Champagne Piollot Pere & Fils
Roland Piollot is a serious winemaker who is just as serious about the quality of the soil in which his vines grow. He assiduously attends to his long mounds of organic compost (see photo below) that he prepares with care for application to his vineyard. The vineyard is being converted to biodynamic practices therefore no chemicals are used, no chemical fertilisers are used and no herbicides are used.
His vineyard is a special place with sweeping views across the valley in which his home village of Polisot nestles. Here ducks swim contentedly in the tranquil upper reaches of the Seine River and vegetable gardens line its banks. It is an idyllic location. The nearest major town is the ancient city of Troyes.
Champagne Piollot Cote des Bar Cuvee de Reserve Brut NV
When we first tasted this elegant Champagne we remarked on its beautiful light golden colour, the citrus aromas and the silky freshness on the palate and very good length. The base wine is made from 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 10% of Pinot Meunier providing additional richness. Further complexity is gained from using base wine from three different vintages to make the champagne. This is an ideal aperitif!
750 ml......RRP: $54
375ml.......RRP: $36
1500ml.....RRP: $94
Champagne Piollot Cote des Bar Cuvee de Reserve Demi-Sec NV
This Champagne still has the same beautiful light golden colour, the citrus aromas and the silky freshness on the palate and very good length of the Brut version but this has been fermented to a semi-sweet state. The base wine is made from 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 10% of Pinot Meunier providing additional richness. Further complexity is gained from using base wine from three different vintages to make the champagne. This can be drunk as an aperitif or with desserts.
750 ml......RRP: $56
Champagne Piollot Cote des Bar Cuvee Rose Brut NV
In the Cote des Bar region of Champagne it is common for rose-style wines to be made using extended maceration of the Pinot Noir grape. The grapes (only Pinot Noir is used) are first crushed by foot and the grapes then macerate for up to five days before pressing to extract the juice which, by this time, has developed cherry, strawberry and raspberry overtones. This wine has an appealing intensity and a lingering freshness. It is a Champagne of true elegance.
750 ml......RRP: $57
Champagne Piollot Cote des Bar Rose Robert Piollot NV
In the Cote des Bar region of Champagne it is common for rose-style wines to be made using extended maceration of the Pinot Noir grape. The grapes are first crushed by foot and they are allowed to macerate for up to five days before pressing to extract the juice which, by this time, has developed cherry and raspberry overtones. The difference between this cuvee and the standard rose is that this one has spent some time in oak casks to gain added complexity.
750 ml......RRP: $63
Champagne Piollot Cote des Bar Cuvee Millesime 2006
The vintage cuvees are only produced in exceptional years and 2006 was an exceptional year in the region of Champagne. When Roland makes a vintage cuvee he predominantly uses Chardonnay or exclusively uses Chardonnay. In 2006 some Pinot Noir was added so it is not labelled as a Blanc de Blanc.
This is a delightful Champagne with lots of character or a "strong personality" as one commentator said. They also said Millesime 2006 is "un vrai bonheur" which means a 'real treat'. In the glass it has a pale golden colour and a fine bead. The taste is quite complex with dried figs, plums and quinces showing through a delightful yeastiness.
750 ml......RRP: $64