a hint of minerality that makes this wine a classic example of regional terroir. Well structured with a persistent mousse, it is round and full in the mouth, with hints of vanilla and biscuits on the finish.

Food
A perfect aperitif, match with seafood especially white fish or crayfish and salads.

Region
The vineyards of Champagne are planted in three distinct areas south of the city of Reims. The `Montagne de Reims` is predominately planted with Pinot Noir, the backbone to the Champagne blend, whilst Chardonnay is ideally suited to the chalky slopes of the `Cote des Blancs` south of the town of Epernay. Pinot Meunier dominates the `Vallee de la Marne`, an area susceptible to frosts, which it is more able to withstand, due to later budding. The secret of Champagne is in the blend, where wines from different grape varieties and vineyards are blended to achieve the `house style`.

Producer
Lombard & Cie was founded in 1925 and is situated in Epernay the capital of Champagne. For three generations the Lombard family have owned vineyards in Hautvillers. With the acquisition of estate vineyards located in the Premiers Crus, the family owns 10 hectares of vineyards located in the Montagne de Reims and in the Côte des Bars. All of the vineyards of the estate are farmed sustainably with some of them in organic conversion. These are complemented by grapes sourced in the best terroirs of Champagne among the prestigious Grands Crus of Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant, and Chouilly in the Côte des Blancs, Verzenay and Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims, and Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. The style of the Champagne Lombard is unique, characterized with sharpness and minerality coming from the Chardonnay of the Côte des Blancs and subtle fruitiness and rich complexity from the Pinot Noir of the Montagne de Reims. All combine with harmony and balance thanks to a low dosage and single vineyard fermentation.