Deutz Brut Classic NV

- Equal blend of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from Grand and Premier Crus only. - Distinctive elegant style. Clean and fresh with honey and apple flavours. - Perfect as an aperitif, with seafoods or with white meats. The most "classical" of the range, Deutz Brut Classic is anything but ordinary. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are blended in equal and unchanging proportions, ensuring a perfect harmony. The golden colour reveals a fine stream of bubbles rising gracefully to the surface. Very expressive, the cuvée reveals soft floral notes supported by aromas of toast, marzipan and ripe fruit. Its silky texture bears witness to a fine balance between the freshness of Chardonnay, the fruitiness of Pinot Noir and the touch of vinosity of Pinot Meunier.   Technical Details Equal blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Vinified in stainless steel vats. 2.5 years on lees and around 8g/L dosage so definitely a Brut style.   About the House Founded in 1838 by wine merchants William Deutz and Pierre Hubert Geldermann, Champagne Deutz is situated in one of Champagne's greatest villages, Aÿ. Today, Deutz is represented by Jean-Marc Lallier, the House's export director and a sixth generation descendent of founder William Deutz. In 1993, after many years of financial struggles, owners of Louis Roederer invested in Champagne Deutz, providing the House much needed financial stability. Since 1996 Deutz has been managed by former Louis Roederer executive Fabrice Rosset. Rosset has worked autonomously and indepently of the parent company, with the two have completely different styles and characteristics. The House predominately work with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varietals, with only 5% of their fruit being Pinot Meunier. They work off 216 hectares of vines, however they only own 42. The rest of the grapes used in their champagne is supplied from growers whom they have longstanding relationships with. Since Rosset joined Deutz in 1996 he has grown production from a mere 570,000 bottles a year to over 2.5 million. Under Rosset's leadership Deutz ranks among the top six Champagne Houses in terms of quality. Food Pairing Perfect as an aperitif or with seafood or white meats.   Critic Reviews Brut Classic is the barometer of Deutz, representing 80% of the volume of production, and the house gives it first priority. Even in the wake of steady growth, it remains as pure and true as ever, with a consistency built on a generous 45% of young reserves (more than the usual 20–40%). Consequently, this release steps beyond the classic realm of Deutz of quintessential, refreshing apéritif, presenting a full, fleshy and rich style. The red apple signature of the label remains the hallmark, verging on baked apple, fleshy plum and rich layers of spice, even fruit mince spice. Pinot upholds a confident lead, fleshy and fuller than ever, with chardonnay cutting in on the finish to bring tension and acid drive. The complexity of bottle age makes it ready to drink right away, rich in nuances of nougat, brioche and honey. It finishes full and long, with well-integrated dosage, gentle bite and soft chalk minerality finding seamless balance. There is presence and flesh here, more than expected in the vivacious and subtle style that defines the signature of Deutz, yet no less confident for it. 92 Points Tyson Stelzer