Alfred Gratien Blanc de Blancs 2017
Alfred Gratien crafts their Blanc de Blancs exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Cote des Blancs, with the 2017 vintage sourced primarily from Avize and Cramant. Traditionally vinified in old oak barrels without malolactic fermentation, their Champagnes are typically taut at release, showcasing excellent structure and marked acidity with restrained aromatics. However, the 2017 Blanc de Blancs stands out for its surprising expressiveness, offering floral, lemon, and patisserie notes. It is an absolute delight to enjoy now.
The vintage
The 2017 is a vintage with cooler weather and some rain producing wines that are not big and concetrated but often show a delightful aromatic profile now. It is going up in the rating scale. Gratien certainly does not only have a delightful aromatic surface but substance and depth.
Further potential
The Alfred Gratien Blanc de Blancs 2017 is unlikely to close down much but may enter phase with less aromatic intensity in a year or two before gradually developing nutty, toasty notes. Known for their exceptional longevity, Alfred Gratien vintage Champagnes can age for decades. The 2017 Blanc de Blancs is expected to reach its peak in about five years and remain at its best for another decade with proper storage.
Richard Juhlin champagneclub.com 90(91)Alfred Gratien's wines usually take a really long time to mature with their deliberately maintained hard malic acid. Here the wine feels very voluptuous and generously pleasant already. The mature character of the vintage is hard to resist and notes of crème brûlée, vanilla and toast dominate together with pastry both in the nose and in the mouth.
