What do the world’s best-selling Champagnes taste like?
18th September, 2017
by
Patrick Schmitt
7. Pommery
Pommery sells 4.38 million bottles annually
Label: Pommery Brut Royal Non-Vintage
Blend (approx.): 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 33% Pinot Meunier
Reserve wine (%): 27-30
Lees ageing (months): 27-30
Dosage (g/l): 9-9.9
MLF: Full
Price (RRP, UK): £40
Size (approx. annual sales, 2015): 4.38 million bottles
Cellar master: Thierry Gasco
A consistent top-performer in the Champagne Masters, whether it’s Pommery’s flagship Cuvée Louise or its best-selling Non-Vintage, called Brut Royal, this is probably the most underrated house in this list.
Key to the quality of the Brut Royal specifically is the relatively high proportion of reserve wine, and long lees-ageing times, along with the blending know-how of experienced cellar master Thierry Gasco, who has looked after Pommery’s winemaking for over 23 years.
More generally, the Champagne benefits from access to the best grapes from the brand owner’s 259 hectares of vineyards – Pommery is owned by the Vranken-Pommery Group – supplemented by contracts with growers across 1,800ha in the appellation.
In terms of style, the Brut Royal is a fresh and precise Champagne, but far from green or too lean. Flavours include white bread, a touch of honey and nuts, along with a slighty sharp lemon lift on the finish, and a chalky taste and sensation. It is bright and balanced, not rich and creamy.
Champagne Masters 2017 medal: Gold