Pommery Cuvée Louise 2004

Avize, Cramant et Aÿ. Cuvée Louise originates in the vineyards of Avize, Cramant and Ay, three “Grands Crus” areas that are jewels in the crown of the Champagne region. The listed and sign-posted Cuvée Louise estates receive regular attention throughout the year. The Avize and Cramant Chardonnay grape and Ay Pinot Noir grape have particularly high sugar content. 200 dedicated pickers, most of them with years of experience, are able to assess the best grapes at a glance. Pressing is performed in a traditional square press close to the vineyards so that the grapes arrive with their properties intact.

To ensure that the juices are absolutely pure, for each marc of 4,000 kg only 1,800 litres of juice are selected instead of the authorised 2,550 litres. Pommery is the only champagne house to have such standards in place. Cuvée Louise is a vintage wine that reflects a single exceptional year. Cuvée Louise is only produced when the year’s harvest is worthy of this great wine. After blending which combines the purity and richness of aromas, the wine begins a period of 6 to 8 years of ageing in our constantly cool chalk cellars. Finally, a dosage is added. This dosage comprises Avize vintages to fully preserve the wine’s character. Pommery ensures that each bottle of Cuvée Louise is stored in a cellar for a further six months to restore the champagne’s natural balance.

It presents itself to the eye with a nice colour and a rare elegance, where the yellow has some subtle greeny touches peeping through, providing it with a wonderful appearance of youth. The effervescence is deployed in a universe of bubbles with an extreme fineness, which linger on the surface before they disappear.

On the nose it releases a quantity of unsuspected fragrances, where everything is well ordered and harmonious. It is rich, generous and silky, allowing for some notes of biscuits, resulting from the effect of the yeasts. It is extended by spicy touches, embellished by floral notes but also fresh fruit with white flesh, like greengage.

The mouth is only the infinite extension of everything the nose was able to reveal. Vividness remains whilst being blended with nice flavours of hazelnut butter, yeasts and almond paste. The final has a length which is close to the infinite, highlighting its the fineness, purity.

The Finer Details
Style - Champagne 
Varietal - Chardonnay 40%, Pinot Noir 30% Pinot Munier, 30%
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2004
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%