As we launch the new vintage of our Brut Reserve sparkling, Laura Rhys – Master Sommelier and Gusbourne’s Head of Wine Communication – tells us what makes this wine special, how it stacks up against Champagne and how to enjoy it best.
We use the three classic Champagne grapes to craft our Brut Reserve blend – should people expect it to taste like Champagne?
Yes, there are lots of similarities between our Brut Reserve and vintage Champagne. Brut Reserve is made with the same grapes as Champagne – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. We also use the same production method; the second fermentation happens in bottle and Brut Reserve enjoys extended lees ageing. So, there are definitely plenty of similarities with Champagne, but there are some differences too. Brut Reserve will have lots of the more tertiary, toasted brioche notes from the time ageing on lees, plus elegant, soft orchard and stone fruit notes, but it is likely to be a little brighter, with more vibrant fruit notes and fresher acidity too.
Are there any differences in how we make Brut Reserve versus how Champagne is made?
The methods are very similar indeed. There are some areas where we aren’t restricted by rules or traditions which benefit us, for example, we can load our presses faster by using forklifts (which minimises the time the fruit spends in the winery between harvest and press). We can also be quite innovative in our decision-making because we’re not following very strict rules, or traditions dating back generations.
Are there any specific vintage characteristics from 2021 that influenced its style or quality?
The 2021 growing season was a bit chilly. The base wines were super fresh and elegant at blending and the resulting wines have lots of really bright, zesty fruit notes and quite a pronounced mineral character. The wines aren’t the soft, plush wines of 2018 or 2020, but they will develop over time into really beautiful, elegant examples of our wines.
It was a tricky vintage, but that often makes the most interesting wines.
As a blend of varietals and Sussex/Kent, would we still say it's representative of our terroir? Or for this wine are we trying to achieve something that goes beyond that typicity – a house style?
I think Brut Reserve is certainly representative of our terroir. It showcases the best of what each grape can bring to a blend – with the backbone and drive coming from Chardonnay, a little softer, more rounded fruit notes from Pinot Noir and a delicate softness from Pinot Meunier. And it brings a little of each vineyard site too, with some of the richer elements from Kent and some of the brighter, fresher notes from grapes grown in Sussex.
I think that each of our cuvées demonstrates our house style – something a little richer and more generous, even in those cooler vintages where the acidity might be a little more prevalent. What we’re always aiming for the Brut Reserve is a wine that’s really easy to enjoy and that really demonstrates the style of fruit from our vineyards.
How do you foresee this wine ageing over time, and what would be an ideal drinking window for it?
At the moment, at the point of release, Brut Reserve 2021 still feels very vibrant and fruit forward, but as it continues to age under cork, and perhaps in someone’s wine cupboard, it will begin to show more complexity, more orchard fruit notes and hints of spice, buttered brioche and toasted nuts. Stored correctly, this wine should age well for at least five years and possibly up to 10 years.
When would you bring this wine out to enjoy? With food or by itself?
Both! I think it’s a really delicious wine with lots of elegant fruit notes that make it perfect as an aperitif, or with some simple canapes, or even a bowl of olives and some simply salted crisps. It will match beautifully with food too. I’d recommend playing around with fish dishes – perhaps something with a citrus/buttery element and nothing too rich, fresh seafood, or a creamy risotto.
How does this vintage compare to Brut Reserve 2020?
The 2021 Brut Reserve feels fresher than 2020. The vintage was cooler and so all of that really ripe, rounded, plush fruit we found in 2020 – as a warmer vintage - has been replaced by something a little fresher and more delicate, perhaps with more orchard fruit and citrus notes but still with the toasted, bready notes too. The fruit is really bright though, with lots of green apple, pear and mandarin notes.
What’s your personal favourite way to enjoy Brut Reserve 2021?
At this time of year, as the nights draw in, I’d light the fire, invite some friends round and enjoy it with some cheese gougères in the living room before dinner. Delicious.
