Imagine being cradled in a wicker chair on a languid afternoon, the golden rays of the sun dancing on a champagne flute resting nonchalantly on the table. Within the vessel, an effervescent ambrosia bubbles, the embodiment of a cherished narrative shaped by nature and a collaboration between virtuosos. The champagne of our story today is Louis Roederer Brut Nature Blanc 2015, an enchanting illustration of terroir, authenticity, and uninhibited creativity.
The tale of the House of Louis Roederer, an establishment with a storied history dating back to 1833, is one of relentless ambition to perfect the art of wine growing across generations. The Brut Nature is a triumphant embodiment of this ambition, a testament to Roederer’s audacity to experiment beyond conventional norms and venture into the realm of untamed, natural expressions of champagne.
The ripe, continental 2015 vintage gave us wines with magnificent concentration, incredible depth and an interesting vegetal, sappy character.
Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master
The narrative of the Brut Nature Blanc 2015 unfurls in the picturesque slopes of Cumières, under the warmth of an exceptionally sunny year. It is a narrative penned not by one, but three visionaries: Louis Roederer’s CEO, Frédéric Rouzaud; his cellar master, Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon; and, adding an unexpected flourish to our tale, renowned French designer, Philippe Starck.
THE EXPRESSION
OF THE CUMIÉRES TERROIR
Cumières clay hillside, turned towards the sun and basking in its light, is a hallowed enclave, whose grapes always possess a remarkable fragrance and richness. These black soils, on the banks of the Marne river, have long been known to produce generous, opulent and intensely fragrant grapes. In warmer years the grapes obtain incredible ripeness and a higher vibration which gives us this lovely contrast between fruity intensity and salinity.
This terroir is composed of the three “Chèvres” plots which are situated on a small hillock on the outskirts of the village of Cumières. They were formerly used as grazing land and have a variety of different exposures. “Les Pierreuses” is the highest, most pebbly, south-facing section of the hillside, whilst “Les Chèvres” lies further down near the road, faces southeast and has a higher clay content. Lastly “Les Clos” is a small, southwest facing mound with the highest clay content of them all.
Starck, an artist celebrated worldwide for his innovative designs, from iconic interiors to everyday objects, met Rouzaud and Lécaillon in what one could describe as serendipity. This meeting of the minds sparked a lively discourse, a sharing of dreams and ambitions, culminating in the first Brut Nature in 2006. Their conversations, marked by free-thinking and friendship, continued to inspire subsequent vintages in 2009 and 2012, culminating in our star of the moment, the 2015 vintage.
The Brut Nature Blanc 2015 captures the essence of the ‘dreamed-for, perfect champagne’. A champagne that thrives on the freshness of the clay soils, mirroring the sun’s generosity and the unswerving spirit of exploration coursing through the Champagne House of Louis Roederer.
A keen observer of the House’s ideology and practices, Starck masterfully echoed the House’s winemaking philosophy in his bottle design for the Brut Nature. The minimalist aesthetics, paired with a label bearing a few essential lines of text, truly embodies the vision of a champagne ‘stripped bare’, enhancing the identity of this unique vintage.
Crafted under the mastery of Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the Brut Nature 2015 Blanc is an intricate blend of 46% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir, and 17% Meunier. It draws its grapes from Roederer’s vineyards, harvested at optimal ripeness. The wine was then fermented entirely in large oak foudres, enhancing its complexity and depth, further refined by five years of ageing in the House’s chalky cellars.
As I now allow myself the pleasure of this collaborative genius in a glass, I invite you to join me on this sensory journey.
Sight The Brut Nature Blanc 2015 greets the eye with an enchanting golden colour, alive with vibrant effervescence. The persistent dance of its fine bubbles creates a captivating visual spectacle.
Smell A swirl of the flute liberates a tantalising bouquet. Fresh orchard fruits, quince, apple, and hints of citrus greet the nose, underscored by notes of fresh brioche and an intricate chalky minerality, a testament to the complexity that awaits on the palate.
Taste The Brut Nature Blanc presents a symphony of taste on the palate. The wine unfurls in layers; first, the ripe, succulent fruit notes command attention, gradually conceding to the elegance and acidity of the Chardonnay. It is a harmonious juxtaposition between the vinous richness of the champagne and the saline crispness that results in a fresh, pure finish.
Touch The wine’s texture surprises and delights. Despite its zero-dosage nature, it exhibits an unexpected roundness, a creamy mouthfeel that is balanced by a backbone of lively acidity and mineral tension. The finish is lingering, echoing its chalky origins.
Food Pairing The Brut Nature Blanc 2015’s structured body and expressive fruitiness invite a range of culinary partnerships. Think raw fish or seafood such as oysters, sashimi, or tartare. A creamy roasted poultry dish will beautifully complement the wine’s mineral freshness and vivacious acidity. For the vegetarians, a high-quality mature cheese or a truffle risotto would provide a delightful counterbalance to the wine’s depth and vibrancy.
Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Nature Blanc 2015, a product of a symbiotic alliance between passionate individuals and an unspoilt terroir, is more than just a champagne. It is an audacious exploration into the heart of a terroir, a dialogue between the grape, the soil, the sun, and the spirit of a House unafraid to reimagine the art of Champagne. Every sip is a testament to this fearlessly independent spirit, a love letter to nature’s untouched expression. So, the next time you pour yourself a glass, take a moment to appreciate the narrative within. It’s a tale as enchanting as the taste it offers.
