The Wine Animal Verdict: This Champagne is a creature of profound depth and intriguing duality, like a mythical chimera with both bright and dark facets. The "Autolyse" designation speaks to extended aging on lees, imbuing it with a captivating complexity. The "BdB & Noirs" hints at a blend that marries the elegance of Chardonnay with the structure of Pinot Noir, creating a Champagne of compelling character.
What's in the Cage: Le Brun de Neuville is a respected Champagne house in the Côte de Sézanne, known for its focus on Chardonnay. The "Autolyse" range represents their top tier, aged for a significant period on lees (the spent yeast cells) after the secondary fermentation. This extended contact contributes rich, complex aromas and a creamy texture. The "BdB & Noirs" indicates a blend of both white (Blanc de Blancs - likely a significant portion of Chardonnay, given the house style) and black grapes (Pinot Noir), offering a broader spectrum of aromas and flavors than a pure Blanc de Blancs or Blanc de Noirs. The exact proportions and aging times can vary between releases, but the emphasis is always on depth and complexity derived from autolysis.
Tasting Notes (based on general knowledge of the producer and the style):
On the prowl, the nose is complex and layered:
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Toasty and Brioche Notes: Expect pronounced aromas of toasted bread, brioche, and perhaps biscuit, a hallmark of extended lees aging.
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Bright Citrus Fruits: Notes of lemon, grapefruit, and maybe a touch of Meyer lemon from the Chardonnay.
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Red Fruit Hints: Subtle undertones of red berries like raspberry or cranberry from the Pinot Noir.
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Nutty Complexity: Almond, hazelnut, or even a hint of marzipan can emerge with aeration.
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Mineral Undercurrent: A characteristic chalky minerality from the Côte de Sézanne terroir.
The palate is where this chimera reveals its balanced nature:
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Creamy and Fine Mousse: The bubbles will be delicate and persistent, contributing to a luxurious texture.
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Excellent Balance: A harmonious interplay of richness from the lees aging, bright acidity, and the structure provided by the Pinot Noir.
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Complex Flavors: The palate will echo the nose with layers of citrus, red fruit, toasty notes, and a distinct mineral edge.
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Long and Lingering Finish: The finish should be persistent and complex, leaving a satisfying impression of depth and elegance.
Who's it For: This is for the Champagne enthusiast who appreciates complexity, depth, and the influence of extended lees aging. If you enjoy Champagnes with more than just primary fruit notes and seek a wine with a savory, toasty character and a balanced structure, the Le Brun de Neuville Autolyse BdB & Noirs is a compelling choice.
Pairing Power: This Champagne's complexity and structure make it a fantastic food wine, pairing well with:
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Rich Seafood: Lobster, scallops, or prawns.
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Poultry Dishes: Roasted chicken or guinea fowl with creamy sauces.
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Mushrooms: Dishes featuring wild mushrooms or truffle.
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Nutty Cheeses: Aged Comté or Gruyère.
- Even some savory pastries or tarts.
The Bottom Line: The Champagne Le Brun de Neuville Autolyse BdB & Noirs is a sophisticated and intriguing Champagne that showcases the benefits of extended lees aging and a thoughtful blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It offers a compelling combination of richness, complexity, and a distinctive character that sets it apart. To uncork this bottle is to encounter a Champagne with both elegance and depth, a true reflection of the quality and dedication of Le Brun de Neuville.
