.JPG)
In the search for all things fizzy, I waltzed over to the Gardet stand at the London Wine Fair to be informed that they had just won a "Decanter. Gold. Medal" for their Brut NV. In this case the speech marks were for the excitement this information was conveyed with!
Situated in Chigny Les Roses just up the road from hip-hop favourites Cattier and their Ace of Spades, Gardet is a small house in the village which was initially started up in the nineteenth century in Epernay. It was Georges Gardet who moved the business into Chigny Les Roses in the 1930's.
.JPG)
Brut NV
Well I know why this won a medal. This is a little belter of a champagne, a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Pinot Meunier and 10% Chardonnay this has all the richness one would imagine but the added raciness of some fresh acidity and citrus characteristics. Indulgent baked apple, brioche, vanilla this was delicious on a hot and sunny day but this would be a great winter champagne as the weightiness on the palate is exactly what is required in front of a roaring fire. Superb!
Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru
An equal proportion of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier this has around 5 to 6 years ageing before release. Again that richness and complexity is apparent from the first sip. Brioche, toast, crunchy brulee topping, vanilla, concentrated candied peel, quince and stone fruits are balanced out with that racy acidity adding zip at the vital moment. The mousse is creamy and rich with a finish that lingers and lingers. Delicious.
Charles Gardet 2002
aka the birthday champagne that was schlepped across the globe to share with my Aussie friends. I tried this beauty when I went to visit them in Champagne as they didn't have it on the Decanter stand but it was well worth the visit. A 50/50 split between Chardonnay & Pinot Noir this wine sees no malolactic fermentation and had at least 8 years ageing before they released it. This is just scrumptious, the richness that seems to run through the different wines of the house is there and hints of honey and nougat blend seamlessly with ripe stone fruits, candied peel and a nutty characteristic. As delicious as it is there is still room to grow as one would expect from a top quality 2002 but it I just couldn't resist drinking it now, fabulous and a pleasure to share with friends.
