Champagne, Deutz Brut Classic
About Producer
Champagne Deutz was founded in 1838 at Aÿ by William Deutz and Pierre Geldermann, originally from Aachen, at a time when many German immigrants from the Rhineland established Champagne houses. In 1993 it was acquired by the Rouzaud family, owners of Louis Roederer, who quickly rolled out major modernisation investments. The Deutz brand we know today owes much to former CEO Fabrice Rosset, who retired end of 2022, and Chef de Cave Michel Davesne who, over the past two decades, have revitalised the house with a range of spectacular cuvées.
Varietals
Blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier.
About Appellation
One of the first mentions of vines in the region was made by Saint Remigius, the Bishop of Reims who baptised the King of the Franks Clovis I in 496, who listed in his testament a vineyard in the suburb of Reims. Much has been written about the key roles of Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), a Benedictine monk at Hautvilliers Abbey, and Frère Jean Oudart (1654-1742), from Saint-Pierre-aux-Monts Abbey in Pierry, in the development of Champagne as we know today. In 1690, 'Champagne Wines' were first mentioned to designate sparkling wines of the region, and it was also the first time in France that a wine was identified as produce from a specific region. Today, the vineyards covers 34,300ha in four sub-regions, Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bar. Within the three first sub-regions, there are 17 Grand Cru communes. While the main grape varieties are pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, four other varietals are also used in some blends, arbane, petit meslier, pinot blanc and pinot gris (known locally as fromenteau).
Tasting Notes
Aromatic nose of ripe orchard fruits, warm pastry, smoky minerals and white flowers, round mouthfeel with silky texture, fine structure and good focus, oodles of flavours of vineyard peach, pear, apple, marzipan, toasted bread, faint hints of ginger and liquorice, fine bubbles and fresh acidity leading onto a long, racy finish. This entry level of the Deutz range is a delightful champagne brimming with cheerful energy while showing commendable purity and finesse. It’s fruity, rich and generous, yet nothing is off-kilter, and I particularly love the quiet harmony that glides throughout the palate to add a pleasurable sensation to the aftertaste. Though not having the complexity and depth of its premium cuvée siblings, Deutz Brut Classic is a very enjoyable thirst-quenching casual bubbly indeed. Sometimes, you just need a simple, moreish bubbly to enjoy the day! (08/2024)