Description
“Grower” Champagnes are sparkling wines made in the Champagne region where the grower also produces the end wine. They are smaller than the Grand Marques Champagne houses such as Moët or Veuve Cliquot and I think offer real variety, sense of place and value.
Veuve Fourny is based in the small village of Vertus just a ten minute drive south of Epernay. This is a small sleepy village but well known for its exceptional grower Champagne houses including Veuve Fourny. The village is also known for making Champagnes that are predominantly Chardonnay due to the specific soil composition (soft chalk) and south to south east facing slopes.
Veuve Fourny owns 12 hectares (30 acres) of Premier Cru (Pinot Noir) and Grand Cru (Chardonnay) vineyards. The Champagne house is in its fifth generation of the family and they produce 8 different cuvées reflecting the vineyards of the Cote des Blancs. The Champagnes all have low dosage/zero dosage (dosage being the process of adding sugar to a champagne) with the Brut 1er Cru less than 6g and the Extra Brut less the 3g. They are able to keep the dosage so low, due to the old age of the vines and late date of harvesting.
Made up of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir is 15% red wine that has aged in oak barrels and 35% Blanc de Noir (the white juice of the Pinot Noir). 2013 base. The wine is a delicate pink colour with fine bubbles. On the nose raspberry fruit which comes through on the delicate palate it also has lovely soft berry fruit and makes as a lovely aperitif.