Alfred Gratien : Collection Memory 1997

The complexity and elegance of a fine and powerful champagne

The estate

Alfred Gratien founded this eponymous house in 1864. Located in Épernay, at the heart of the Champagne wine region, the Alfred Gratien House has advocated for a rigorous selection of grapes and vinification in barrels as well as volume control to preserve the terroir’s original character and to exude all of the freshness of the wines.

Alfred Gratien Champagne is produced from a know-how which has been passed down from father to son for multiple generations and which contributes to the unique style of the house’s cuvées.

The vineyard

The Alfred Gratien Champagne House overlooks 1.56 hectares of vines situated on two exceptional Premiers and Grands Cru terroirs in the Champagne region: the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The house completes its supplies by acquiring grapes from over sixty long-standing and loyal winegrowers who have worked with the house for generations.

The wine

A tribute to the fine years in the Champagne region, the Collection Memory offers the opportunity to discover the greatest vintages of the Alfred Gratien house. Stored among the Alfred Gratien wine collection located in the house’s cellars, these rare bottles are aged for more than 20 years before seeing the light of day. Testifying to a treasured know-how and comprising exclusively vintage champagnes, the bottles in the Collection Memory express the finesse and generosity of Alfred Gratien's style.

The vintage

With a blend dominated by the Chardonnay varietal, the 1997 vintage by Alfred Gratien is characterised by its elegance, its finesse and its great ageing potential.

The blend

Chardonnay (66%), Pinot Noir (24%), Pinot Meunier (10%).

The tasting

Colour

Collection Memory 1997 Alfred Gratien has a beautiful light gold colour, with a smooth mousse and fine, persistent bubbles.

Nose

Expressive, the aromatic bouquet reveals a great finesse. The expression of the Chardonnay variety is showcased by fruity and mineral notes. Gradually, the nose reveals beautiful tertiary aromas while retaining a pleasant freshness, thus testifying to a promising ageing potential.

Palate

On the palate, the 1997 Alfred Gratien Collection Memory seduces with its power and structure, conferred by the vinification process in wood. When fully matured, this complex Champagne wine has a long finish.

Food and wine pairing

The complexity and power of this 1997 vintage will allow this champagne to be served as an aperitif or during a meal.