THE PENGUIN ON TOUR: CHAMPAGNE - PART TWO - GOSSET

Gosset is a mid-sized house that occupies a premium position in the marketplace thanks its high
quality and smartly packaged Grande Réserve and Grande Rosé. Recent years have witnessed major change at Gosset, the most significant change being the move from Äy to new headquarters and state of the art production facilities in the heart of Epernay.

In market contrast to Bollinger, Gosset’s former neighbour in Äy, all Gosset wines are fermented in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation is blocked for all wines save for the relatively commercial, entry level Brut Excellence. As a result, Gosset’s wines do tend to develop very well in bottle.

There is a common theme of elegance, finesse and harmony across the Gosset range. As the Grande Millésime 2004 and Cuvée Celebris 2002 demonstrate, they have genuine ageing ability and deserve to be ranked among Champagne’s upper echelon.

On evidence of this visit, Gosset is a house on the move (quite literally dare I say!). A combination of slick new packaging and smart new facilities puts it in a good position to take advantage of emerging markets.

NV GOSSET GRANDE BLANC DE BLANCS
Producer: Gosset
Variety: Champagne/Sparkling Wine (100% Chardonnay)
Vintage: Non-vintage
Region: Champagne, France
ABV: 12.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 30 May 2014

Tasting Note:
Blend of fruit from the Côte de Blancs and Montagne de Reims. 3 years on lees.
Very fine. Steely, citrusy, green apple. Delicate, taut and racy. Featherweight in texture.
Score: 17/20

NV GOSSET GRANDE RÉSERVE
Producer: Gosset
Variety: Champagne/Sparkling Wine (Pinot Noir 42%, Chardonnay 43%, Pinot Meunier 15%)
Vintage: Non-vintage
Region: Champagne, France
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 30 May 2014

Tasting Note:
Blend of 20 different villages, all of which are Premier and Grand Cru. 4 years on lees.
Rich round and elegant with genuine depth and volume. Excellent length.
Score: 16.5/20

2004 GOSSET GRANDE MILLÉSIME
Producer: Gosset
Variety: Champagne/Sparkling Wine (Pinot Noir 45%, Chardonnay 55%)
Vintage: 2004
Region: Champagne, France
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 30 May 2014

Tasting Note:
9 years on lees.
Rich and round, crème patissiere. Evolving, but not there yet. Honey and acacia. Drinking well now and should develop further.
Score: 17.5/20

NV GOSSET GRANDE ROSÉ
Producer: Gosset
Variety: Champagne/Sparkling Wine (Pinot Noir 34%, Chardonnay 66%)
Vintage: Non-vintage
Region: Champagne, France
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 30 May 2014

Tasting Note:
Gosset’s rosé is always a Chardonnay-dominant blend rather than saignée, the aim being to produce a wine that is pale in colour and consistent from on bottling to another. At 12% of sales, it is a key player in the portfolio.
Pale onion skin – gentle pinkish hue. Delicate bouquet of strawberry, spring flowers. Very delicate, elegant and fine.
Score: 17/20

2002 GOSSET CUVEÉ CELEBRIS
Producer: Gosset
Variety: Champagne/Sparkling Wine (Pinot Noir 48%, Chardonnay 52%)
Vintage: Non-vintage
Region: Champagne, France
ABV: 12.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: N/a
Date tasted: 30 May 2014
Tasting Note:
Serious nose of spice, ground coffee/mocha, yellow fruits, spiced apple. Quite superb, with its best years ahead of it.
Score: 18/20