Who makes it?

Penfolds Champagne is a further expansion of the Penfold brand. One to be a giant brand with wines from across the world while it still holds fast to its Australian foundation wines. I guess everyone is doing it, so why not Penfolds?

On tasting this wine, I suspect it is a direct competitor to Moet et Chandon Imperial Brut. And looking at the blend and dosage, it would seem to certainly be keeping the Imperial in sight. It does offer up a mouthful of plenty. In saying that though, it also could be said to have an Australian style to it in the ripeness and fullness of body and the complexity.

How do they make it?

To produce this Champagne, the Penfolds’ winemakers have teamed up with Champagne Thienot. Thienot have sourced the grapes from across Champagne. Pinot Noir dominates, with Pinot Meunier coming in a close second with around 20% Chardonnay to lighten the blend.

As this is a non-vintage Champagne, there are also previous vintages blended into the wine to create their house style and add complexity.

Being a Champagne, the wine of course is made using traditional method. Which means that the second ferment happens in the bottle. After the yeast that has been added to the bottle to produce and capture the bubbles, the wine rests on these ‘lees’. In this case, the wine rests on the dead yeast cells in the bottle for at least 15 months. This is the minimum time required for a non-vintage Champagne.

For more information about dead yeast cells, please read 'What are lees?'

What does it taste like?

Penfolds Champagne Cuvee Brut is certainly a mouthful of fruit, spice and nuts. It is ripe, rich and lush. The fruit is reminiscent of baked apple, almond and cinnamon pastries. However there is more to it than that. Here you will also find a fresh citrus line to pull it all together. It has a richly creamy texture as well as a rich creamy aroma and flavour. 

It is fuller bodied, fleshy fruited with a spicy, very nutty length. The acid is as fresh as it is refreshing.  

What to drink it with?

Penfolds Champagne has enough power and richness to be able to enjoy with more than just appetisers. Although, appetisers will be a lovely match. Roast poultry and pork would work here. Turkey, ham, chicken will match the nuttiness and fleshy character.

Cheese

Enjoy with a bloomy cheese, even one with a washed rind.

Quickie review « This is a well made, rather rich Champagne.  »

Country of Origin:    Champagne, France
Tasting Date:   October 2024
Price:  UK £42 | AU$79 | US$ ++
Drink: now – 3 years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Penfolds Champagne and other sparkling wines, why not check out:
Australian sparkling wines - House of Arras style!
Australian Sparkling Shiraz and why you should be drinking them.

Visit Penfolds for more.