Founded in 1584, Gosset is one of the oldest Champagne houses and is still run by descendants. Their wines are presented in antique bottles and they avoid malolactic fermentation, preserving their natural freshness. The Champagne house’s reputation for quality starts in the vineyard, with grapes sourced almost entirely from premier cru and grand cru villages that rate at least 95 percent on the prestigious “échelle des crus.” Their flagship cuvée is called Celebris.
The Bottle
Founded in 1584, Gosset is the oldest Champagne house and remains one of the world’s preeminent producers. Today, Champagne Gosset is owned by the Cointreau family and focuses on quality rather than quantity. Their reputation for excellence starts in the vineyard, where they source grapes almost exclusively from premier cru and grand cru vineyards. They also avoid malolactic fermentation and rely on extended lees aging to expose the terroir and produce dynamic, age-worthy cuvees.
The NV Grande Reserve Brut is the signature flagship cuvee and a great example of their richness and Pinot texture. It is 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier from the villages of Ay, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Villers-Marmery and doused with 8 g/L of dosage. It is lifted with tropical fruit, orange blossom and hints of toast from bottle aging. The wine is medium to full in body and a real pleasure to drink now. This is a classic Champagne from this historic producer.
The Label
Gosset is an artisanal Champagne house producing just 1 million bottles a year. While most Champagne houses produce 70 million+ a year, Gosset is a true family owned house that continues to use traditional methods including manual riddling and disgorgement and long lees aging. The house works with over 200 growers across around 70 different villages in Champagne. The team carefully selects the best fruit from each harvest and vinifies it in small lots, preserving delicate aromatics. They avoid malolactic fermentation, a common practice in Champagne, to retain the piquant acidity of the grapes and terroir.
This rare cuvee is a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Meunier from the Grand Cru vineyards of Avize, Les Mesnil-sur-Oger, Ambonnay, and Verzy. With a brut dosage of 8 grams per liter, this vintage Champagne is aged for over 5 years and offers aromas of hawthorne, acacia, and ripe pears. The palate is creamy with a touch of salinity and summer orchard fruit.
The Cuvée
The term cuvee is a French word for a special blend or a specific wine, and it’s often used to refer to a higher-priced version of the same wine. At Champagne Gosset, the concept of cuvee is a big part of their philosophy. Founded in 1584, Gosset is arguably the oldest wine house in Champagne. Originally, the house made still red wines before discovering that they could make sparkling wine as well. Navigating the realm of champagne gosset price provides a glimpse into the intricate world of fine champagne and the value it holds.
Cellar Master Odilon de Varine joined the team just nine months ago after the passing of Jean-Pierre Mareigner, and he’s a no-nonsense winemaker. He takes a lot of pride in their work and prefers to spend time on the vineyards, barrels and other tools of the trade over front-of-house marketing. Gosset doesn’t bottle their nonvintage wines until they are aged for four years, while the vintage wines are left on the lees for up to eight. They also avoid malolactic fermentation which allows their wines to maintain their freshness longer.
The Region
Gosset is a Champagne house with a strong reputation, but its wines are still affordable. They offer complex white and yellow fruit flavors, a crisp acidity and a tangy freshness that pairs well with seafood or light meat dishes. They are sourced from premier cru and grand cru vineyards and have an average rating of 95 percent on the échelle des crus, or ladder of growths.
Founded in 1584, Gosset is the oldest Champagne House in Ay, France. It began producing still red wines, but in the mid-18th century they made the transition to sparkling wine. Today, the house’s wines are a favorite among Champagne connoisseurs and wine traders. The prestigious Champagne house produces nonvintage and vintage Champagnes in both brut and extra brute styles. Their wines are aged for long periods, far longer than the legal minimums (12 months for nonvintage and three years for vintage). This lends a refined minerality to their wines, a signature that stands out in this impressive 2013 base release.
Conclusion:
In the world of luxury beverages, understanding the pricing of Champagne Gosset is essential for making informed choices that align with your preferences and budget. As you explore the factors that contribute to its cost, from the meticulous production methods to the heritage of the house, you’ll find a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking to elevate everyday moments, grasping the nuances of Champagne Gosset’s pricing enriches the experience of indulging in this esteemed champagne.
FAQs:
Why does Champagne Gosset have a higher price compared to other champagnes?
The higher price of Champagne Gosset can be attributed to several factors. The house’s commitment to using traditional methods, including hand riddling and oak barrel aging, requires more time and labor, elevating production costs. Furthermore, the extended aging period contributes to the development of complex flavors, making it a premium choice. The legacy and reputation of the Gosset brand also contribute to its value, as it is recognized for its historical significance and consistent quality.
Are there different tiers of Champagne Gosset with varying price ranges?
Yes, Champagne Gosset offers a range of champagnes with different price points to cater to various preferences and occasions. The Champagne Gosset Grande Réserve, for example, is an excellent entry point into their offerings, offering a balance between quality and affordability. On the other hand, their prestige cuvées, like the Celebris line, command a higher price due to their exceptional quality and limited production. Exploring these tiers allows you to find the perfect match for your preferences and budget.
