Uncover the story behind Premiere – 2018 Alfred Gratien ‘Clos Le Village’. A stunning expression of terroir from a Premier Cru site. [ read the full champagne story ]
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Alfred Gratien ‘Clos Le Village’ 2018: A Masterclass in Meunier
Maison Alfred Gratien has long been the “silent aristocrat” of Épernay, a house where time-honored traditions—like first fermentation in small oak barrels—never went out of style. With the release of Clos Le Village 2018, the house has unveiled something truly singular: a 100% Pinot Meunier Blanc de Noirs from a historic “Clos” (walled vineyard) that serves as a profound invitation to discover the soul of this often-underrated grape.
The Terroir: A Hidden Jewel in Cumières
The fruit for this cuvée is sourced entirely from “Le Clos” in Cumières, a Premier Cru site in the Vallée de la Marne. This historic walled vineyard provides a protected microclimate that allowed the Pinot Meunier to reach a level of purity and power rarely seen in the region.
The Vintage: Solar Radiance
The 2018 season was one of the warmest on record, following traumatic frost years in 2016 and 2017. A record-breaking summer resulted in a harvest of incredible abundance and concentrated juice, where sugar levels and potential alcohol reached historic highs. Cellar Master Nicolas Jaeger harnessed this solar energy to create a wine that is both caressing and full-bodied.
The Technical Profile: Traditional Craftsmanship
As with all Alfred Gratien Champagnes, the “Clos Le Village” was crafted with a commitment to traditional methods:
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Meunier.
- Vinification: First fermentation in small oak casks (barrels), a hallmark of the house that adds textural depth without overwhelming the fruit with smoke or woodiness.
- Malolactic Fermentation: Absent. By avoiding “malo,” the wine retains a crisp, austere ryggrad of acidity that perfectly counterpoints the richness of the Meunier.
- Dosage: Discreetly integrated at 6 g/l (Brut), coating the palate and smoothing the balance.
- Ageing: A minimum of 6 years on the lees, resulting in a complex, creamy substance.
Gastronomic Pairing: The Sommelier’s Choice
This is a wine built for the table, ideally suited to silky-textured dishes that match its integrated creaminess:
- Noble Fish: Sole, turbot, or brill in butter or cream sauces.
- Meat: Poularde de Bresse, veal, or even “fat pork dishes” that benefit from the wine’s acidity.
- Cheese: Cooked cheeses or mild, soft varieties.
Clos Le Village 2018 stands as a landmark release for Alfred Gratien—a rare and “amazing” expression of Pinot Meunier that proves the variety is capable of reaching world-class status when treated with the devotion of a Grand Cru.
2018 Alfred Gratien ‘Clos Le Village‘
94(93)p
100pm
This is the first time that the famous little house in Epernay, steeped in tradition, has made a wine from a location, known as a lieux dits.
Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin
TASTING NOTE by Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin ‘In 2018, Nicolas Jaeger thought that the combination of their oak barrel vinification and the avoidance of malolactic fermentation and the enormous fruit ripening was so intense that it was time to present a soloist. At the harvest on August 20, the grapes were extremely sugary and ripe, but the acidity was also high and the balance was remarkable. The unique champagne is also beautifully presented in a wooden box carved with a map of the vineyard and with an informative and beautiful little mini-book where you can see what awaits you when you loosen the cork and halter of the precious grip. 2135 bottles from a unique walled south-facing vineyard location between the picturesque houses of Cumières planted in 1961 exclusively with Meunier. Nicolas Jaeger rightly believes that this is not just a great wine but an invitation to the fruity delicate world of the Meunier grape at its best. Intense golden color and soft creamy mousse. Subtle notes of almond, brioche, peach and caramel. The attack is lively, but the mid-palate and finish are embracingly silky and perfectly balanced between freshness and roundness. Vanilla, nougat and exotic fruits swirl together in a beautiful, lustful symphony with an aftertaste of mint chocolate and flinty minerality.’
