Bertrand Delespierre

Bertrand Delespierre

I've tasted 3 champagnes from Bertrand Delespierre -- and this house in the Montagne de Reims convinced me with its clear Pinot Noir signature. You can feel the power and spice that characterizes this region, wrapped in champagnes that remain elegant despite their intensity.

Terroir and Location

The Montagne de Reims is the Pinot Noir heart of Champagne. The south-facing slopes catch the sun and deliver fully ripe grapes with substance and character. The soils of chalk and clay give the wines structure and a spicy minerality that's typical of this region. Delespierre uses this terroir to make champagnes that are unmistakably from the Montagne.

Philosophy and Style

At Delespierre, Pinot Noir takes center stage. Even the Rosé and the Blanc de Noirs show the power and spice of this grape variety. The style is clear: structured, powerful, but never clumsy. The dosage stays low, giving the champagnes beautiful tension. This isn't about making crowd-pleasers, but about character.

The Range

Three cuvées that show different facets of Pinot Noir: a powerful Extra Brut, a Blanc de Noirs as a vintage champagne, and a lively Rosé. A thoughtful trio that perfectly represents the strengths of the Montagne de Reims.

The Cuvées in Detail

Enfant de la Montagne Extra Brut

The name says it all -- this child of the Montagne is through and through Pinot Noir. Golden reflections in the glass, dark berries, nuts, and brioche on the nose. Powerful and elegant on the palate with a long, spicy finish. The Extra Brut dosage lets the Pinot Noir speak unfiltered. A champagne that shines with hearty food -- lamb chops, duck breast, or steak tartare.

Compared to the Blanc de Noirs, the Enfant de la Montagne is the more approachable champagne. It has the same Pinot Noir power, but a warmer, more inviting character.

Type: Extra Brut | Grape varieties: Pinot Noir

Autour de la Creusette 2018

A powerful Blanc de Noirs that shows what the 2018 vintage has to offer in the Montagne de Reims. Red fruits and a hint of spice on the nose, lively bubbles on the palate. The minimal dosage of just 1 g/l emphasizes the elegance of this single-variety Pinot Noir. For a vintage champagne, it has surprisingly good drinkability -- you can taste the maturity and solid craftsmanship.

My tip: Ideal as a companion to an autumn dinner with game or mushroom dishes. The champagne's spice harmonizes perfectly with earthy aromas.

Type: Blanc de Noirs | Vintage: 2018 | Grape varieties: Pinot Noir

Enfant de la Montagne Rosé

A lively Rosé that combines freshness and elegance with seductive fruitiness. Apple, cherry, and red fruits on the nose, balanced and charming on the palate. Despite its fruity character, this isn't a sweet summer wine -- the structure from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay holds everything together. A Rosé you can enjoy in winter too.

Compared to many Rosé champagnes, the Enfant de la Montagne Rosé has more substance and less gimmickry. This is about flavor, not color.

Type: Rosé | Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

What Makes Delespierre Special?

The consistent focus on Pinot Noir with a precision you don't always find among small growers. All three cuvées have a common DNA -- powerful, spicy, structured -- while showing different facets of this grape variety. Anyone who loves Pinot Noir champagne should have Delespierre on their radar.

My tip: Try the Enfant de la Montagne Extra Brut as an introduction -- it best captures the essence of the house.

Other Posts

My Tastings

Conclusion