Name: Baron Albert L'Universelle Brut
Varietal: 65% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Noir
Country: France - Champagne
Style: Sparkling Wine - Dry (750ml)
Alcohol: 12%
Baron Sister’s World
Baron Albert is a little-known Champagne house outside of France, but it is a hidden gem among the connoisseurs. Operating in the small town Charly-sur-Marne, it sits at the western border of Champagne territory, at only 50 miles from Paris, Baron Albert is the literal gateway to Champagne.
Like many Champagne houses, Baron Albert is a multi-generational operation that has been handed down from parent to offspring. It was founded by Albert and his wife Beatrice in 1947, it then passed down to their sons Gilbert, Gervais and Claude who developed the house into a large-scale 55 hectares vineyards, the house has now been passed onto the third generation Claire, Lise and Aline, the three daughters of Claude. The heiresses broke away from the so-called masculine tradition by turning the vineyards to Pinot Meunier dominant, the vineyard is now composed of 65% pinot meunier, 30% chardonnay and 5% pinot noir.
Respect the people and environment
Champagne Baron Albert believes in the preservation of its heritage and wants to bequeath to future generations a healthy Earth, the Baron Sisters’ are proud to be pioneers in integrated viticulture. In April 2016, the House has been amongst the first estates to obtain the Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne and High Environmental Value (HEV) certifications, a certification attest that the practices of the House aim at the preservation of soils, water, air and biodiversity (fauna and flora).
These environment-friendly practices are applied to the whole Baron Albert vineyard, they work the vines in the most natural way, with mechanical work of the soil realized with tractors or with the help of a horse. The harvest is done by hand, and lasts about 12 days during which the grape-pickers select the grape directly in the vineyard ensuring that only the best grapes arrive whole and intact in the wine press, it is then vinified differently according to what it will become, the wine is then age with lees in the bottle for around 48 months. Prior to the disgorging, the dosage liquors, elaborated by Aline and Lise, are tested on each Cuvee, a rigorous follow-up of wine-making with frequent tastings, from the press to the blend.
Wine Enthusiast - 89 points
This bright elegant Champagne is from a family firm now run by three sisters. With its balance between acidity and ripe apple flavors, it is poised between bone dry and a richer Brut style. The wine is fruity although with a crisp mineral aftertaste. Drink now.
DECANTER MAGAZINE March 2018 - 91 points
A Champagne this delicious at this price is an extremely rare find. It’s an easy-drink style, with 7 g/L dosage, made mainly from Pinot Meunier. Light and zesty green apple and fresh citrus intensity with tension and a persistent mousse.
Gault & Millau Champagne Guide 2018 - 13.5/20
DECANTER World Wine Awards 2018 - 85 points
ELLE A TABLE Wine Competition 2018 - Silver medal
UN VIN PRESQUE PARFAIT Guide 2017 - Selected
