Armance B. from Frédéric Brochet
After a lengthy excursion into Italy for the 4th edition of the European Wine Bloggers' Conference, it is time to return to this blog's roots – so it is back to the Loire.
Armance B. is a sparkling wine, made by the méthode traditionnelle (ie bottles fermented). This is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Folle Blanche (Gros Plant in the Pays Nantais). It spends a minimum of 17 months on its lees. It sells for 7€ at the domaine and will be between 8€-12€ in a caviste. Armance has a soft, commercial style and would be a good option for a wedding or other celebration where the hosts want a decent sparkler that will please many without have to pay the price for Champagne.
For my taste the dosage on Armance B is too high and I prefer a sparkling wine with less sweetness but I can see its commercial attraction.
I don't know if we tasted the same year or blend, but the one I had last year when Frédéric came to Brussels was none too sweet, but rather lively and fresh, with a good acidity to counter-balance the dosage.
ReplyDeleteI received the sample about three weeks ago or so. I guess it is a question of personal taste. Also I tasted it in the Loire, while you were in Brussels.
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