Michel Arnould "Réserve" Grand Cru Verzenay Brut Champagne

Staff Reviews

SB

Scott Beckerley

Scott Beckerley

This standard bearer of Champagne Michel Arnould is both high quality and a fine value. The Pinot Noir dominant blend is redolent with deep cherry fruit, toasted nuts and fine acidity. It could err on the side of big and bold but, it stops just short and offers up balance and interesting character. A great bubbly to drink on its own or to pair with fowl, pork or even lighter beef dishes.

RW

Ryan Woodhouse

Ryan Woodhouse

A super pretty, floral, pure and elegant Champagne. Aromas of spiced red berries, baked bread, and rose petal. On the palate it has lovely soft red fruit from the wines 75% Pinot Noir composition. Great drive and freshness on the palate. A lovely expression of this special village (Verzenay). Clean, crisp and quaffable. Great party Champagne. A serious value at just over $30. Crushes most of the "big house" guys on quality at a considerably lower price point.

Notes

If you have enjoyed the wines of Lallement, Bollinger, and Krug in the past, I think you will very much enjoy Michel Arnould. They are bold, masculine Champagnes with plenty of toasty flavor. This is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, entirely from estate vineyards in the Grand Cru of Verzenay. This is a great party Champagne, since it is full of flavor yet refreshing and moreish. The hazelnut Pinot character, so unique to the village of Verzenay, is pronounced in this wine, and many good tasters have mistaken it for barrel fermentation (it is actually all stainless and enamel fermented) when presented the wine blind. The texture is full and the bead is refined. In short, this is a Champagne that you will be proud to serve to your guests, or perhaps not too proud to save for yourself! (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)