Andre Clouet’s Grande Reserve NV: The perfect drink for Christmas celebrations and gifting

Silly season just got a little more sophisticated with this choice of champagne!

This month’s Wine Window winner is Andre Clouet’s Grande Reserve NV, a drop that pops! Perfectly suited to the silly season, Andre Clouet’s Grande Reserve NV makes the ideal gift for Christmas, the best shared sparkling for Christmas lunch or dinner, and the only choice to uncork during the New Years countdown.

Here’s a look inside the bottle.

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The Wine

I’ve picked one from one of my favourite growers, Andre Clouet’s Grande Reserve NV. Made exclusively from Pinot Noir grown in Bouzy, one of the finest regions for Pinot Noir. This one has spent 36 months on lees, 30% reserve wine and made exclusively from Grand Cru fruit. 

The Why

It’s December already, and there’s no better time than the festive season to reach for a bottle of Champagne! You may have tried Champagne from the big Champagne Houses, but I think “Grower Champagne” is where it’s at! Grower Champagne simply means that the people who grow the grapes, make the wine. It is smaller in scale, often with more expressive and individual character. 

The Taste 

Expect aromas of lemon blossom, red berries with layers of white peach, fuji apple and delicate brioche. On the palate, its creamy texture, fine mousse and subtle chalky minerality balances perfectly with lively citrus acidity and notes of cracked nuts and sourdough toast. Serve it up alongside fresh oysters, smoked salmon or with the main – I suggest a succulent roast chook with all the trimmings!

The Take Home

Available at independent wine stores – Winepress Wine, Union Cellars and Corks Crew Cellar, Torquay. 

RRP $99

Shop the bottle here

Reviewed by Nick Veanes, Director of Winepress Wines