Jean Vesselle Champagne Brut Reserve Champagne, France (1.5L/Magnum)
Introduction:
The NV Jean Vesselle Champagne Brut Réserve is a characterful grower Champagne that highlights the power and refinement of pinot noir from Bouzy, one of Champagne’s most celebrated Grand Cru villages. Rich yet precise, this cuvée balances ripe fruit, structured depth, and classic Champagne freshness, offering both immediate appeal and serious gastronomic potential.
Terrior:
The fruit is sourced primarily from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, located on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Chalk-rich soils over limestone provide excellent drainage and impart a firm mineral backbone, while the village’s warmer exposure favors ripe, expressive pinot noir. The cool continental Champagne climate preserves acidity and aromatic clarity. Extended aging on the lees enhances texture and complexity while reinforcing the wine’s strong sense of place.
Tasting notes:
The Jean Vesselle Champagne Brut Reserve NV is expressive and layered, with aromas of baked apple, pear, and ripe citrus. Secondary notes of brioche, toasted hazelnut, almond, and subtle spice unfold with air, alongside a faint chalky minerality typical of Bouzy.
The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a creamy, vinous mouthfeel. Orchard fruit and citrus flavors are complemented by toasted bread, nutty lees character, and a touch of honey. Bright acidity keeps the richness in check, delivering balance, structure, and depth.
The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of apple, citrus zest, toast, and minerals.
Press:
93 points, Wine & Spirits Magazine:
"This tastes like fresh-crushed apples, complete with their red skins, the flavors enriched by notes of yellow cherries and Marcona almonds. Its rich fruit sweetness builds on the wine’s gentle texture, supple and rounded, emphasizing freshness."
"This tastes like fresh-crushed apples, complete with their red skins, the flavors enriched by notes of yellow cherries and Marcona almonds. Its rich fruit sweetness builds on the wine’s gentle texture, supple and rounded, emphasizing freshness."
90 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"Based on 80% pinot noir and the rest chardonnay, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut opens to wild strawberry, peach, and orange blossom aromas, and the palate is medium-bodied but rounded. With 11 grams per liter dosage, its dosage makes this approachable, and it can be served as an aperitif or all the way through a meal."
"Based on 80% pinot noir and the rest chardonnay, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut opens to wild strawberry, peach, and orange blossom aromas, and the palate is medium-bodied but rounded. With 11 grams per liter dosage, its dosage makes this approachable, and it can be served as an aperitif or all the way through a meal."
Overall Impression:
Bringing together its chalk-driven Bouzy terroir, luminous golden appearance, expressive orchard fruit and brioche aromatics, vinous and structured palate, and long, mineral-driven finish, NV Jean Vesselle Champagne Brut Réserve is a compelling, food-forward Champagne. It excels with poultry, mushrooms, and creamy dishes while remaining elegant enough for aperitif enjoyment.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, estate-farmed vineyards
Producer Name: Jean Vesselle
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Champagne AOC — Bouzy Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims
Grape Varietals: Predominantly Pinot Noir with Chardonnay
Vintage: Non-Vintage
Wine Style: Sparkling; Brut; medium- to full-bodied; Pinot Noir–driven
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional method; extended lees aging; partial reserve wines; restrained dosage
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Champagne bottle
Closure Style: Champagne cork with wire cage
Sources:
- Producer technical sheets and estate information from Jean Vesselle
- Champagne AOC and Bouzy Grand Cru viticultural references
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