Veuve Fourny Grande Reserve Premier Cru

The real excitement in Champagne is from the small artisan producers in Cotes des Blanc. Charles and Emmanuel Fourny from Vertus are at the forefront of that excitement. They produce fabulous Cuvees of ridiculously good quality. This is beautiful Champagne from salt of the earth, hard working people and as good as it gets for the special moments.

The Soils are brown topsoil over chalk. The fruit comes from several plots near the village of Vertus. Chardonnay plots are quite fine and minerally, whilst the Pinot Noir component fuller, richer and more fleshy. Slopes face South and South-East giving optimal maturing conditions. Average age of the vines is 40 years.

Hand-picked. Fine but complex and funky aromas typical of Vertus. Quite chalky and creamy with some biscuit like characters from the Pinot Noir. 40% Reserve wines from previous vintages added. Traditional ‘house’ style. On tirage for 2 ½ years. Dosage is 6 grams / litre.

“This welcome new arrival is imported by De Bortoli. The style is chardonnay driven but very complex, with some aldehydes in a nutty, appley bouquet of great depth and complexity. It’s nervy, taut and refined in the mouth with lip smacking tang.”-  95 Points; Huon Hooke

Bloody terrific fizz these Fournys. My first experience of them and wow, this is what it’s all about. Grande Reserve is a blend of 80% chardonnay and 20% pinot noir/pinot meunier. 30-40% reserve wine from previous two vintages. In the overall landscape – even in such competitive Champagne times – I’d reckon $65 is very good value for what’s in the bottle here. “ – 94 Points Campbell Mattinson