Baron-Fuenté "Esprit" Brut Nature Champagne

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.

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.

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 of the K&L Champagne program.

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.

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!

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.

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