Our sunset cruise was lit up by a rare harvest full moon and Jacquart’s most popular Mosaïque Brut label was flowing (forgive the pun). Leading the celebration was Jacquart’s creative oenologist Joëlle Weiss who gave us a sneak peek at the new prestige Alpha 2014 vintage. And we also tasted the house’s Signature Rosé.
Celebrating Jacquart Champagne's 60th on the Thames
Reims-based Champagne Jacquart was founded in 1964 when 30 or so artisan wine growers shared their talents to create a new world-class brand. It marked the inception of the Mosaïque concept - a mosaic of crus, terroirs and talents.
Since the outset, the house has always nurtured a very close bond with its vineyard sites and has constantly diversified. Drawing from over 1,800 growers, Jacquart is known for crafting fresh, and vibrant cuvées.
The present-day supplies span the entire Champagne region, stemming from a selection of 300 hectares under vine divided between more than 60 crus. This extensive variety of blocks ensures quality and consistency and its diversity has become Jacquart’s hallmark and the bedrock of the Mosaïque label.
“All of our labels express a joyful vision of champagne, revolving around the aromatic freshness of Chardonnay in its endless winemaking nuances. From the most ethereal and zesty to the most elegant, pastry-driven offerings, all of them share the same vibrancy, temperament and freshness through to the finish,” says Weiss.
The Mosaïque Brut (40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier) is matured for at least three years on the lees. It’s fresh and delicate with notes of white fruits pear and peach. Generous and creamy, there are also lemon zest hints on the finish.
The Signature Rosé is the fruitiest and the most gourmand cuvée in the Mosaïque collection. Weiss explains the rosé pairs well with sushi, crayfish and rack of lamb. It has a deep rose colour and combines both the punch of the Chardonnay and the strength of black grapes (33% Chardonnay, 44% Pinot Noir including 16% red wine, 23% Pinot Meunier).
Jacquart’s most prestigious cuvée, of course, is its Alpha brand. This is aged for a minimum of eight years on the lees. The Alpha 2014 will mark the fifth release after the years 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2012. It is set for release in December this year. Alpha is a great winner for Jacquart. A manager of a top London club on the birthday cruise enthused, “I can’t get enough of Alpha – I’m completely sold-out. Clients love the wine and spot the powerful impression of the Alpha name on a menu.” The delicious, fresh yet complex, Alpha cuvée 2014 is 53% Chardonnay and 47% Pinot Noir. The bottle handling and labelling is done individually by hand.
The party finale was the tasting of the special 60th anniversary cuvée specially devised by Weiss which, with only 1,000 bottles produced, is sadly not available to purchase. Its light and refreshing character epitomises Jacquart style of energy and finesse – no accident then that the company’s emblem is the La Renommée Pegasus, symbolising progress, conquest and freedom.
After 60 years successfully blending tradition with innovation, the young, unapologetically creative champagne house has reached maturity. But, without doubt, the Jacquart spirit remains avowedly modern. Bon anniversaire!
That Jacquart Champagne line-up in full
Enotria & Coe, which distributes Champagne Jacquart to the on-trade in the UK, is a commercial partner of The Buyer. To discover more about them click here.
The Great Wine Company also hasAlpha 2014 to but along with Alpha 2012, the Signature, and Mosaïque.
