Jacques Sonnette: Brut Réserve

Jacques Sonnette: Brut Réserve

The Cuvée

Jacques Sonnette is a Récoltant-Manipulant from Charly-sur-Marne, in the far west of Champagne in the Aisne département, HVE-certified and rooted in their own vineyard sites across multiple generations. The Brut Réserve is the cuvée for those slightly more special moments, aged on the lees for at least four years, from an assemblage with a Chardonnay focus.

Chardonnay sets the tone and provides freshness and openness, while Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir bring depth, warmth and some tension. Initially restrained in the glass, then ripe fruit, dried apricot, fine roasted aromas, bread crust and hazelnut. Round on the palate, with volume and a freshness in the finish that holds everything together. A classic Réserve in the best sense.

My Tastings

The Jacques Sonnette, Brut Réserve is one of those champagnes you can just open without overthinking it. It doesn't need to be the center of attention and offers exactly what you often want: balance, calm and substance.

Chardonnay clearly sets the tone here and provides freshness and openness. Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir bring depth, warmth and a bit of tension into play. Everything feels well integrated and balanced.

In the glass it shows itself as restrained at first, then ripe fruit appears, some dried apricot, fine roasted aromas, bread crust and hazelnut. Round on the palate, with volume, and a freshness in the finish that holds everything together. For me, a classic Réserve in the best sense: reliable, harmonious and just right for moments when the wine should accompany.

Details

Producer Jacques Sonnette
Cuvée Brut Réserve
Category Brut
Grape varieties 58% Chardonnay, 30% Meunier, 12% Pinot Noir
Terroir Charly-sur-Marne, Aisne
Aging min. 48 months sur lattes
Style Brut, Grower champagne (HVE)
Highlights Balance, dried apricot, roasted aromas, hazelnut
Pairs with Apéro, cheese

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