Champagne Cuillier L'Arbre Nature
Champagne Cuillier L'Arbre Nature is a dry, light-bodied sparkling from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier (Champagne, France), in the sparkling style. Acidity is very high; oak influence is some. Good with aperitif, fish and chips, duck, salmon. Drink now or within 5 years (to about 2031). No need to decant. Critic score 94/100 (merchant-reported). Cheapest offer £50.50 at 8wines UK.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne Pierre Paillard · Champagne | £50.72 | |||
| Champagne Nicolas Maillart Rose Premier Cru Champagne Nicolas Maillart · Champagne | £50.93 | |||
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| Champagne Billecart-Salmon Reserve Brut Champagne Billecart-Salmon · Champagne | £50.98 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Located in the Marne, northwest of Reims, the Maison de Champagne Cuillier was founded in the early 1900s and has been run by Patrick Cuillier since the 1970s, now supported by his son Vincent, the fourth generation of this family of Champagne winemakers. The estate covers approximately 6.5 hectares of vineyards planted mainly with Pinot Noir on soils consisting of heavy limestone and sand. L'Arbre Nature is a beautiful pure Pinot Meunier. The grapes are selected and hand-picked from the only parcel of Voyet located in the village of Pouillon. The vinification takes place in vats and barrels and the wine is then aged for 36 on the lees. Of course, being a natural champagne, there is no added dosage. The wine has a bright color with golden tones and fine bubbles. On the nose, it is complex and broad, deep and vinous with notes of pears and chamomile, dried flowers, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is round and rich, refreshing and well-balanced with a persistent and chalky finish. It is excellent as an aperitif but pairs perfectly with fried fish and vegetables or with roasted white meat.