After a few weeks traveling to the gorgeous region of Alsace and then onto  the exceptional city of Edinburgh, Scotland, I am back again with much more to share about the Champagne region and some great producers.

I had the opportunity to visit Champagne Paul Goerg located in one of my favourite premier cru Champagne villages – Vertus.  The tour was led by General Manager and Chef de Cave, Johan Jarry immediately following the completion of the mind-blowing 2018 harvest. I asked Jarry his thoughts, “I feel I will never see a harvest like this one ever again. I can only hope. The yields were incredible and the quality was very impressive.”

Champagne Paul Goerg is a ‘House of winegrowers’ or ‘Maison de vignerons’ – 120 grape growers in total – that produce 200,000 bottles a year. Chardonnay is the heart of the house and three years ago, it was decided to do plot by plot selection in vineyards with 30 year or older Chardonnay vines.  These parcels are then vinified in individual tanks.

Jarry has an educated and easy style when speaking about winemaking which made for an enjoyable experience.  When explaining the secondary fermentation in champagne production Jarry stated,  ‘The yeast are waiting for more sugar when they are in the bottle.  They don’t have legs so they have to wait for the food to be provided before they can get back to work.”  I was keenly aware of Jarry’s approach towards quality winemaking and delivering a great tasting champagne.

Tasting Notes – Champagne Paul Goerg:

Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru – balanced and fresh with four years of age, this 100% Chardonnay is a tasty wine full of Bartlett pear notes, hints of almond skin and a whisper of jasmine. 35.45 €

Brut Tradition Premier Cru – 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, this is a fruity and fun champagne.  Not too complicated but nicely structured with good amounts of peach, nectarine and a hint of lemon curd. 30.60 €

Vintage 2009 Brut Premier Cru – this champagne had just been launched when I visited and it is excellent. With dried apricot notes, brioche, hazelnut, toasted walnut and a hint of salinity – this vintage champagne is a delight. Great balance and depth with 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir.  45.85 €

Rosé Brut Premier Cru – with aromas of rhubarb and cranberry, this is a crisp, clean, and fresh Rosé made with 85% Chardonnay blended with 15% Pinot Noir still wine. On the palate, the cranberry flavours are vibrant alongside mirabelle plum and fresh raspberry. This wine has a delightful tartness to it.  Very well-balanced and finessed. 35 €

Information and website – Champagne Paul Goerg

Enjoy!

XO
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