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By: Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 11/2/2022 | Send Email
The Brut Nature from Baron-Fuente is a racy and delicious little acid-bomb of a Champagne that manages to not come across too austere or overly acidified. The extra time that the Champagne has spent on the lees has softened and complexified the palate into something special. The lack of dosage does mean that this is exceptionally crisp and cleansing on the palate, but there's a delicious and creamy core of toast and rich tropical notes to be found. This is the kind of Champagne that is easy to pair with and a joy in the glass.
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By: Dejah Overby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 9/28/2022 | Send Email
There is a distinctive pause in aromatics from this Baron-Fuente “Brut Nature.” The slight oxidative flor like yeastiness is excellently noticeable. But then the addition of sweet ginger, apple, orchard fruit and lemon zest come across pleasantly together with hints of nuttiness. Still finishes dry with little graceful bubbles on the palate this is a real star of a Champagne. Yummy and delicate and for the price, makes this a sensation to experience.
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By: Michael Benoit | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 5/8/2022 | Send Email
This zero-dosage version of Baron-Fuente's Esprit is bone-dry, but not austere. It undergoes at least 7 years of aging on the lees, just like the standard Brut Esprit does, leaving a gorgeous texture and wonderful chalky notes. The flavors of Pippin apple and pear are well-matched to the racy acidity which makes this champagne a great companion to the first hot days of the year.
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By: Alex Leonardini | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 5/6/2022 | Send Email
Consisting of equal thirds Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the 'Esprit' Brut Nature undergoes the same extensive seven years minimum lees aging as the standard 'Esprit' you've tried and loved, but this bottling sees 0 g/L dosage. The result is electrifying. Bight, fresh, and steely with persistent acidity and wonderful texture from it's considerable time on lees, the 'Esprit' Brut Nature is one of the best values in the shop for lovers of super dry, super fresh, super tasty Champagne.
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By: Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 5/4/2022 | Send Email
This undergoes the same arduous process as the Baron Fuente Esprit minus any dosage. 7 years on the lees provides unmatched integration and texture at this price-point, with plenty of bright pear and apple fruit, toast and herbs, with added crispness and zippiness. This is a great take on one of the true gems and customer favorites of the K&L Champagne program.
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By: Lilia McIntosh | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 5/3/2022 | Send Email
This Champagne shows very unique savory notes supported by bright mineral content and long rich citrus notes with touch of brioche. It's nutty and well balanced Champagne that would complement dishes like cheese soufflé.
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By: Giovanni Bueno | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 1/23/2021 | Send Email
Baron Fuente’s Brut Nature disputes the notion that zero-dosage added to the wines in Champagne yield terse, withholding and stoic results. The cold wine growing region, which shares a latitudinal line with the border between Canada and the USA has historically relied on the addition of sugar to its wines in the final stages to add palatability and eschew its reputation as the ultimate heartburn kindle. 6 years resting sur lie and wholesome additions of Chardonnay’s juicy, rich costars Meunier and Pinot Noir, help to lift this wine into the perfect pair for hearty seafood dishes or anything that would benefit from the zip of acid. On the nose it’s all sharp lemon peel, juicy pear, touch of grassy herby qualities with fine buttery cracker. The medium finish feels clean and brisk, with hints of tea and a honey dry varnish with a touch of gunpowder. The bubbles, unbuoyed by that dosage, are soft like angels wings and never fight your palate.
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By: Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 2/18/2020 | Send Email
Baron Fuente's Esprit Champagnes are amazing bargains and always stunners. The Brut Nature has zero dosage, so it's rather dry and austere, but there are richer characteristics because of the seven years spent aging on the lees. I pick up scents of lemon skins and apricot with just a little toasted almond. The palate is crisp with bright green apple, more citrus, and all around great acidity.
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By: Jennifer Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 2/15/2020 | Send Email
This "Esprit" from Baron-Fuente is one that hits the ground running in terms of brightness. Amazing acid allows this to be aged in the cellar for a couple years, or drink right away if desired. Easily pairs well with a meal or weekend celebration for all occasions. Enjoy chilled!
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By: Muriel Sarik | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 2/13/2020 | Send Email
The Baron Fuente Esprit is actually 2 champagnes. They make a Brut Nature and a Brut. The difference physically is the sugar level in the dosage. Nature is as dry as is possible in a champagne and can be austere with very high acid. This one has tropical fruit aromas with a peach like fruit flavor with the dry minerality stepping in at the finish. The Brut has more citrus in the nose and the palette fruit is a bit more forward. For those interested this is a good comparison of how dosage can change the characteristics of champagnes.
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By: Chris DePaoli | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 2/11/2020 | Send Email
The no-dosage version of a K&L benchmark, the brut nature is certainly a little racier than its full dosage partner, but has a great weight and zest to it that is perfect for shellfish or most other seafood. The Lemon meringue notes with a touch of brine and a killer mouthwatering finish also match the classic fried food pairing wonderfully as well
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